A major milestone in improving access to NHS dentistry across our region has been reached, with applications now open for the first student places at the region’s new dental school at University of East Anglia.
The move marks a significant step forward in tackling longstanding challenges around access to NHS dental care across the East of England, where recruitment and retention of dentists has remained a persistent issue for many years.
The undergraduate training programme will be based at a new £3m dentistry centre within an extension of the Edith Cavell Building at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. The initiative is expected to help grow and retain the local dental workforce by training students within the region and encouraging more graduates to stay and work locally after qualifying.
Following years of collaborative work and campaigning across the health and education sectors, including support from local MPs and NHS partners, UEA has been allocated 25 government-funded undergraduate dental training places each year. The first cohort of students is expected to begin their studies in September 2027.
Ed Garratt OBE, Chief Executive of NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board, said: “This is a hugely positive moment for our region and reflects years of commitment, partnership working and determination from colleagues across commissioning, education and the wider NHS system.
“So many people have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help make this vision a reality, and it is fantastic to now see applications officially open for the first students. Investing in local training opportunities is vital to building a sustainable NHS dental workforce for the future and improving access to care for our communities.”