A project has been launched by the University of Sunderland to develop new training opportunities in dental care.
The Dental Education Development Project aims to build a framework of programmes for talented students in dental care professions to achieve their full potential.
The programmes will also create opportunities for under-represented students, to widen access to education in dental care.
Increased provision in this field will also help address local and national health inequalities in patient access to NHS dental care and support dental workforce recruitment and retention in the region.
Rachel Elliott, Associate Head of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Sunderland, is leading the project.
She said: “I am excited at the prospect of new training opportunities in dental care at the University of Sunderland. We hope to help improve patient access to NHS dental care, as well as create opportunities for career development and progression for students.”
, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University’s Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing, said “Our Dental Education Development Project aligns with our ambition to provide a full suite of health-related courses at Sunderland.
“As is the case across the country, people in the north-east are struggling to access dental care, negatively impacting the health and wellbeing of children and adults.
“This has significant public health implications with a clear association with poorer health outcomes in our region.”
The University is working with local employers from the NHS and private dental care providers, along with the North East and North Cumbrian Integrated Care Board, to design programmes that are fit for purpose and support the future workforce.
A final decision about the Dental Education Development Project will be made by the University’s Board of Governors early in 2026, with the hope that the first courses will be launched from September 2027.