An innovative community project offering Cardiff University dental students the chance to manage and treat real patients has been praised by New Zealand's Chief Dental Officer, Dr Robin Whyman.

From left to right: New Zealand's Chief Dental Officer Dr Robin Whyman, School of Dentistry student Rob Woodward, Director of St David's Primary Dental Care Unit, Mr Peter Ash and Dental Nurse Victoria Haywood

During a UK visit, Dr Whyman visited Cardiff's St David's Primary Dental Care Unit. One of the key features of the Dental Care Unit is the opportunity for fifth-year dental students to take responsibility for patients. Each student treats on average six patients per day and works, under supervision, towards their individual diagnosis and treatment.

The Dental Care Unit's surgeries are equipped with the latest dental technology including digital radiography and intra-oral cameras. The latter technology enables patients to see inside their own mouths, helping them to understand the reasons for their treatment.

In addition, operating microscopes aid the management of more complex cases and the four surgeries are all equipped for treatment under inhalation sedation.

Dr Whyman said, 'This is an excellent example of how the community's need for dental treatment can be met by dental students. Not only do patients get the treatment they need but, at the same time, students gain the vital hands-on knowledge and experience that can only be gained by working with real patients in the community'.