(L to R) Professor Nairn Wilson, Lord Colwyn, Sir Paul Beresford MP, Baroness Howe of Idlicote, Baroness Gardner of Parkes, Baroness Masham of Ilton (at front) Credit: Courtesy: Acumen Images

A visit by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Dentistry to King's College London Dental Institute (KCLDI) in March highlighted to MPs and Peers the role played by the UK's dental schools.

The visitors were able to observe the work of a busy dental school, including its research, teaching and clinical activities. Guests were able to visit KCLDI's craniofacial development and stem cell research laboratories, tour facilities for the care of vulnerable and anxious patients and see the state-of-the-art hapTEL technology used in teaching students.

The relationship between quality and continued funding and the breadth of research being carried out was explained during the visit, which was led by Professor Nairn Wilson, Professor of Restorative Dentistry and Dean and Head of KCLDI. The increasing links with industry that are helping to deliver millions of pounds of income were also emphasised.

Fourth year student and President of KCLDI's Dental Society Lauren Holmes highlighted the experience of dental students and stressed the importance of the reforms currently being undertaken in dentistry engaging the next generation of practitioners who will deliver care in the system that is created.