Aims: The purpose of the study was to identify a number of equivalent objectives and learning outcomes and compare the dental hygienist programmes in Cardiff, Wales and in Malmö, Sweden. Materials and methods: Objectives and learning outcomes for the two educational programmes were studied and compared. A number of objectives were selected and a questionnaire based on Visual Analogue Scales was designed. The questions focused on the students’ perception as to what extent the course allowed them to achieve the required theoretical and practical knowledge according to the objectives and on how they judged their competence to perform the designated skills. The questionnaire consisted of 17 questions and was completed by both groups in the last semester of their training; 14 students in Malmö and 12 in Cardiff. The study also included a 2-week visit to Cardiff University by two students from Malmö, and a teacher from Cardiff visited Malmö. Results: Many of the questions were answered similarly indicating that there were no major differences between the programmes. However, the Cardiff students felt more comfortable in performing fissure sealants with a mean competence score of 70 per cent in contrast to 32 per cent for the Malmö students. However, the Malmö students had a higher mean score within the field of oral radiology. Conclusion: The perceived differences within the fields of competence can be explained by the designated rules and regulations outlining the tasks a dental hygienist is supposed to master in each respective country. If one chooses to work in another country within the EU, there would appear to be a need for adjusting and ensuring equivalence. However with more cooperation between EU schools the difficulties could be minimized.