Two new NHS dental clinics could soon open in Portsmouth as part of efforts to improve access to care in the city.
Portsmouth City Council, the University of Portsmouth and local health commissioning partners are working together on plans for the new facilities.
They have identified suitable properties in areas of high need, which could house clinics operated by the university and complement its existing NHS dental service.
The first potential location is the former Healthy Living Centre in Paulsgrove, where the council already provides a range of services for children, young people and residents.
A second facility could be integrated into a council site in Portsea, close to the main University of Portsmouth campus. Surveyors are expected to be deployed soon as work continues to progress the plans.
Once fully operational, the two new clinics would increase the university’s dental patient capacity from around 5,000 to approximately 10,000 people a year.
The plans are being described as a significant step in improving dental access in a region recognised as a “dental desert”.
Portsmouth has fewer than 100 NHS dentists serving a population of more than 200,000 residents, underlining the scale of the challenge.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth, Professor Graham Galbraith CBE, said: “These two new clinics are much needed in the city and a demonstration of the University’s commitment to work with city partners to support our community.
“Portsmouth has been a dental desert for too long. We are training the next generation of dental professionals right here in the city and are proud to expand our community clinics while developing a much needed-dental healthcare workforce.”
Cllr Darren Sanders, cabinet member for housing and tackling homelessness, said: “We’re committed to using our council buildings to provide services that benefit the communities they are part of. Access to NHS dental care has been a real challenge for people in Portsmouth. While this project is still at an early stage, it represents a significant step forward for our residents.
“This is about more than increasing the number of appointments – it’s about improving health, tackling inequalities and giving families the confidence that they can access vital services close to home.”
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