The volunteers for Crisis at Christmas were kept busy as they tended to the oral health needs of people living on the streets that have been taken in and cared for by the charity.
From 23-29 December, the group provided treatment around London inside four mobile surgery units lent by various community dental services. They used sterilisation equipment provided by Henry Schein.
As a goodwill gesture Dental Protection invited the dental nurses to take advantage of its indemnity provision. This meant that they could work alongside fellow volunteer dentists and dental hygienists/therapists.
First time volunteer, dental nurse Egle Valeikaite, said: ‘Volunteering with Crisis Christmas was one of the most memorable things I have ever done. I saw pain disappear and grateful faces appear. Rather than spending my money and going along with consumerist trends I spent my time serving others. In exchange, I received the greatest gift of all – a true Christmas spirit.’
For further information about volunteering with Crisis at Christmas, visit www.crisis.org.uk/pages/dental-servicevolunteer.html