First class of dental students graduates from multi-million pound school
The first 30 students have celebrated their graduation from the new multi-million pound dental school at the University of Central Lancashire.
The class of 30 graduated yesterday, having completed a brand new course, which is the first of its kind in the UK. The course at UCLan was set up in conjunction with local NHS organisations and trusts and focuses on learning through work in the community.
There is currently a shortage of dentists in some areas in Lancashire and a recent review showed that thousands of people in East Lancashire are waiting for a dentist. Recently, new practices have opened in Burnely, Accrington, Pendle and Rossdale, but there is still a way to go and local primary care trusts are hoping that the new graduates will help to fill gaps in dental services.
Matt Goodall graduated yesterday and will start work at Bateman and Best Dental Practice in Darwen next week; he said that it was exciting to be part of a new way of training, which focuses on patient care and building a relationship with patients. 21 of the 30 graduates have secured training posts in the North West.
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