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Peninsula opens doors to first NHS dental patients
30th Apr 2009
Dental students at the Peninsulas Dental School in Plymouth have seen their first NHS patients this week.
And the verdict is the facility 'excellent, fantastic and just what the area needs'.
The new facility has 40 dental chairs arranged in five bays of eight, plus three single chair bays for special treatments.
It also includes a laboratory where students will learn clinical skills for procedures such as casting models, adjusting dentures and making mouth guards, seminar rooms and an IT suite.
A range of dental care is available free of charge from dental students under the supervision of a qualified dental tutor.
Treatments and services include:
• Dental check-ups, oral examination and diagnosis including X-rays
• Advice for preventing tooth decay and gum disease including tooth brushing and oral hygiene instruction, dietary advice and the application of sealants that protect the surfaces of teeth
• Assessment and treatment of gum disease
• Fillings and extractions
The Dental Education Clinic is primarily an NHS training clinic for dental students.
Where certain types of treatment cannot be carried out at the facility, patients are given advice about where the treatment can be provided. These subsequent treatments will be subject to the usual NHS or private sector charges.
James Short, director of primary care for NHS Plymouth said: ‘We're delighted that this new facility is now successfully treating patients. NHS Plymouth has worked with the Peninsula Dental School on the building and development of this fantastic facility. This has been an excellent partnership and one we've been pleased to be a part of.”
Initially, the Devonport Dental Education Clinic will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays during term time and will treat at least 128 patients each week.
The number of patients and frequency of clinics will increase from September as the Peninsula Dental School reaches full capacity over the four-year period of the dental course.
Professor Liz Kay, dean of the school, commented: 'This is a very exciting stage in the development of the Peninsula Dental School, which when we are at full capacity will treat 512 NHS patients a day in Exeter, Plymouth and Truro. We have received a number of visits from distinguished dental professionals who have all been impressed by the progress made by our students and their level of scientific understanding and skill.'
She added: 'NHS patients in Devonport can be assured that our students and qualified dental teaching staff will provide them with the highest quality dental service. The role of patients in the training of our students is vital and we are very grateful to those members of the public who have made a contribution. Their input helps us to train top quality dentists of tomorrow.'
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