Patient care in dental schools

Dental schools make a significant contribution to patient care capacity across the UK. Independent research commissioned by the Dental Schools Council undertaken by the NHS Health Economics Unit shows that undergraduate dentistry students alone provide the equivalent of at least 377,222 patient appointments every year across UK dental schools. This figure does not include treatment provided by students studying other dental professions, such as dental hygiene and dental therapy, meaning the overall contribution is even greater.

At a time when many communities face challenges accessing NHS dental care, these appointments provide an important source of treatment for patients local to dental schools. Indeed, some dental schools have arrangements with their local NHS to screen urgent cases including 111 referrals. By providing capacity, dental schools help alleviate pressures on NHS services, reduce waiting times and ensure patients can access preventative, routine and restorative care. This role is especially important in coastal and rural areas where access to dental services can be especially limited.

Under the supervision of qualified clinicians, dental students deliver a wide range of treatments as part of their education and training. These include:

• oral health education and preventative care
• examinations and treatment planning
• fillings and restorative treatments
• tooth extractions
• root canal care and treatment
• denture provision
• crowns and other indirect restorations
• ongoing maintenance and preventive support