Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD attended a ‘Clinical Skills Day’ at RCSI’s new Dental Education Centre in Sandyford today.

The occasion marked a significant milestone for RCSI’s new School of Dentistry and a landmark moment for the first cohort of RCSI Bachelor of Dental Surgery students as they begin their studies.

During his visit, the Minister enjoyed a tour of the Centre’s dental clinic before observing the students at various simulation stations as they took part in their clinical skills training.

Under the leadership of Professor Albert Leung, Head of School of Dentistry, RCSI's new Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme is Ireland’s first community-based dental degree programme. It is designed to develop students’ competence in clinical skills from an early stage. Students learn in a simulated environment from their first few weeks so they can develop clinical skills before treating patients safely.

This programme is designed to make a tangible and immediate contribution to the health system with students and staff embedded in community settings, working alongside healthcare professionals to deliver meaningful care from the earliest stages of training. This approach is intended not only enhance learning but also begin to address the significant shortage of dentists in Ireland.

Serving the community

Speaking at today’s event, Minister Lawless said: “As Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, I warmly welcome the new Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree at RCSI and the opening of their new Dental Education Centre in Sandyford. This is a timely and much-needed enhancement to the provision of high-quality dental education in Ireland.

“The Centre’s strong community focus and commitment to delivering dental services will be a valuable addition to the Dublin area, supporting both students and the wider public.

“I congratulate RCSI, who continue to play a vital role in expanding world-class healthcare education across disciplines. This new programme offers Irish students the opportunity to study dentistry in a state-of-the-art facility that also serves the needs of the community.”

Supporting oral health

Professor Cathal Kelly, Vice Chancellor of RCSI, said: “Today marks a significant milestone for RCSI’S new Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme. By integrating clinical skills training from the very outset, we are ensuring that our students build essential hands-on experience early in their education. This approach reflects our ambition to expand dental education in Ireland and respond to national workforce needs by preparing highly skilled, community-focused dentists who will play a vital role in supporting oral health across the country.

“We are delighted to welcome Minister Lawless here today. We are grateful to the government for their support and investment in this facility which has been instrumental in enabling us to deliver a programme that is both clinically robust and socially responsive.

“We are also grateful to the Minister’s Department and the Higher Education Authority for their support for our Bachelor of Dental Surgery. This support has enabled an intake of 20 EU students to this year’s class which, in time, will make a significant and positive impact on Ireland domestically trained dental workforce.”