Two new NHS dental clinics planned for Portsmouth

Portsmouth City Council, The University of Portsmouth and local health commissioning partners are working towards opening two new NHS dental clinics in the city. 

They have collaborated to identify suitable properties in the highest-need areas that could house clinics operated by the University, that will complement its existing NHS clinic. 

The first site selected as a potential location is the former Healthy Living Centre in the heart of Paulsgrove, where the Council maintains a strong and visible presence in the community providing a range of services that support children, young people and residents. This much needed NHS dental service in the community is another example of partnership working that benefits residents.

It is hoped the second facility will be integrated into a council site in Portsea, located close to the main University campus. Surveyors will be deployed soon as part of work to realise that goal.

Together these new facilities, once fully operational, will increase the University’s dental patient capacity from around 5,000 to approximately 10,000 per year. This is a significant step in improving access to dental care in a region that is recognised as a “dental desert”. 

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth, Professor Graham Galbraith CBE, said: “These two new clinics are much needed in the city and a demonstration of the University’s commitment to work with city partners to support our community.  

“Portsmouth has been a dental desert for too long. We are training the next generation of dental professionals right here in the city and are proud to expand our community clinics while developing a much needed-dental healthcare workforce.”

Cllr Darren Sanders, cabinet member for housing and tackling homelessness said: “We're committed to using our council buildings to provide services that benefit the communities they are part of. Access to NHS dental care has been a real challenge for people in Portsmouth. While this project is still at an early stage, it represents a significant step forward for our residents.

“This is about more than increasing the number of appointments - it’s about improving health, tackling inequalities and giving families the confidence that they can access vital services close to home.”

Addressing a critical shortage 

Portsmouth has fewer than 100 NHS dentists serving a population of more than 200,000 residents, highlighting the scale of the challenge and the importance of the joint initiative. 

This announcement builds on recent national investments in dental education, which will see the University become home to the first dental school in the South-East of England. Backed by £11 million in government funding, the programme will deliver 25 new undergraduate dental places, with the first domestic students expected to begin training in September 2027. 

The University’s Dental Academy already plays a key role in the community, training dental nurses, hygienists and therapists, while treating more than 5,000 patients each year. 

The addition of the new clinics and a dental school will build on this strong foundation, enabling more patients to receive treatment locally while giving students valuable hands-on experience in community settings. 

By combining expanded clinical services with the training of future dental professionals, the partnership aims to strengthen the NHS dental workforce and improve long-term access to care across Portsmouth and the wider region. 

This joint approach reflects a shared commitment from the University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth City Council and health partners to tackle health inequalities, support NHS services and invest in the city’s future workforce.