Peninsula Dental School in Plymouth recently hosted its annual Inter-Professional Engagement (IPE) Symposium, showcasing the impactful community projects delivered by second-year dental and dental therapy and hygiene students.

The IPE modules are an integral core part of the curriculum, introducing students early on in their training to social accountability, community engagement, and the wider determinants of health, including environment, education, and employment. Beginning in the first year, students build skills through a spiralling curriculum, initially engaging in ‘community conversations' with local organisations to understand the challenges faced by different population groups. By the second year, they apply this learning to co-produce meaningful health improvement projects with community partners.

Between September 2025 and March 2026, 12 student groups collaborated with a range of local charities and organisations, including schools, care homes, befriending services, and charities supporting individuals with complex needs. Working directly with over 50 staff and more than 350 community members, students designed and delivered tailored oral health interventions. These included staff training sessions, dental drop-in workshops, interactive activities for children with additional needs, and creative outreach initiatives. In total, 350 oral health packs were distributed.

The 2026 symposium provided students with the opportunity to present and showcase their projects to peers, faculty members, community partners, and an expert panel along with Plymouth City Public Health leaders and this year colleagues from the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland. Presentations covered the full project cycle, including research, planning, delivery, evaluation, and reflection, and demonstrated alignment with the General Dental Council Safe Practitioner Framework.

Feedback highlighted significant benefits for students, including increased confidence, deeper understanding of community needs, and greater empathy.

Ruth Potterton, Module Lead for IPE, said: ‘These modules help students understand the oral health needs of diverse communities and gain valuable experience beyond the clinical setting. Our students recognise how meaningful engagement, and simple conversations can have a lasting impact on oral health outcomes. We are incredibly proud of their work and grateful to our community partners, whose support makes these projects possible.'

The IPE modules continue to play a vital role in developing socially aware, empathetic dental professionals equipped to contribute positively to their patients, healthcare system and the wider community.