People experiencing homelessness in Camden and Westminster have benefitted from a visiting mobile dental clinic recently.
Launched by the charity Dentaid, in partnership with Bupa Dental Care, the mobile clinic offers free dental treatment for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
The team are working with the Single Homeless Project and The Passage to help reach people at risk of rough sleeping and those who are vulnerably housed.
It’s the first time that Dentaid have offered the service in London, which was in Westminster on Wednesday 3rd and Friday 5th November, and Camden on Thursday 4th.
Andy Evans, Dentaid CEO, explains, “Our mobile clinic means that we can visit shelters, hostels and day centers to help reach people who find it hard to access dental care in a location where they feel safe and comfortable.”
“Sadly, demand for our services has increased significantly since the beginning of the pandemic, and we’re receiving more and more requests for help. We’re delighted to have visited London for the first time with the help of Bupa Dental Care. We’ve been busier than ever this year, having already completed more than 125 clinics across the country since January.”
The three London clinics have been made possible through funding from the Bupa Foundation. They are staffed by clinical and administrative volunteers from Bupa Dental Care, who offer a range of check-ups and treatments, as well as offering toothbrushing and dietary advice, to help people look after their teeth.
Neil Sikka is chief dental officer for Bupa UK Insurance and chair of the Bupa Foundation Dental Community Committee; he said, “This is such an important service and helps us reach those who need our support most. It’s a great opportunity to give something back, and having the skills to help reduce people’s pain and suffering is a privilege. It’s no surprise that our team are so keen to give up their time to help.”
Volunteering is something that is actively supported and encouraged throughout Bupa. All UK employees can request up to three days paid volunteer leave each year to support its official programmes, like Dentaid.
Neil continued: ‘With more than 480 practices across the UK, Bupa Dental Care is in a great position to provide volunteers for the mobile unit. Working together with Dentaid, we hope to visit new locations and help reach more vulnerable people with the care they so desperately need.”