The University of Lincoln is pleased to be working with local partners to support the expansion of dental education in the region through a new Lincolnshire Institute of Dental and Oral Health. This initial investment by the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a key step towards developing new pathways for local people to train, qualify, and build long-term careers in dental healthcare in the county.
The University has a proud track record of working with partners across the region to identify and address skills shortages that have a real impact on people's lives. The Lincolnshire Institute of Dental and Oral Health aims to create a sustainable future for dental care in Lincolnshire with real-world benefits for the people of our region by investing in local talent, supporting community health, and further strengthening Lincoln as a centre of health education and innovation.
Regional development
Spurring economic growth and creating jobs
Improving healthcare
Enhance the capacity, competency, and outcomes
Maximising value
Tangible social impact and driving research innovation
Research focus
Developing underrepresented oral health research
Advancing social purpose
Fostering inclusive access
Workforce growth
Degree-level programmes to support the workforce
Short course provision
Ongoing professional development in the region
New facilities
A state-of-the-art Dental Training Clinic in Lincoln
The Lincolnshire Institute of Dental and Oral Health aims to deliver immediate impact through a focused, workforce-led education model. Informed by the successful Centres for Dental Development model, the institute will enable the University to grow and support the dental workforce through three-year BSc programmes in Dental Hygiene and Therapy, as well as foundation pathways to upskill existing dental professionals. The The Lincolnshire Institute of Dental and Oral Health will provide a scalable solution to address regional workforce shortages and serves as a strategic foundation for a potential future bid for full dental school status.
New course development
The University is working to develop a new BSc in Dental Hygiene and Therapy due to run from September 2026. This programme is in the development stage and further information including course details and entry requirements will be available in due course.
New Foundation course training 10 professionals a year
New Hygiene and Therapy degree to train 30 students a year from 2026
Train just over 100 new high skilled individuals within 5 years
New career training opportunities to retain existing skills within the region
Employ an additional 14 skilled jobs in the workforce
Additional 27 skilled jobs in the local workforce for dental surgeries
The Lincolnshire Institute of Dental and Oral Health will create a self-sustaining business plan, aiming to grow and expand its services. The central hub in Lincoln will attract a skilled workforce, benefiting the economy and positioning Lincolnshire as a prime candidate for a Dental School, potentially tripling its size.
Alongside the use of the Lincoln Medical School, the project will utilise unused city buildings for clinical student training, increasing footfall in Lincoln, particularly around the Brayford campus and St Marks area. It is estimated that 10,000-15,000 patients will be seen annually as part of this initiative.
The Institute will develop new education and skills in dentistry, supporting a skilled workforce of Hygienists and Therapists, and offering development for existing dental professionals.
The project will use existing buildings, supporting environmental sustainability.
Poor oral health and a lack of dental workforce are significant challenges for the region. Establishing the Institute will positively impact the area.
Our purpose as a University is to transform lives and communities. This is a key first step in our longer-term ambition to create a full dental school in the region.
Professor Neal Juster
Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln
Employ Experienced Dental Senior Leadership team for the project to shape Clinical
Offer and lead on establishment of company and clinical delivery model.
Procure consultancy design team and procure specialist equipment and renovation of space.
Building work and installation of specialist equipment is completed.
Employ skilled delivery team to go live with new dental training clinic. Revenue will start to be received through dental services delivered and work placement fees.
If you'd like to know more and would like to support the project in any way, please contact our Development Team at development@lincoln.ac.uk for more information.