Robertson executive chairman Bill Robertson joined Public Health Minister Shona Robison to meet the first students who will study at the £13m Aberdeen Dental School.

Main contractor Robertson Eastern is currently constructing the educational centre which is due for completion in October 2009.

The new complex will include facilities for radiography, restorative dentistry and consultant orthodontics as well as dental laboratories, student laboratories and office accommodation.

The dental school - a joint venture between NHS Grampian, the University of Aberdeen, the University of Dundee and NHS Education for Scotland - aims to produce 20 fully-qualified dentists every year.

Incentives are also in place to encourage graduates to work with the NHS which will improve access to NHS dentistry for thousands of people across the Northern region.

-- Advertisement --

The first intake of students for the Aberdeen Dental School recently began their studies in an existing building at NHS Grampian’s Foresterhill site, however they will be the first students to move into the facility for the start of their second year in October 2009.

And to mark the start of their training, Bill Robertson and Shona Robison joined staff and students on a tour of the site.

Bill Robertson said: "Robertson has a strong history of delivering healthcare projects in the north-east of Scotland, and this latest partnership with NHS Grampian will see the development of a much needed educational resource.

"We are committed to work with our client and design team to construct the development of a new building, which will offer an integrated model of dental health and educational and training resources in a modern, purpose designed environment.

"This will not only enhance collaboration in training and research, but will also promote continuing professional development among dental professionals."

Robertson Eastern has already delivered the refurbishment and extension of the Aberdeen Dental Institute on the Foresterhill campus in August 2006.

The refurbished Argyll Dental Practice includes four surgeries for dentists employed by NHS Grampian and a further eight-chair outreach centre.

The majority of the new-build provides facilities to train students from the Dundee Dental School. The Dental Education Centre consists of a 70 person lecture, six seminar rooms which have moveable walls to allow conversion into three double-sized seminar rooms, a practical room with 12 phantom heads and all ancillary support accommodation including five offices.

(GK/JM)