The British Antarctic Survey Medical Unit (BASMU) is based at University Hospitals Plymouth (UHP) and is contracted to BAS to provide healthcare for those serving in the Antarctic.
PDSE’s Dental Outreach Team works closely with the British Antarctic Survey Medical Unit (BASMU) to coordinate and deliver specialist Emergency Dentistry training for doctors preparing for deployment to the Antarctic. BASMU forms part of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), an organisation that has led the majority of the UK’s scientific research in Antarctica for over 60 years.
BAS provides and operates world-leading research infrastructure, enabling scientists from the UK and international partners to work safely and effectively across the polar region. BASMU, based in Plymouth and contracted through University Hospitals Plymouth (UHP), is responsible for delivering healthcare to those serving in Antarctica, including dental care in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments.
There are three key parts to this function: preparation and screening, routine healthcare during deployment, and managing emergencies, including dental emergencies.
PDSE plays a vital role in ensuring doctors have the appropriate dental training to manage emergencies should they arise in these isolated settings. The Emergency Dental Course is delivered annually at the Devonport Dental Education Facility over four days and is designed specifically for doctors who will be deployed to Antarctic stations over the winter period.
The course covers basic dental anatomy, dental hygiene and prevention, dental materials, placement of temporary fillings, replacement of crowns, extractions, and the safe administration of local anaesthetic. The aim is to build both confidence and practical knowledge around dentistry, enabling doctors to provide effective emergency dental care in what can often be an extremely challenging and unfamiliar environment.
In addition to delivering the training programme, the Dental Outreach Team is responsible for the planning and organisation of the course, maintaining inventories of dental equipment and supplies held in Antarctica, coordinating annual restocking, and providing ongoing advice and support for dental-related queries, protocols, and emergencies throughout the year.
For more information, please contact dentaloutreach@plymouth.ac.uk.
Alongside its permanent research stations across the polar region, BAS also operates the renowned research vessel, the RRS Sir David Attenborough, which provides essential supplies, supports scientific research, and offers medical care where needed.
In October 2025, Plymouth was honoured to welcome the RRS Sir David Attenborough to Devonport Dockyard for the first time. In recognition of the support provided to BASMU, Karen and Lisa from the Dental Outreach Team were invited on board for a tour of the vessel’s research facilities, medical unit, and wider operational areas.
The visit provided a valuable opportunity to see firsthand the scale and sophistication of the ship’s state-of-the-art facilities. With 34 crew members and 56 science and support staff on board, the vessel plays a vital role in supporting Antarctic operations. It is also home to the famous ‘Boaty McBoatface’, the advanced autonomous launch and recovery robotic system.
A particular highlight of the visit was touring the hospital wing and seeing the practical impact of our team’s work in supporting healthcare delivery in such a unique and demanding environment.
Do you require bespoke dental training for your team or organisation?
Our experienced Dental Outreach Team can provide tailored training packages designed to meet your specific clinical and educational needs, delivered in a professional and supportive learning environment.
To discuss your requirements or find out more, please contact our team at dentaloutreach@plymouth.ac.uk
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