Dental school and NHS hub to open in Gloucester in 2027
UK dental school opening in 2027 with NHS hub; addresses workforce shortages affecting regional access to care.
The University of Gloucestershire and NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board have secured £3m in funding to establish the Three Counties Dental School at the university's City Campus, with construction beginning this month and opening planned for 2027. The facility will combine dental education with a six-treatment-room NHS community dental services hub.
Addressing the UK dental workforce shortage
The project responds to an acute shortage of dental professionals in the UK. In 2023, more than 10,000 applicants competed for 940 dentistry places in UK dental schools. The Dental Schools Council identified a critical shortfall in meeting dental need, particularly in the south west region, where access to care has deteriorated significantly. The new school will initially focus on a dental hygiene programme to address this recognised regional gap.
NHS services and community access
From spring 2027, the treatment hub will provide NHS community dental services including extended evening and weekend urgent care appointments for eligible patients, alongside routine care. The contract includes targeted oral health promotion and supported access for vulnerable populations. NHS Gloucestershire ICB dental strategy clinical lead Christina Worle stated the facility will prioritise prevention and help people with the greatest need to access NHS appointments and maintain good oral health.
Frequently asked questions
When will the Three Counties Dental School in Gloucester open?
The dental school is scheduled to open in spring 2027 at the University of Gloucestershire's City Campus. Construction began in April 2026. The facility will initially offer a dental hygiene programme and a six-treatment-room NHS community dental services hub.
How many dentistry places were available in UK dental schools in 2023?
In 2023, UK dental schools offered 940 dentistry places for more than 10,000 applicants. This significant gap reflects the critical shortfall in dental professionals identified by the Dental Schools Council.
What services will the Gloucester dental school NHS hub provide?
From spring 2027, the hub will deliver NHS community dental services including extended evening and weekend urgent care appointments for eligible patients, routine care, oral health promotion, and supported access for vulnerable populations.
Why is the Three Counties Dental School focusing on dental hygiene training?
The south west region faces a recognised shortage of dental professionals including dental hygienists. A dental hygiene programme directly addresses this regional workforce gap and helps expand the dental team workforce.
How much funding has been allocated to the Three Counties Dental School?
The University of Gloucestershire and NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board have secured £3m in combined funding for the new dental school and NHS treatment hub.
