Dental charity launches new surgery on wheels

A dental charity has launched a new mobile surgery for "vulnerable" people, including those experiencing homelessness, poverty, and abuse.

Dentaid's new County Durham-based hub will provide advice and treatments to vulnerable people across the North East of England.

It hosted its first series of clinics at the South Tyneside Adult Recovery Service, which supports people recovering from alcohol or drug addiction.

Dentaid CEO Andy Evans said: "The need for dental services in the North East has never been higher and we know many people living in this area are facing major challenges in being able to access them."

Dentistry will be performed for free by volunteer dentists outside their working hours.

Patients have to be registered with a partner charity to be eligible for the care.

The charity, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, runs 12 hubs across the UK and visits places such as homeless shelters, hostels and women's refuges.

Service user Clint Casey, who received treatment this week, said it "went really well" and he felt "really pleased" he attended, adding: "I was in two minds about it."

He said he "stopped looking after" his teeth during the coronavirus lockdowns but had "nowhere to go" to see a dentist.

"I'd advise people to come, it's a real confidence boost because your teeth are something you use all the time - not just for eating, but for smiling," he said.

Clinical supervisor for the North East Christina Parkinson said the area was "struggling", with many dentists not taking on new patients and emergency dental care services "stretched".

She said people who had suffered with addiction generally had more dental problems due to changes in their lifestyle and diet.

"I think it does make a massive difference, giving them their smiles back," she said.

"They want to get their confidence back, and that's what we're here to help with - and they're all so grateful and appreciative."

Communications officer Ryan Burrows said some patients had not seen a dentist in "decades".

"Obviously, it shouldn't have to be this way, we want to get out there and ensure the people falling through the gaps don't have to feel that way anymore."

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