The University of Lincoln is rallying the community to support a campaign aimed at establishing the first dental school in the region. According to a report by BBC Lincolnshire, access to NHS dental care has reached a critical point, with fewer than one in three people in some areas able to access necessary services. This issue is particularly acute in rural and coastal communities, where the barriers to dental care are the highest.
Fiona Ellwood, an associate professor of dental education at the university, highlighted the pressing need not only for dental services but also for a training facility in the area. "We know there is a great need in the area for dental services, but also for a training facility," she stated, emphasizing the dual benefit of addressing immediate dental care needs while also fostering local talent.
This campaign follows the recent opening of a dental institute at the university in March, which will offer a BSc in dental hygiene and therapy starting in September. By training students locally, the university aims to increase the number of dentists who choose to live and work in Lincolnshire. Currently, many families are forced to travel long distances for basic dental care, and children in the region are experiencing high levels of tooth decay compared to the national average.
Vice Chancellor Professor Neal Juster expressed the importance of training dentists where they are most needed. "Across Lincolnshire, we see the impact of limited access to NHS dentistry every day," he noted. The launch of the Lincolnshire Institute for Dental and Oral Health aims to bring together various partners to begin building the workforce our communities desperately need.
The Strong Roots campaign has garnered support from influential figures, including Dr. Jason Wong, the Chief Dental Officer for England, and local MPs across party lines. Dr. Wong remarked, "All the research suggests that having the training in the locations that need it most attracts people to those roles in that area." He believes that establishing a dental school in Lincolnshire could significantly change the landscape of dental care in the region.
As the campaign gains momentum, the University of Lincoln is inviting the community to get involved and voice their support. With the potential for a local dental school to transform access to dental care, the conversation around this initiative is sure to resonate with many residents.
As discussions surrounding the establishment of a dental school continue, what are your thoughts on the current state of dental care in Lincolnshire?