Sara began her visit with the Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise and its role in raising awareness of oral health issues, improving access to dental care for those in most need and providing community based engagement for dental students in the region. Later she met members of the community engagement team who described to her their work and who highlighted innovative projects – such as the ‘Open Wide Step Inside’ immersive vision animation and supporting material for primary school children and their teachers, and the award winning dental ambassador scheme for adults with physical and learning disabilities.
Her tour then took her to the life skills resource centre and the simulated dental learning environment, where she met year one dental students and saw them honing their clinical skills using state of the art simulated learning technology.
A meeting with dental researchers, where projects and the future of dental research in policy were discussed, was followed by a visit to the Derriford Dental Education Facility (DEF). The Derriford DEF is one of four in the South West – two in Plymouth and one each in Exeter and Truro. Run by the Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise, DEFs are where dental, dental nurse and hygiene and therapy students treat NHS patients under the supervision of qualified dental professionals, as part of their studies.
Here, Sara met with students, clinical supervisors and patients in a busy clinic.
Sara said:“The pivotal impression is that we talk about the art of dentistry, but here at Peninsula they imbibe and educate the art of dental care. This is a fundamental step forward in the health of the nation. It was a real pleasure meeting such a diverse range of future dentists who are committed to improving the healthcare of future generations and specialising and practising across a range of dental sectors. With a wide variety of career options awaiting these talented dental professionals when they qualify I am confident that the dental health of the UK will be secure and we will see the oral health of England continue to improve.”
Professor Christopher Tredwin, head of Plymouth University Peninsula School of Dentistry, added: “It has been a privilege to play host to Sara so early on in her tenure as chief dental officer. Her enthusiasm and energy bode well for the future of both dental care and dental professionalism, and we were greatly heartened by her encouragement and obvious interest in what we do, how we do it and the impact that has on oral health in the region.”