A look at the impact of a charity’s new mobile dental unit.
Founded in 1996, Dentaid The Dental Charity has a mission to improve oral health in the UK and overseas. Its mobile dental units travel around England, treating various vulnerable people, including those experiencing homelessness, refugees, people in recovery and other under-served communities who are struggling to access the essential dental care they need.
As well as cultivating a team of volunteer dental professionals, fundraising is crucial to the success of Dentaid’s work. This year, it has a brand-new unit in its fleet, thanks to the efforts of three corporate partners, including the Straumann Group. Following the Straumann Charity Bike ride at the end of last year – where riders cycled an impressive 500 miles over five days – Dentaid was able to invest in its first purpose-built unit, which will help the team continue to change lives in the UK.
Speaking at a Dentaid hub in Eastbourne, East Sussex, Jill Harding, Dentaid’s communications director, said, “What is so wonderful about this lorry is that it was made just for us, it’s our first ever new vehicle that had no miles on the clock! Dentaid is well-established in Eastbourne, working with The Salvation Army, our local host charity. We always have a big queue when people know we are here.
“Our dental teams do things like extractions, fillings and take X-rays. They can talk to the patient about their oral health and how they might be able to look after their teeth and gums. This is about re-engaging people with their health, not just dentistry. It’s also about breaking down barriers. Because we base our mobile units at local hubs and visit places our patients are familiar with, we are going to the people that need us most and giving them an opportunity to seek support in an environment they are more comfortable in. We have regulars who come back because they trust us.
“We really do need more volunteers, though, especially in our new locations. All-new areas for 2023 include Cornwall, Essex (Southend), Hereford, Lancashire and parts of Yorkshire. The commitment level is very flexible, so you can do as much or little as you want, and you will love it! You can find out more on our website.”
Visiting the unit were patients Lee and Admir.
“I’m from Eastbourne, and you can’t get an NHS dentist appointment at all. There is no way I could pay to go private,” said Lee. “I come to this unit a couple of times a year. The dentist sorted dentures for me a while back, which has really helped my confidence. What Dentaid does is brilliant, it’s so nice to know people are willing to give up their own time to help.”
Admir says it has been years since he had the funds to go to a dentist, but it is impossible to get an appointment now anyway. “The last time I had an NHS dentist, because of toothache, they advised an extraction. I said no because I couldn’t afford it. The pain was constant. I couldn’t concentrate, sleep, deal with people, eat hot or cold foods. During covid, my business collapsed, and I thought my only option was to pull the tooth out myself.
“Dentaid was all I had. The dentist extracted the tooth and did a professional job. I’m back because the pain is back, and I’m finding it hard to chew. I know how important oral health is and how it is linked to everything else in the body. I haven’t smiled in years; I just don’t have the confidence. But I know I’ll get the help I need.”
Kyriacos Hajikakou, a recently retired dentist who volunteers for Dentaid, said, “Helping people like Lee and Admir and getting them out of pain is so rewarding. Patients really feel they have no one else to turn to. They just want someone to care about them and to be treated with dignity. Volunteering like this can push you outside of your comfort zone as a dentist, but it is definitely worth it!”
Dental nurse Christina Neal added, “The biggest challenge we face is the limit on what we can do. However, small changes make a massive difference. It is absolutely incredible to see how grateful these patients are for even the simplest of procedures we perform. I often feel that we don’t warrant their thanks but I’m so happy to have helped in some way.”
Andy Evans, CEO of Dentaid, was keen to make the point that many of those who access its service would not feel comfortable going to an NHS practice, even if an appointment was available to them. Andy said, “There is a big fear about being judged, for whatever reason. They prefer coming to see us. We do all we can to put them at ease. With more volunteers and fundraising, we’ll be able to support even more vulnerable people in the UK.”
Sarah Gardiner, events and education courses manager for Straumann UK, said, “I’m so happy and proud to see such a fantastic result for our fundraising efforts with the new unit. Long may Dentaid continue its life-transforming work in supporting vulnerable people and