The University of Portsmouth has received Dental Authority Status (DAS) as it prepares to open a new dental school, aiming to address a pressing shortage of dentists in the South-East of England.
Professor Chris Louca, Director of Dentistry, said the initiative supports the government’s recent expansion of dental education in the UK. “The government has announced an increase of 50 dental student places each year, starting in September 2027,” he explained.
The university’s five-year programme is designed to train dentists ready to join the National Health Service. Students will benefit from state-of-the-art simulation and clinical facilities, gaining hands-on experience while treating patients under expert supervision.
“Our facilities enable students to train to the highest standards and develop essential practical skills,” Louca added.
Graduates will be prepared for contemporary dental practice, helping to provide high-quality care to communities in Portsmouth and the wider South-East region.