State‑of‑the‑art teaching spaces are now complete at the University of Lincoln, following refurbishment works designed to support the county’s future dental workforce.

Lindum successfully delivered the new Lincolnshire Institute of Dental and Oral Health (LIDOH) within the University’s Ross Lucas Medical Sciences Building.

Works have transformed the existing Anatomy Suite and Learning Lounge into a modern Anatomy and Dental Suite, complete with specialist simulation equipment and upgraded teaching facilities.

The upgraded environment now includes state of the art phantom head units – highly technical training mannequins used to teach dental procedures. These were fitted across three new dental clusters, each requiring precise mechanical and electrical services including power, data, compressed air, and new wash hand basins with integrated plumbing systems.

Additional works included creation of a tutor station with its own phantom head unit, installation of new wall mounted storage for dental equipment, retention and adaptation of existing counters, sinks and digital screens, refurbishment of the Learning Lounge, including services for two large digital anatomy tables and reconfiguration of mobile anatomy tables and seating to allow flexible use of the space

The completion of these works has enabled the University of Lincoln to open the first teaching spaces for LIDOH – a major new initiative designed to strengthen the dental workforce and improve access to NHS dental care across the county.

The Institute, which received a £1.5 million investment from the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority in 2025 through the UK government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, was formally opened by Dame Andrea Jenkyns, Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, at a launch event attended by NHS leaders, dental professionals, and regional partners.

It will begin delivering new training pathways from September 2026, including a BSc in Dental Hygiene and Therapy.

Lindum Group Co-Chairman Edward Chambers said: “We are delighted to support the University of Lincoln as it expands its healthcare training offer. The installation of specialist dental simulation equipment required careful planning and close collaboration with the University and designers Pick Everard, and it’s fantastic to see the facilities now open and ready for students. This project will play an important role in helping address dental workforce shortages across Lincolnshire.”

The University has signalled its long-term ambition to grow the Institute into a fully-fledged dental school, subject to national approval. Lindum will continue to support the next stages of the refurbishment as the wider programme progresses.

Professor Neal Juster, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, said: “Lincolnshire has long faced serious challenges in access to NHS dentistry. The launch of the Lincolnshire Institute of Dental and Oral Health marks a significant step in growing local capability and building a sustainable dental workforce for the future.

“By working closely with regional partners, we are creating new pathways into dental careers and helping address health inequalities that disproportionately affect rural and coastal communities.”