University of Portsmouth receive hundreds of applications for dentistry
It's estimated nationally that around 9,000 to 10,000 applicants will compete for just under 1,000 undergraduate places
The University of Portsmouth's saying they receive hundreds of applications for limited dental spaces.
It's estimated nationally that around 9,000 to 10,000 applicants will compete for just under 1,000 undergraduate places.
Sarah Barber's the lead for dental surgery at University of Portsmouth - she's telling us she hopes new places at a dental school will help.
She said: "Here in Portsmouth and in the wider South-East area of the UK, it's known as a dental desert.
"We've got fewer than 100 NHS dentists for a population of over 200,000 here in Portsmouth.
"That means it's about one dentist for every 2,265 residents."
For places in Portsmouth, Ms Barber's telling us they offer three courses each with 40 places available, and receive in the region of 500 to 1000 applications for these.
She's telling us about the new dental school.
"We're very excited about the fact that we're going to be putting dental training for the whole of the dental team in a region that's never had it before.
"That's fantastic because we're hoping to attract local students from the region who then might be more likely to stay and work locally, boosting the workforce here in the South-East.
"But actually, throughout the undergraduate course, those students will be providing dental services to the local population, too."