Newly-expanded clinical dental teaching facilities will be used to train BDS students and overseas dentists looking to qualify in the UK.
A new unit has been added to the University of Lancashire’s School of Medicine and Dentistry, increasing the number of clinical teaching bays to 24.
As well as additional dental chairs for training in both general and specialist dentistry, students will have access to newly-installed digital workflow for prosthodontics. This includes six wireless intraoral scanners and laboratory-standard 3D printers.
Dr Claudia Cunningham, head of dentistry at the University of Lancashire, said: ‘Our expanded dental facilities in Preston now support clinical training for a further 16 students. These students will provide care to staff, fellow students, and the wider Lancashire population. In addition, by opening a new clinical unit in Preston, we’re also encourage graduates to build their careers in the north west.’
The development was financed through funding from the Office for Students (OfS).
Professor St John Crean, pro vice-chancellor for research and enterprise, said: ‘Since opening in 2008, the University of Lancashire’s School of Medicine and Dentisty has been on a journey fuelled by an ambition to achieve the highest academic reputation.
‘This OfS funding is evidence of our success and our continued efforts to train health care professionals across the spectrum in response to the needs of the region’s healthcare economy.’
How will the facilities benefit overseas-qualified dentists?
Students using the new facilities will include those on the bachelor of dental surgery international (BDSi) route, which prepares overseas-qualified dentists for registration in the UK. Approved by the General Dental Council (GDC), this route to UK registration trains students on the standards and procedures of UK dentistry in addition to testing their competency.
Until recently, all BDSi clinical placements were based in Falmouth through the University of Lancashire’s partnership with Mydentist. Students will now be able to complete their clinical training at the School of Medicine and Dentistry in Preston.
Dr Cunningham said: ‘The model with Mydentist has proven highly successful, but we’re excited to take the next step in widening our impact.’
In July, GDC statistics revealed that the number of dentists applying to take the overseas registration exam (ORE) increased by 53% in 2024. Overall, 628 ORE applications were received last year, up from 2,366 in 2023.
A total of 354 dentists joined the register via the ORE in 2024, representing 16.4% of all newly-registered dentists. This was significantly higher than the 9.3% of all UK-registered dentists who qualified via the exam.
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