New dental centre planned at University of Suffolk to tackle staff shortages
It comes as many struggle to access NHS dental appointments
Last updated 8th Jul 2022
There are plans for a new centre at the University of Suffolk to train people to work in dentistry in Ipswich.
Uni bosses are teaming up with leaders in local healthcare on the project, to address a shortage in dental provision across the East of England.
Many are struggling to access NHS dental appointments in Suffolk, with a campaign group 'Toothless in Suffolk' set up to raise awareness about the issue.
The project has been a year and a half in the planning and will attempt to attract newly qualified dentists to work in the region, alongside undergraduate dental therapy and dental technicians.
A 'social enterprise' will also be formed to offer NHS dental treatment.
Professor Helen Langton, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Suffolk, said: “This plan will be a game changer in terms of future dental health provision in Suffolk and East Anglia.
"The University of Suffolk, in partnership with the Integrated Care Board, our region’s MPs and NHS dentists, is determined to provide workforce solutions to the present oral health crisis.”
“This will provide changes in the types of workforce and what the current workforce can do by offering a more modern training integrated with wider health care, hence we will offer a new model of dental care, a new model of organising care and a new model of workforce.”
Dr Ed Garratt, chief executive, NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, said: “This is an incredibly positive step forward."
“Improving dental workforce and provision is a priority for the new NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, which will take on dental commissioning responsibility from April 2023.
“We know that poor oral health adversely affects physical and mental health. It’s also so important our children get a good start in life with regular dental check-ups to help them develop strong and healthy teeth into adulthood."