Supporting dental schools to improve oral health across the UK and Ireland

A masked dental professional in blue gloves carefully treats a reclining patient in a bright clinic, creating a focused, reassuring healthcare scene.

Supporting dental schools to improve oral health across the UK and Ireland

in focus
Patient care and outreach in dental schools
Dental schools play an important role in training the next generation of dental professionals and improving oral health. We bring them together to shape the future of dentistry.
What we do
Two masked dental students in blue protective aprons practice examining a patient mannequin in a bright clinic, focused and collaborative.
Advancing dental education

We work with dental schools to strengthen dental education and prepare future oral health professionals to meet the evolving needs of the profession.

Report Fixing NHS dentistry
A gloved laboratory worker uses a pipette to handle samples in a clear multiwell plate inside a clean lab, conveying careful, precise research.
Supporting research & clinical academia

We promote the vital role of clinical academics in educating future dental professionals and driving the development of new treatments.

Datasets Clinical academic staff survey
Two masked dental professionals in blue scrubs examine a reclined patient in a bright clinic, using dental instruments with focused, reassuring care.
Shaping policy & workforce planning

Through the collective voice of dental schools, we contribute to discussions on future workforce planning and help shape the direction of dental policy.

Explainer Will expanding dental school places improve access to NHS dentistry?
A dentist and assistant in masks, goggles, and gloves treat a reclined patient in a bright clinic, conveying focused, careful teamwork.
Widening participation to dental careers

We support efforts to widen access to dental education, helping ensure that people from a broader range of backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue a career in oral health.

Report Widening access to dentistry careers

The latest developments and expert perspectives.

View all insights and analysis
New report sets out roadmap to restore the nation’s oral health and reverse decline in dental researchers
NEWS

New report sets out roadmap to restore the nation’s oral health and reverse decline in dental researchers

28 September 2026

A new report by the Dental Schools Council’s Oral and Dental Health Clinical Researcher Task and Finish Group sets out...

Haptic simulation in dental education: driving educational innovation at QMUL
CASE STUDY
Haptic simulation in dental education: driving educational innovation at QMUL
by Dr Sami Bissasu
Regulation, educational improvement and collaboration support high-quality dental education
EXPLAINER
Regulation, educational improvement and collaboration support high-quality dental education
by Dr Jane Wardman
Reversing the decline in Oral Health Research in the UK | Janine Yazdi-Doughty
PODCASTS
Reversing the decline in Oral Health Research in the UK | Janine Yazdi-Doughty

Hot topics

Key issues impacting dental education and training.

Will expanding dental school places improve access to NHS dentistry?
Explainer 25 October 2026

Will expanding dental school places improve access to NHS dentistry?

Expanding dental education means more than creating additional student places. Dental training can help address inequalities in access to NHS dentistry but creating a sustainable workforce depends on where graduates choose to practise and the conditions they face when entering the profession.

4

applicants per dentistry place in 2023.

53%

of new dentists registered qualified abroad.
Read the explainer
Why the NHS bursary needs fixing and fast
Explainer 28 October 2026

Why the NHS bursary needs fixing and fast

Most dentistry students in England see their financial support fall by over £3,000 just as their clinical workload peaks in their final year. They cannot access additional student finance to supplement the insufficient NHS England bursary for tuition fees and living costs.
Read the explainer
Widening access to dentistry careers
Report 4 September 2025

Widening access to dentistry careers

This paper explores the barriers that can prevent talented students from entering dentistry and highlights the work being undertaken across UK dental schools to widen participation.
Read the report

Briefings and updates, straight to your inbox

Keep up to date with the latest developments in dental education.

Subscribe now