Community Dental Services CIC (CDS) has welcomed its first cohort of Outreach Dental Hygiene and Therapy students from the University of Sheffield as part of a new pilot placement scheme.
The initiative is designed to give students practical experience in community dentistry, allowing them to work outside the dental school in approved and supported clinical settings. Alongside developing their clinical skills, students gained insight into caring for patients with additional needs and understanding the distinct challenges of community-based dental services.
A key element of the placement was attendance at a general anaesthetic (GA) session at Derbyshire Children’s Hospital, where students observed both clinical procedures and the wider impact such treatment can have on patients and their families.
The 11-week assessed placement was hosted by CDS’s Derbyshire service and involved treating patients deemed suitable for student care under close supervision. During the placement, students carried out procedures including scaling and polishing, fluoride applications, fillings in adult and primary teeth, pre-formed metal crowns, and extractions of baby teeth. They also administered local anaesthetics, took X-rays, and took part in tutorials and case discussions.
Martyn Waddington, Associate Operations Director for CDS’s Derbyshire service, said the programme offered a valuable opportunity to showcase the role and rewards of community dentistry. He added that the placement also allowed CDS teams to share their expertise while supporting the next generation of dental professionals.
Following the success of the pilot, CDS and the University of Sheffield are preparing to welcome a second cohort of students, continuing their collaboration to support dental education and improve patient care within local communities.