New dental service opens at Peterborough medical centre to serve groups with historic poor access to care
A new dental service has opened at Thistlemoor Medical Centre in Peterborough.
The Thistlemoor Smiles Dental Unit has been designed to provide a novel model of care specifically designed to reach the most vulnerable populations in the Thistlemoor community.
The unit has been designed to bring preventive and accessible dental care directly into a trusted general practice setting, helping to break down the social, cultural, and linguistic barriers that often prevent patients from accessing early and routine dental support.
Dr Neil Modha, GP Partner at Thistlemoor Medical Centre, said: “This is not just a dental unit - it is a new way of thinking about healthcare. By integrating medical and dental teams, we can identify at-risk patients earlier, intervene sooner, and support families who would otherwise slip through the cracks. It’s prevention, access, and trust, all working together.”
Using population health insights, the Thistlemoor Smiles team will focus on groups who historically experience poor dental access, including children and families at high risk of decay, newly arrived communities, and individuals with long-term conditions linked to oral health outcomes.
Pam Green, Neighbourhood Director, Place and Partnerships - Cambridge and Peterborough, at Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: “We are striving to ensure that NHS services work best for local people with innovative ways that improve access, particularly for those furthest from dental care.
"This new dental unit provides an exciting, new service that brings dental care into the community, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment, with a primary focus on tackling health inequalities.
"Co-locating with primary care gives a unique advantage in delivering a new model of care which supports the most vulnerable and builds stronger, more connected communities.”
The new dental unit will be led by Dr Raja Akhtar, Clinical Lead for Dental Services, supported by a skilled wider dental team including dental hygienists and dental therapists. These professionals will play a key role in delivering preventive treatments, periodontal care, oral health education, and minimally invasive procedures tailored to patient needs.
Dr Raja Akhtar said: “Oral health is an essential part of overall wellbeing. By working side by side with the medical team, and supported by our excellent hygienists and therapists, we can improve access, deliver preventive care at scale, and ensure patients receive the right treatment at the right time.”
Andrew Pakes MP for Peterborough, said, "In Peterborough we believe that every family — regardless of background or circumstance — deserves access to high-quality healthcare. The launch of the Thistlemoor Smiles Dental Unit is exactly the kind of community-driven investment that ensures no one is left behind. By embedding dental and medical services under one roof and reaching out to those who struggle most, we are not only improving oral health but strengthening the whole fabric of care. This initiative shows that when we prioritise prevention, inclusion and equity, we build a healthier, fairer future for everyone in our city."
Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: "Peterborough is in urgent need of more dental capacity, and it is brilliant to see this plan come to fruition. I first spoke with Dr Modha about his vision when I was our local MP. To see this now come to fruition is fantastic. Well done to everyone at Thistlemoor for making this vision a reality. "
The unit opened on December 8 and will begin welcoming patients identified through Thistlemoor’s population health management (PHM) approach, with plans to expand access over time and serve as a national model for integrated care.