Hampshire and Isle of Wight free dental care to combat health inequalities

The project aims to alleviate pressure on existing dental services

A new mobile dental service has been launched for under-served communities.

NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight has partnered with Dentaid the Dental Charity to help those who normally struggle to get dental care.

The scheme will provide clinics across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for 18 months.

It aims to alleviate pressure on existing dental services and increase access to care for those facing difficult circumstances.

Dental units will park outside community centres, public buildings and sports facilities across the two counties.

Patients including families experiencing poverty, people at risk of homelessness, children and new and expectant mothers, in areas at the highest risk of poor dental health, will be able to make appointments.

Andy Evans, CEO of Dentaid, said the partnership would allow the charity to reach new communities

Andy Evans, chief executive of Dentaid, said: "By taking charity dental units into communities where our patients can use other support services, we are helping to break down some of the barriers people face when it comes to seeing a dentist."

He added the "pioneering partnership" with the NHS would allow the charity to reach new communities, giving "thousands more Hampshire and Isle of Wight residents who face health inequalities the opportunity to access care".

The first clinics will take place in Southampton, Havant, Cosham and Portsmouth followed by the Isle of Wight in March, and other areas of Hampshire later in the year. All appointments will be free of charge.

Simon Cooper, director of pharmacy, optometry and dentistry at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board, said: "By targeting dental care at those living in more deprived communities, we will reach those with the highest risk of poor dental quality."

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