The pioneering work of the Peninsula Dental School and the Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE) has won the Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community category at the Times Higher Education Awards 2023. It is recognition of the efforts of more than 100 staff and 400 students working and studying with the University of Plymouth, and in communities across Devon and Cornwall.

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Professor Ewen McColl, Head of the Peninsula Dental School, said: ‘To have our work recognised at a national level is further evidence that our approach is delivering positive change across our community. It is the result of an amazing team effort that continues to benefit our students and staff, and the people of Devon and Cornwall.'

The award was presented during a ceremony held in Liverpool on Thursday 7 December, hosted by broadcaster and author Sandi Toksvig.

The judges also said: ‘By addressing the serious gap in NHS dental provision through their exemplary social enterprise and its practical support for disadvantaged groups, including promoting oral hygiene among children, Plymouth's dental school has provided an excellent example of a university really making a difference in its community.'

Peninsula was originally established to tackle oral health inequalities in the South West, whilst training future dentists and dental therapists. In 2013, it also established PDSE to treat patients who may not otherwise have access to care. In 2021/22, the period covered by the awards, students registered with the Peninsula Dental School - and working at clinics run by PDSE - saw almost 5,600 patients across Devon and Cornwall.

Over the course of 28,000 appointments, 418 dental and dental therapy students were able to deliver crucial primary care to many of the more vulnerable members of society, including those experiencing homelessness and other forms of social exclusion. This activity marked a significant rise both in the number of patients seen, and appointments delivered, at the University's Dental Education Facilities in Plymouth, Exeter and Truro.

In addition during 2021/22 the University expanded its range of programmes designed to improve levels of oral health with the community. A Supervised Tooth Brushing Programme, led by academics and students, worked with pupils at 146 primary schools to provide advice and guidance on the benefits, and most effective methods, of brushing their teeth. More than 3,000 children aged 16 and under, who are unable to register with a dentist, were seen at paediatric oral health clinic.