Royal seal of approval for Ipswich's answer to the NHS dental crisis

Why it matters: The £4.7 million dental facility combines NHS treatment with training future dental professionals, directly addressing the shortage of dental provision in Suffolk and North East Essex.

The big picture: The development in the University's James Hehir Building includes teaching labs for the BSc Dental Hygiene and Therapy course and dedicated space for the Dental Community Interest Company (CIC) to perform NHS treatments.

By the numbers:

• The Dental CIC began treating patients in spring 2024

• The BSc programme welcomed its first cohort in February 2024

• A further 25 students joined in September 2024

• The course receives over 20 applicants per place

• Students conduct more than 200 placement hours per year

What they're saying: Professor Jenny Higham, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Suffolk, said: "It was a real honour to welcome HRH the Duke of Gloucester to our new Centre for Dental Development, to see first-hand the impact these facilities are making.

"These impressive new facilities are enabling some of those in most urgent need of NHS dental treatment to access vital oral healthcare. We are equally proud of our role in training the dental professionals who will serve our community in the years to come."

The impact: Dr Ed Garratt OBE, Chief Executive of NHS Suffolk and North Essex Integrated Care Board, said: "The University of Suffolk Dental CIC plays a key role in our strategy to improve NHS dental provision for local people and to end the so-called 'dental desert'."

What's next: The Dental CIC, approaching its first anniversary, will continue to offer NHS dental services to the local community.

For context: The facility was commissioned by Suffolk and North Essex Integrated Care Board, and was "Highly Commended" for the Excellence in Primary Care and Community Care Award at the NHS Parliamentary Awards.

The bottom line: The University's response to dental challenges in the region has already improved access to NHS treatment and contributed to its recognition as Community University of the Year by The Mail University Guide in September 2024.