A new £5 million Dental clinic has opened in Plymouth, aiming to ease pressure on local NHS services by providing up to 12,000 urgent and follow-up appointments annually.
The Dental Education Practice is operated by the University of Plymouth and will treat patients who do not currently have access to an NHS dentist. Students from the university’s Peninsula Dental School will work alongside qualified specialists to deliver care.
Jason Wong MBE, chief dental officer for England, described the opening as a “really positive step for Plymouth”.
The clinic is run by Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise, a subsidiary of the University of Plymouth, which has signed a 20-year lease on Plymouth City Council’s former First Stop Shop building in New George Street.
Access to NHS dental care remains a challenge nationwide. The 2024 GP Patient Survey found that around one in four people in England who tried to see an NHS dentist in the previous two years were unable to secure an appointment.
Magda Farrant, among the first patients treated after the clinic opened on Monday, welcomed the new service. She said routine twice-yearly NHS check-ups are now rare and described the city-centre facility as “amazing”. She also praised the students and said she was pleased to support their training.
Ellie Orum, a newly qualified dentist undertaking foundation training at the practice, said the clinic offers strong professional support. Originally from Plymouth, she said the presence of specialists ensures help is always available and provides an ideal environment to build confidence and skills.
Councillor Mary Aspinall, Plymouth City Council’s cabinet member for health and adult social care, called the clinic a “huge step in the right direction”. She said the city-centre location will give trainee dentists valuable hands-on experience and could encourage more graduates to join the NHS.
The centre is partly funded by the NHS. While treatment from student dentists is free, patients may need to pay for certain procedures depending on the care required.