New NHS dental surgery to open in city

A new dental surgery will open later this year as part of a commitment to "improve NHS dental access" in a city.

NHS Gloucester Integrated Care Board (ICB) has approved plans to create the new centre at Quayside House in Gloucester.

Building at Quayside House Dental Access Centre is under way, with daytime, evening and weekend urgent care appointments to be provided.

Christina Worle from the ICB said the opening of the centre, expected to be by summer 2026, will have a "meaningful impact in an area where residents face challenges" accessing NHS dental care.

A contract has now been awarded to Smile Together CIC to be the service provider.

There will be seven individual treatment rooms in the centre at Quayside House, which is owned by Gloucestershire County Council.

It will offer appointments for those who have had urgent treatment and need follow-up work but do not have their own dentist.

Worle, dental strategy clinical lead at the ICB, said: "Offering extended urgent care and targeted support for those who need it most is a key priority for us in conjunction with our partners and although there's more to be done across the county, awarding this contract is an important milestone."

Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member for public health, communities and fire at Gloucestershire County Council, said the council hopes to "help build a more resilient NHS dental service" by investing in the centre.

"Good oral health is fundamental to overall health and wellbeing, yet too many people are currently struggling to access NHS dental care when they need it most," Hodgkinson said.

"The awarding of this contract is an important step in addressing that challenge."

Work will continue into 2027 to increase the number of urgent care and stabilisation appointments available across Gloucestershire each week.

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