Gloucester to get New Dental School and NHS Treatment Hub in 2027
A new dental school and NHS treatment hub is scheduled to open in Gloucester in 2027. This initiative aims to address the mounting pressure to expand the dental workforce and improve patient access to dental care.
The University of Gloucestershire and NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) have agreed to provide £3m in funding for the Three Counties Dental School, which will be situated within the university’s City Campus. Construction is set to commence this month.
Addressing Workforce Pressures and Enhancing Patient Access
The establishment of this facility is a direct response to a deepening workforce shortage within the dental profession across the UK. In 2023, over 10,000 applicants competed for only 940 dentistry places in UK dental schools, highlighting a critical shortfall and growing regional disparities in access to care, with the south west being among the most affected areas.
The Three Counties Dental School will initially launch a dental hygiene programme, specifically targeting the recognised regional shortage of dental professionals. From spring 2027, six treatment rooms will deliver NHS community dental services. These will encompass extended evening and weekend urgent care appointments for eligible patients, in addition to routine care.
Christina Worle, dental strategy clinical lead at NHS Gloucestershire ICB, emphasised the focus on “making prevention a priority and helping people with the greatest need to access NHS appointments and maintain good oral health.” The contract also includes provisions for targeted oral health promotion and supported access for vulnerable populations.
元記事：Dental school in Gloucester: new training hub to open in 2027