Applications open for Norfolk’s first dentistry training spots
Students can apply for the University of East Anglia's new programme
Students keen on pursuing a career in dentistry can now apply for new undergraduate training places at the University of East Anglia (UEA).
This move is part of efforts to address the dentist shortage across Norfolk and East Anglia.
The East of England has some of the lowest levels of access to NHS dental services in the country, with recruitment and retention of dentists a longstanding challenge.
UEA has been allocated 25 government-funded spots every year, with the first batch of students set to start in September 2027.
The new course aims to equip future dentists right in the heart of Norwich, hopefully encouraging them to stay locally once qualified.
According to Prof David Maguire, Vice-Chancellor of UEA, kicking off this programme is a big step for both UEA and the region.“By training dentists locally, we aim to support communities where access to care has been limited," he said.
Prof Lesley Dwyer, Chief Executive of Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group, said: “Our hospitals fully and wholeheartedly support the development of this new dental school in Norwich. The creation of new training places is good news for the communities we serve at a time when rising numbers are attending urgent and emergency care services with dental issues.
“The creation of this dental school benefits the people of Norfolk and will complement the high-quality teaching and education programmes being delivered by the university and our hospitals.”