The University of Portsmouth Dental Academy has unveiled upgraded training facilities at a launch event on 1 December after a five million pound redevelopment.
The Dental Academy trains dental nurses, hygienists and therapists for GDC registration as dental professionals. It offers dental care to the public, largely delivered by students.
New facilities include training equipment such as phantom heads and virtual and mixed reality simulators. Additionally, new digital dentistry equipment and upgraded patient clinics.
The academy’s director, Chris Louca, said: ‘There is an emphasis on practical teaching within the Dental Academy and these developments and new equipment will ensure our students are trained in modern facilities offering enhanced teaching, resulting in improved oral healthcare for all our patients.’
The launch event demonstrated the new facilities and the research that the academy is conducting. Research staff gave presentations on topics such as targeting oral health disparities, the oral microbiome and transitioning from analogue to digital dentistry.
Increased training places
In June, the government pledged to increase the number of dental training places by 40%. This would result in more than 500 places for dental therapists and hygienists by 2031. The NHS’ funding of the updated Dental Academy aims to assist in fulfilling this commitment.
Ruth Monger represented NHS England at the launch event. She said: ‘Our investment represents a commitment to growing and developing our dental workforce. The university is an important partner for NHSE England to deliver the Long-Term Workforce Plan.
‘This cutting-edge learning environment will equip current and future dental practitioners with the skills and competence required for delivering high quality dental services.’
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