Work to begin on new NHS dental hub at university
PAWork is due to start on a new dental school and treatment centre later this month after funding was agreed.
Located at the University of Gloucestershire's city campus - in the former Debenhams building on Kings Square, Gloucester - the Three Counties Dental School and treatment hub will be operational from 2027 and will cost £3m.
Students will be able to get placements at the dental school while the Gloucestershire Dental Treatment hub will provide NHS community dental services, including routine appointments and urgent care.
The university said it had agreed funding with NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) and work would begin before the end of the month.
'Fantastic addition'
Markey Building Services Limited has been contracted for the works and the ICB is in the process of finding a provider to operate the hub.
NHS community dental services will be provided at the treatment hub from early 2027, including extended evening and weekend urgent care appointments, treatment plans and regular routine appointments for eligible people.
Eligibility for the services will be agreed by the ICB and Public Health England.
The university said the dental school would allow the launch of new dental care professional programmes, initially Dental Hygiene.
Dame Clare Marchant DBE, Vice-Chancellor of the university, said the new dental school and hub were "a fantastic addition" to the campus.
"We are incredibly excited to have the opportunity to train the next generation of dental care practitioners, developing our academic and research capabilities in this crucial area.
"Together with our NHS colleagues, we will equip them with the skills needed to address critical workforce shortages while improving access to care across the region."
NHS Gloucestershire said further information regarding eligibility and services would be provided ahead of the planned opening next year.
"This development represents a long-term investment for NHS Gloucestershire ICB with an annual contract value of £1.2m for a minimum 10-year term," a spokesperson said.
"The new Gloucestershire Dental Treatment Hub will provide extended evening and weekend urgent dental appointments to patients, available through NHS 111.
"These appointments will be available to people from any part of the county."
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