New Plymouth Dental Education Practice Achieves 1000 Appointments
After opening last month in Plymouth city centre, our new Dental Education Practice is already making a meaningful difference for patients struggling to access urgent dental care.
Since welcoming our first patients on 9 February 2026, the practice has delivered 1000 dental appointments, including treating people for urgent care referred through NHS 111 with issues such as pain, infection and dental trauma.
The service, run by Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE) in partnership with the University of Plymouth, is designed to help address the growing demand for urgent dental care while also providing valuable hands-on experience for the next generation of dental professionals.
Nathan Findlay, Chief Operating Officer at PDSE, commented the first month has demonstrated the real impact the service could have for the local community.
“The first few weeks have proved a huge success, with students having the opportunity to work in a unique practice environment, and alongside qualified dentists providing access to much needed urgent dental care.
Delivering nearly 1000 appointments in our first month is a fantastic achievement and reflects the commitment of our clinical, admin and support teams working together to provide high-quality care for those who need it most.”
Behind the scenes, a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, supervisors, students and professional services staff have been working together to establish the new practice and ensure patients receive timely treatment.
Terri Ebert, Clinic Team Leader at the Plymouth City Centre Dental Education Practice, said the teamwork across the service had been key to its successful start.
“Opening a brand-new clinic in the heart of the city centre has required a huge team effort. From the reception team welcoming patients, to nurses supporting clinics and the students and clinicians delivering care, everyone has played an important role in getting the service up and running.
It’s been fantastic to see the collaboration across the whole team and the positive feedback we’re already receiving from patients.”
For the students working in the practice, the new setting also offers a different clinical learning experience. Unlike the University’s larger teaching clinics, the city centre facility is designed to simulate a real dental practice environment, helping students develop their confidence while treating patients with urgent dental needs.
Matthew Ide, a final-year dental student at Peninsula Dental School, said working in the practice had been a valuable addition to their clinical training.
“The new practice has allowed us to work in a more independent setting, while still under close supervision from experienced supervisors. It is very rewarding being able to help patients who have been experiencing dental pain, and has provided a fresh challenge in managing patients who are often anxious, and have very limited access to dental care.”
The practice has been developed to deliver up to 12,000 appointments per year, helping improve access to care while also strengthening the training opportunities available to Peninsula Dental School students.
For more information about the services available at the Dental Education Practice, visit: www.peninsuladental.org.uk/clinics/plymouth-city-centre/
