Maidstone: Charity launches dental van to help vulnerable

The mobile dental unit will make its first official stop in Maidstone

A new mobile dental unit has taken to the road, offering care and advice to people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable groups.

The new bus, run by dental charity Dentaid, arrived earlier at Trinity, a community hub in Maidstone.

About 10-12 patients, who have been referred by Trinity, will be seen by local volunteer dentists and nurses.

The charity's chief executive, Andy Evans, said: "Untreated toothache is miserable.

"But for people experiencing homelessness, poverty and abuse, not being able to access dental services can have a huge impact on their wellbeing."

The unit will offer oral cancer screening and preventative treatments in addition to extractions and fillings

The charity, which started its outreach work in 2015, now has seven mobile units that travel the UK.

The new vehicle, funded by Maidstone company Septodont, will travel across East Sussex, Essex and Kent, to hostels, soup kitchens and community centres run by Dentaid's charity partners.

As well as those experiencing homelessness, its patients will include survivors of abuse, refugees and people recovering from addiction.

The unit will also visit fishing ports and quays so people working unpredictable hours have the chance to see a dentist.

Dentaid head of communications Jill Harding said: "We see a lot of people who need emergency pain relief. We see others who need help with their self-esteem, people on a journey.

"Many people want to move on to the next stage of their lives and your smile is the first thing people see. So, we help them to feel more confident."

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