Bulletin of Dental Education Article

Despite the nearly 5,000-mile distance between the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine (PNWU SDM) and the University of Plymouth’s Peninsula Dental School, located in the United Kingdom, both institutions recognize that the oral health challenges facing patients are strikingly similar. To address these challenges, PNWU and Peninsula Dental School are excited to announce a new articulation agreement aimed at transforming dental education and improving oral health outcomes in the Pacific Northwest. 

“The Peninsula Dental School’s innovative model of clinical education and strong community engagement aligns perfectly with PNWU’s mission to serve our region’s health care needs,” said Fotinos Panagakos, D.M.D., Ph.D., Founding Dean of PNWU SDM. “This partnership will not only enhance the educational journey of our students but also empower them to make a tangible impact on oral health in their communities.” 

The articulation agreement allows qualified students from PNWU’s SDM to benefit from the Peninsula Dental School’s extensive experience in producing highly skilled dental practitioners. With state-of-the-art facilities and a strong commitment to social awareness, the Peninsula Dental School serves over 10,000 National Health Service (NHS) patients, with students treating patients hosted by the community-based Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise. The award-winning Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise has a mission to improve oral health in rural and coastal communities across the South West of England. 

“Our collaboration with the Peninsula Dental School represents a unique opportunity for PNWU students to learn from a pioneering institution that shares our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in health care,” said Wayne Miller, Ph.D., PNWU Acting President. “This agreement will equip our students with additional innovative insights that are critical for addressing oral health disparities in the Pacific Northwest.” 

Both institutions are dedicated to supporting diverse student populations and promoting socioeconomic mobility. With a focus on inclusivity and a commitment to fostering the next generation of dental professionals, this partnership aims to enhance diversity within the dental workforce, ultimately benefiting underserved communities across the Pacific Northwest.  

Under this agreement, PNWU SDM faculty and students will have the opportunity to participate in exchange programs, workshops and collaborative research initiatives with their peers at the University of Plymouth Peninsula Dental School, gaining valuable insights into global best practices in dental education and patient care. 

“We share an investment in the future of oral health in often underserved communities,” said Ewen McColl, B.D.S., Head of Peninsula Dental School. “The challenges facing our communities are complex. This partnership represents a significant step toward ensuring those communities have access to the care they need, and that dedicated students have access to educational resources capable of making them leaders in our communities and the field of dentistry.” 

About PNWU 

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) was established in 2005 by community leaders in Washington’s Yakima Valley. The university is dedicated to addressing the health care needs of rural and underserved communities throughout the Pacific Northwest.  

PNWU’s Yakima, WA, campus features a range of health sciences programs, including the nationally ranked College of Osteopathic Medicine, School of Occupational Therapy, School of Physical Therapy, Master of Arts in Medical Sciences program and the new School of Dental Medicine, launching in fall 2025. 

About University of Plymouth’s Peninsula Dental School 

The Peninsula Dental School is committed to outstanding clinical education, strong social engagement and world-class research. The school was recently awarded the Times Higher Education award for Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community, described as the Oscars for further education. Similarly, the Dental School has topped the Guardian League table for UK Dentistry the last two years.  

With a close relationship with Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (Clinical Placement Provider) and a focus on producing highly skilled dental practitioners, the school serves as a hub for innovation in dental training and community care, recognized for its dedication to equality, diversity and inclusion. 

Courtesy of Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences

Published on November 13, 2024