Dental Hygiene and Prevention Management, Bachelor of Science

Who is the Bachelor's Degree in Dental Hygiene and Prevention Management Suitable For?

The dual Bachelor's degree in Dental Hygiene and Prevention Management at CBS University of Applied Sciences is aimed at dental professionals who want to take their career to the next level. The target group primarily consists of dental assistants (ZFA) or dental prophylaxis assistants (ZMP) who have already completed training and are working in practice. The programme appeals to those interested in specialising, taking on more responsibility within the practice, and aspiring to future leadership roles in the field of prevention and dental hygiene. It is also suitable for individuals who wish to complement their professional profile with an academic degree and advanced skills in prevention management.

What are the Admission Requirements?

• Completed Training: Usually, a successfully completed training as a dental assistant (ZFA) or prophylaxis assistant (ZMP) is required.
• Employment: The dual study requires that you continue to work in your profession so that theory and practice can be linked.
• University Entrance Qualification: Typically, you need either the technical college entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife), the (technical) Abitur or a comparable, professionally acquired university entrance qualification. There is no numerus clausus (NC) and no waiting period at CBS.
• Individual Selection Procedure: Instead of fixed grade limits, admission is granted via an assessment interview focusing on your strengths, professional skills and potential.
• Credit for Previous Education: Previously completed training and relevant professional experience can be credited towards the degree, thus reducing the study period to four instead of six semesters.

The application phase is open year-round. Since the course is organised in a dual system, you should allow sufficient time for selecting a practical partner and organising your professional activity.

Personal Requirements and Skills

• Interest in Prevention and Dental Hygiene: You should have an interest in topics relating to oral health, prophylaxis and patient-centred work.
• Sense of Responsibility: As you will acquire skills in leadership, management and coaching during the degree, a willingness to take responsibility and self-initiative are advantageous.
• Self-organisation: The course requires a high level of self-management, as attendance phases, online learning modules and professional activity are combined.
• Willingness to Continue Education: The willingness to regularly update your knowledge and to be open to new scientific findings is central for the profession of dental hygienist.
• Analytical Thinking Ability: Analytical skills and the application of evidence-based methods are promoted during the course.
• Teamwork and Communication Skills: Dealing with patients and colleagues plays an important role in the later professional daily routine and is already strengthened during the course.

The dual Bachelor's degree is ideal for all those who specifically want to take on leadership tasks in the dental practice environment while continuing to work practically.

Study Content in Detail: What Will You Learn in the Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene and Prevention Management?

In the dual study programme Dental Hygiene and Prevention Management (B.Sc.) at CBS University of Applied Sciences, you will gain a solid academic qualification that combines theory and practice in dental prevention. The content is diverse, practice-oriented, and tailored to current challenges in dental medicine.

• Basics of Dentistry: Oral & human anatomy and physiology, dental fundamentals
• Clinical Focus Areas: Hard dental tissue defects, orthodontics, endodontics, periodontology and implantology, dental surgery, dental prosthetics
• Hygiene and Prophylaxis: Practice hygiene, prophylaxis, dental hygiene
• Prevention Management: Prevention management, communication in healthcare, patient coaching, evidence-based medicine, ethics in medical professions, geriatric dentistry, paediatric dentistry
• Practice-Oriented Modules: Emergency management & radiology, self-management in studies, practice reflections and clinical modules (e.g. biofilm management, periodontal therapy)
• Research and Methodological Competence: Research methods, development and implementation of further training concepts
• Interdisciplinarity: Interdisciplinary periodontology, special care (treatment of special patient groups)
• Bachelor’s Thesis: Scientific deepening and independent work on a research question from dental hygiene or prevention management

How Your Dual Study Programme Works

The programme is designed so that you can combine your professional practice as a dental assistant or dental prophylaxis assistant (ZFA/ZMP) with your studies. Your completed training and professional experience are recognised, reducing the study duration to 6 semesters (full-time equivalent), with completion generally possible after 4 semesters.

• Teaching Formats: Alternating live online lessons (usually every two weeks on Friday afternoons and Saturdays), digital self-study (Sundays) and one-week on-site phases per semester at the Cologne campus.
• Recognition of Prior Learning: Completed ZFA training and practical experience are credited with a flat rate of 60 ECTS. Practical work during studies is recognised with an additional 18 ECTS.
• Recommended Practical Hours: The recommended weekly working time in practice is around 30 hours.
• Start of Studies: Possible in the winter or summer semester.

Career Opportunities & Job Prospects After Graduation

With a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene and Prevention Management, diverse career paths in healthcare open up to you. The programme qualifies you for responsible positions and new fields of work.

• Leadership Roles: Taking on leadership positions in prophylaxis-oriented or periodontal therapy practices
• Practical Work: Prophylaxis assistant, dental hygienist, patient coaching
• Work in Education and Consulting: Specialist advisor for dental prevention, e.g. in schools and continuing education institutes
• Dental Industry: Consulting, product management or training coordination
• Research and Science: Participation in studies, development of new prevention and treatment concepts

The degree also opens up options for a master’s degree and further qualification with a focus on dental hygiene and prevention.

Study Location: Where Does the Programme Take Place?

The programme is offered predominantly digitally, providing you with a high degree of flexibility. On-site phases (usually one week per semester) take place at the Cologne campus of CBS University of Applied Sciences.

• Live Online Teaching: Flexible use across Germany
• On-Site Phases: CBS campus in Cologne

Costs and Financing: What Should You Budget For?

The tuition fees amount to €729 per month (or €4,374 per semester), totalling approximately €26,244 upon full completion. Usually, your employer covers the study costs as part of the dual model.

• Tuition Fees: €729 monthly or €4,374 per semester
• Total Costs: approx. €26,244
• Financing: In the dual study model, costs are usually covered by the practical partner (employer). Otherwise, additional funding may be available via BAföG, scholarships or other options.

Please check with your practice or employer about the specific cost arrangements.