University dental hub treats thousands in a year

A new dental hub, that has already seen more than 3,000 patients treated in its first year, has been officially opened by the Duke of Gloucester.

The University of Suffolk's Dental Community Interested Company (CIC) offers NHS treatments to patients across Suffolk and North East Essex.

Prince Richard earlier visited the £4.7m facility within the James Hehir building on the Ipswich campus.

Chief executive Lorraine Mattis said the dental hub was "making a difference to the local people".

"I'd like to measure success in terms of the impact we're making on the local people and the residents here in Suffolk," she said.

"Ultimately what we're here to do is serve the local people here in Suffolk.

"We have as of today seen over 3,000 patients and we want to continue to do that, so we're really excited with the future and what the next year brings.

"Any difference we can make to increase access to NHS dental services and also support the growth of the future workforce will inevitably make a difference to the local population here in Suffolk."

The hub, which began offering treatment last spring, included teaching labs for the university's BSc Dental Hygiene and Therapy course.

The course will see its third cohort of students welcomed in September.

University vice-chancellor, Prof Jenny Higham, said the hub was a great example of collaboration between the university and the NHS.

"We're delighted that we'll continue to both train these students and offer dental care at the same time," she added.

The duke unveiled a new plaque for the hub and met staff and students before embarking on a tour of the facilities.

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