The Barkantine Dental Outreach Clinic, a partnership between Queen Mary University and Barts NHS Trust, has reopened following a major refurbishment, aiming to expand dental services in East London.
Originally opened in 2008, the 13-chair clinic provides care to thousands of local residents while training Queen Mary’s dental and dental therapy students. With nearly 3,500 NHS dentist positions currently vacant in the UK and one in eight dentists nearing retirement within five years, the need for skilled new professionals is critical.
Located in the Isle of Dogs, an area facing significant dental shortages and health inequalities, the newly upgraded clinic now features state-of-the-art dental chairs and a modern radiography suite.
Queen Mary’s Institute of Dentistry, ranked number one in London and 15th globally, leads the initiative. The outreach clinic aligns with the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan for England and the North East London Integrated Care Board’s priorities to address entrenched health disparities.
Undergraduate students, drawn from London and overseas, provide care through a community-based outreach model. This approach increases access to primary dental services and addresses complex oral health needs. The Barkantine Clinic is one of five student-led community clinics in East London.
Jason Wong MBE, Chief Dental Officer for England, praised the facility, saying it “plays a vital role in expanding access to local communities while supporting the training of the next generation of the dental workforce.”
Professor Christopher Tredwin MBE, Dean of Dentistry at Queen Mary, added: “By bringing world-class dental education directly into the community, we remove barriers to care and ensure those who need it most can receive treatment free of charge, close to home. This refurbishment allows us to continue a meaningful and lasting outreach footprint in East London.”