First dental studies centre opens in York
Posted on 23 April 1998
The UK's first Centre for Dental Studies was launched today (Thursday 23 April) at the department of Health Studies, University of York. The Centre will be a national academic resource for dentistry and will specialise in management education, policy analysis, organisational development and dental health economics.
The Centre is an important addition to the internationally renowned work in health-related teaching and research at the University of York. Many of the academics who have built this reputation will also contribute to the new Centre. They include Dr John Posnett, Director of the York health Economics Consortium, who will act as Research Director.
The Centre builds upon an existing collaboration between the department of Health Studies and the British Dental Association (BDA). Together, the two organisations have already run a series of highly successful management courses for dentists. Several leading dentists are members of the new Centre, including Jim Ralph, the Postgraduate Dental Dean for Yorkshire, and John Renshaw, the Chair of the BDA's NHS Policy Group, who will be the Professional Director.
The Academic Director of the Centre, Peter Nicklin, said "The Centre for Dental Services Studies is a significant addition to the University's extensive portfolio of health-related research and teaching. In establishing the Centre we are most encouraged by the support and commitment of the Department of Health, British Dental Association, Local Dental Committee and individual dental practitioners. As the NHS celebrates its 50th birthday this represents a golden opportunity for the University to contribute to the future of NHS dentistry."
Notes to editors:
- The aim of the Department of Health Studies is to provide health and social sector teaching and research which meets the highest academic, professional and employment standards. It offers a wide variety of programmes designed to equip health and social care professionals with the knowledge and skills to meet patients and clients needs into the 21st century.
- The British Dental Association is the trade union and parliamentary association representing the interests of 16,000 dentists throughout the UK. Members work in General Dental Practice, the Community Dental Service, hospitals, universities, the armed forces and industry. The BDA provides scientific and professional advice for dentists.