Gloucester is set to welcome a new dental centre this summer, aiming to alleviate the ongoing dental care crisis across the UK. According to a report by the British Dental Association last summer, satisfaction with NHS dentistry reached a record low, with over 25% of adults struggling to access NHS dental services.
Data from the Local Government Association revealed that no local authority in England had more than one NHS dentist per 1,000 residents as of August 2025, highlighting the widespread shortage.
In response to these challenges, NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) approved the development of a new dental centre in Gloucester in March 2025. The centre aims to improve NHS dental access for the community, especially those in greatest need.
READ MORE: Former Monastery Prinknash Abbey Set for £20 Million Transformation into New Homes
READ MORE: Our Farm Next Door Fans Thrilled as Amanda Owen Announces New Series Returning Soon
Smile Together CIC, a social enterprise and one of the largest NHS emergency dental care providers in the South West, has been awarded the contract to deliver services at the new facility located in Quayside House, owned by Gloucestershire County Council. Construction has already started, with seven treatment rooms planned. The centre is expected to open by summer 2026.
The dental centre will offer daytime, evening, and weekend urgent care appointments accessible via NHS 111, alongside follow-up appointments to stabilize oral health. Additionally, the centre intends to become an NHS Dental Foundation training practice to mentor newly qualified dentists.
Christina Worle, Dental Strategy Clinical Lead at NHS Gloucestershire ICB, emphasized the importance of this development: “Expanding urgent and stabilisation appointments will significantly benefit patients facing difficulties accessing NHS dental care. This contract award marks a vital milestone in addressing access challenges.”
Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, Gloucestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities and Fire, added: “Good oral health is essential to overall wellbeing. This new Dental Access Centre will provide timely urgent care and help prevent dental issues from escalating, while also supporting the dental workforce’s future.”
Efforts will continue into next year to increase the availability of urgent and stabilisation appointments countywide. NHS Gloucestershire ICB is actively collaborating with local dentists and patient representatives to expand NHS dental spots for residents, including children, exploring diverse solutions to enhance access across Gloucestershire.