Ice cream van tours Lincolnshire to support dental school campaign
University of Lincoln addresses dental care shortages with innovative tour
An ice cream van is touring Lincolnshire communities this month to advocate for the establishment of a dental school in the county.
Organised by the University of Lincoln, the Dental Desserts Tour aims to raise awareness about the area's status as a "dental desert" and engage locals in supporting the cause.
The initiative is part of the University's Strong Roots campaign, which includes distributing free toothpaste-inspired ice cream and encourages people to share their stories of struggling with dental care access.
Lincolnshire faces significant shortages in NHS dental services, with only one in four residents able to access care.
The shortage is having a pronounced impact on children's dental health, with 40% of five-year-olds in Boston showing signs of tooth decay compared to the national average of 27%.
Recent data reveals Lincolnshire ranks among the lowest in terms of NHS dentist provision, with as few as 32 dentists per 100,000 people.
The Dental Schools Council emphasised the importance of training dentists locally to improve oral healthcare long-term.
A new dental school in Lincoln, they argue, would greatly benefit patients in Lincolnshire, the East Midlands, and nearby rural and coastal areas.
The Government's recent announcement of investment in dental training across the country has been welcomed as a positive move towards addressing these gaps.
Renewed commitment from the Government is needed to ensure the East Midlands also benefits from such targeted investment, with the proposal for a Lincoln-based dental school continuing to gain political support.
The University, in its efforts to make the case for local dental training, will take the campaign to various communities before visiting Westminster.
From 15th June to 19th June, the ice cream van will visit Skegness, Sutton on Sea, Cleethorpes, Louth, and the Lincolnshire Show ahead of its journey to Westminster.
Professor Jamie Read, Dean of Lincoln Medical School, highlighted: “The Dental Desserts Tour is a light-hearted way of opening up a very serious conversation... A dental school in Lincolnshire would not only improve access to care now, it would help create a long-term pipeline of dental professionals for the future.”
MP Hamish Falconer supported the initiative, stating: “Lincoln is uniquely positioned to serve... with strong clinical networks and deep reach into rural and coastal communities.”
Campaign supporters, MPs, and stakeholders will convene at Westminster to call for improved dental access in underserved areas.