University’s dental excellence earns recognition in the Times Higher Education Awards 2023

The Peninsula Dental School and Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise are shortlisted in the Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community category
Dental dentistry students practising 
The University of Plymouth’s work to combine first-rate dental training with outstanding community care has been shortlisted for a prestigious accolade in the Times Higher Education Awards 2023.
The pioneering work of the Peninsula Dental School and the Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise is in the running to win the Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community category.
It recognises the efforts of more than 100 staff and 400 students working and studying with the University, and in communities across Devon and Cornwall.
It is also the second award shortlisting in a week for the University’s dentistry team, after the Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise was named among the finalists in the UK Social Enterprise Awards .

This shortlisting is a fantastic achievement for everyone connected with the Peninsula Dental School and Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise. It is further evidence that our approach is yielding benefits, both for our students and staff but the communities of Devon and Cornwall as well. With widespread talk of a crisis in access to NHS dentistry, this positive recognition could not be more timely.

Ewen McCollProfessor Ewen McColl
Head of the Peninsula Dental School

The Peninsula Dental School was originally established to tackle oral health inequalities in the South West, and to train dentists who would stay in the region once qualified.
In 2013, it also established the Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE) to treat patients who may not otherwise have access to care. In 2021/22, the period covered by the awards, students registered with the Peninsula Dental School – and working at clinics run by PDSE – saw almost 5,600 patients across Devon and Cornwall.
Over the course of 28,000 appointments, 418 dental and hygiene therapy students were able to deliver crucial primary care to many of the more vulnerable members of society, including those experiencing homelessness and other forms of social exclusion.
This activity marked a significant rise both in the number of patients seen, and appointments delivered, at the University’s Dental Education Facilities in Plymouth, Exeter and Truro. And of the 1,748 patients who left feedback during 2021/22, 97% said they would recommend the services to their own friends and family.
The Peninsula Dental School and Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise are in the running to win the Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community category in the Times Higher Education Awards 2023
In addition to this primary care offer, during 2021/22 the University expanded its range of programmes designed to improve levels of oral health with the community.
Through an Inter-Professional Engagement Module, dental and dental therapy students had the opportunity to work directly with one of 14 host organisations caring for children, people with learning difficulties, older people at risk of isolation, young carers, those experiencing homelessness, and those living in social housing.
A Supervised Tooth Brushing Programme, led by academics and students, worked with pupils at 146 primary schools to provide advice and guidance on the benefits, and most effective methods, of brushing their teeth.
More than 3,000 children aged 16 and under, who are unable to register with a dentist, were seen at paediatric oral health clinic while a Looked After Children clinic provided treatment to 96 children and unaccompanied young asylum seekers.
The winners of the Times Higher Education Awards 2023, widely regarded as the Oscars of Higher Education, will be announced at a ceremony in December.
 

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(L-R) Professor Ewen McColl, Head of Peninsula Dental School; Johnny Mercer MP; Helen Whateley MP; Professor Rob Witton, Chief Executive of PDSE; and Nathan Findlay, Chief Operating Officer of PDSE
Government Minister visits Dental School

Helen Whateley MP meets the University of Plymouth team to hear about its innovative work

16 May 2024

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