Introduction of Digital Dentistry at PDSE
We are continuing to strengthen our commitment to innovation and excellence in patient care through the introduction and expansion of digital dentistry across our clinical teaching environments.
A key part of this development is ensuring dental students graduate with the confidence and practical experience needed to work in an increasingly technology-driven profession.
Students are first introduced to digital workflows during their Year 4 training in Truro, where they receive hands-on experience using intraoral scanners and develop the foundational skills needed to integrate digital techniques into patient care. This early exposure allows students to become familiar with the technology before progressing to their fifth and final year of their course in Plymouth, where they are able to apply these skills in a clinical setting.
The use of digital scanners supports a more efficient and patient-friendly approach to dentistry, enabling highly accurate digital impressions without the need for traditional impression materials. This not only improves comfort for patients but also enhances clinical precision, streamlines communication between students and laboratories, and is more sustainable than conventional analogue methods.
Scanners are currently located across PDSE sites in Truro, Derriford, and Exeter, supporting both undergraduate education and the wider clinical service. As digital dentistry becomes more embedded within service delivery, its use is beginning to expand among PDSE clinicians, with further rollout planned in the coming months. Alongside this, a research project is currently underway to evaluate students’ and staff members’ perceptions and experiences of implementing digital workflows in dental education. The project aims to identify perceived barriers and enablers, explore the practical implications for clinical training and patient care, and generate valuable insights to help inform the future delivery and optimisation of digital workflows within the curriculum. Find more information on research at PDSE here.
This marks the beginning of a broader digital transformation across PDSE. The next phase of expansion will include increasing the number of digital scanning devices available across sites, alongside the potential introduction of 3D printing technology. This will enable further opportunities for advanced treatment planning, restorative workflows, and enhanced teaching experiences for both students and clinicians.
Emily Akister, a BDS Year 5 student from Peninsula Dental School, reflected on their experience of using digital scanners at PDSE:
“Our on-clinic experience with the digital scanners started in fourth year, where we were able to practice using the scanners and learnt about their merits and drawbacks in certain situations. The teaching allowed fluid application of this skill onto clinic in fifth year, where we have been able to case assess, and book the scanners to use for our patients.
The intra-oral scanners are a fantastic addition to the dentistry toolkit, helping to enhance clinical communication with patients, but also the ease of sending a digital scan to the lab. It has been fantastic to be able to use this equipment on clinic, helping us to embrace the technological advances in dentistry, that are an exciting prospect for both patients and the profession.”
Andrew Sleigh, Director of Clinical Dentistry at PDSE, said:
“The introduction of digital dentistry represents an important step forward for both our students and our patients. By embedding these technologies into undergraduate training and clinical practice, we are ensuring our future dental professionals are equipped with the skills expected in modern dentistry. At the same time, digital workflows improve accuracy, efficiency, and the overall patient experience. This investment reflects PDSE’s commitment to delivering high-quality care while continuing to innovate in education, research, and clinical service delivery.”
As dentistry continues to evolve, PDSE remains focused on creating an innovative clinical environment that prepares students for the future while delivering the highest standards of care to the communities it serves.
