University bid to fill dental gap

There is a shortage of dentists in Norfolk

The University of East Anglia (UEA) in Norwich has been shortlisted as a site for a new dental school.

The UEA already has a growing and renowned Institute of Health, training a wide range of health professionals.

Now, with the backing of local MPs, the Strategic Health Authority, hospital and primary care trusts, it is in the second round of the bidding process.

A decision is expected by Christmas, and if successful, the first 75 students would come to the UEA in 2007.

There are currently more than 10 vacancies for dentists in Norfolk, according to figures from the Strategic Health Authority.

Professor Sam Leinster, head of the university's medical school, said: "There is a shortage of dentists in this area.

"It is actually difficult to recruit dentists to come and work in Norfolk in particular, so there is a need.

"We believe if we train dentists locally, they are more likely to stay locally and continue to work in this part of the world."