University of Portsmouth closer to opening first dental school in South-East
It's as the University is granted Dental Authority Status (DAS) by the government, to help tackle the region's critical dentist shortage
As more dentistry school places are announced to be introduced, the University of Portsmouth is gearing up to open a dental school.
The University has been granted Dental Authority Status (DAS) by the government, to help tackle the region's critical dentist shortage.
It marks a significant step towards opening the first dental school in the South-East of England.
Professor Chris Louca, Director of Dentistry, said: "The government has just recently announced an increase in the training of home UK dental students.
"There has been an increase of 50 places each year and these will come into play from September 2027.
"The University of Portsmouth dental school is well placed to take on these students, and over a five year training programme, deliver additional dentists for the area, well suited to work for the National Health Service.
"The University of Portsmouth is very well placed to train future dentists.
"We have excellent facilities including state of the art simulation equipment, and excellent clinical facilities.
"This will allow our students to train to the highest possible standards to become dentists and they'll be able to also hone their clinical skills whilst they're treating patients as well.
"The end result will be the training of dentists well suited for modern dentistry and the delivery of dental care for patients in the highest possible standard, both in the immediate Portsmouth area, and in the region beyond."