Today I have written to ministers to press for the release of funded undergraduate dentistry training places for the University of East Anglia. I am doing this now because UEA is ready to open a dental school and the final decision sits with ministers. Norwich has lived with some of the lowest levels of NHS dental provision in the country for many years, and the East of England is still the only region without dental training.
UEA holds accreditation from the General Dental Council. The new buildings finish this year. The university can recruit students from May 2026 and begin teaching in September 2027. Ministers need to authorise the funded places for this to happen. UEA has also asked ministers to ensure the allocation process gives priority to regions with the greatest need, including Norfolk and Suffolk.
A dental school at UEA would train new dentists in Norwich, place students in local practices from their first year, and give them clear routes into NHS roles across the region once they qualify. UEA’s health courses already follow this pattern, with students based in local NHS settings throughout their training and many choosing to stay in Norfolk and Suffolk after graduation. My letter sets out these points in a clear way, and I will continue to support this work with partners across the region.