New mobile dental unit to offer vital services to vulnerable people in Taunton
Charity Dentaid partners with TePe to improve dental care access in Somerset
A new mobile dental unit is set to make its debut in Taunton, providing essential dental care to individuals experiencing homelessness. The initiative comes from the charity Dentaid and is in collaboration with oral care brand TePe.
The mobile unit, known as "Freya," will engage with people at Taunton's Arc Inspire charity for its first clinic, aiming to remove barriers to dental access for those in vulnerable situations.
This unit joins Dentaid's fleet of mobile dental surgeries, enhancing the charity's capacity to bring dental care to places like hostels, women's refuges, and community centres around the UK.
Volunteer dental professionals provide treatments and oral health advice to individuals who face difficulties accessing traditional dental services due to their complex living situations.
Chris Czyrko, General Manager at TePe UK, highlighted the company's dedication to oral health and stressed the importance of the collaboration in tackling inequalities in access to dental services.
Czyrko said, "TePe are committed to supporting oral health care and having the opportunity to work with companies or charities such as Dentaid, who are committed to providing support to more vulnerable communities who may not have access to dental care."
Miranda Pascucci, Head of Clinical Education and Dental Therapist at TePe UK, echoed the sentiment and emphasised the importance of preventative care and education while sharing her insights from 25 years with the NHS.
Common oral health issues such as dental decay and gum disease are prevalent among vulnerable communities, Pascucci explained, pointing out how integration with mobile units could provide tailored and effective treatment programs directly within communities.
The mobile dental unit is expected to perform as many as 150 visits per year, providing crucial care and education to around 1,200 patients annually.
Both Czyrko and Pascucci encouraged other dental practices to consider partnering with charities like Dentaid, which heavily relies on volunteers to operate these mobile clinics effectively.
More information can be found by visiting Dentaid's website and exploring volunteer opportunities.