UK university unveils new degree programme

Dental Tribune International

Tue. 1 October 2024

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LANCASTER, England: As the UK continues to struggle through a prolonged oral healthcare crisis, a gnawing problem remains the recruitment and retainment of dentists. Seeking to redress this vital issue, the University of Central Lancashire has recently received approval from the General Dental Council (GDC) for a new course aimed specifically at training qualified dentists from abroad and preparing them for clinical practice in the UK. The first intake is March 2025.

This 18-month programme allows foreign dentists to enter the university’s BDS programme after the third year. Enrolled dentists will undertake practical and clinical components in an enhanced training practice in the UK and in the university’s phantom head facilities at its Preston campus.

A key part of the programme’s roll-out is a close and important partnership with mydentist, which expanded its Lancaster operations in September 2023 with a £2.1 million (€2.4 million^*) investment. The university’s website states, “We are working with {my}dentist, the UK’s leading provider of dental services, to deliver this course. {my}dentist will provide all successful applicants with £12,000 of financial support during the course, as well as providing an opportunity for students to earn a further £12,000, subject to meeting the necessary requirements.”

Besides financial assistance, graduates have opened to them a potential career pathway in the mydentist company. The website continues: “Upon successful graduation, [graduates] will be able to apply for an associate contract at one of {my}dentist’s 600 dental practices nationwide. [Graduates will] then be able to undertake a paid mentorship to secure a performer number, allowing [them] to deliver dental services on the [National Health Service].”

Recent research has confirmed dentistry as the most lucrative degree subject in the UK, graduates earning an average salary of £42,000. In this light, the new programme, with its additional funding and career advantages, promises to be highly attractive.

Editorial note:

Calculated on the OANDA platform for 23 September 2023.