Dentaid and Salvation Army Partner to Deliver Free Dental Services

Key Takeaways:

• Dentaid provided free dental treatment at The Salvation Army in Leigh-On-Sea.
• Ten individuals received care in a mobile clinic aimed at those facing financial hardship.
• Southend-on-Sea City Council funded the initiative and assisted with NHS dentist registration.
• The Salvation Army plans to host Dentaid again in autumn, expanding services to local schools.

Addressing Dental Care Gaps in the Community

UK: A recent collaboration between charity Dentaid and The Salvation Army brought much-needed dental care to Leigh-On-Sea, offering free treatment to individuals experiencing financial challenges or difficulty accessing NHS dentists. The clinic was held in a mobile unit stationed in The Salvation Army’s car park, funded by Southend-on-Sea City Council (SSCC).

Ten people were treated during the event, including families from Smiley Pre-School, which operates at The Salvation Army’s church and charity facilities. After receiving treatment, patients were offered assistance by a council representative to register with a local NHS dentist, ensuring continuity of care.

Major Robert Davis, who leads The Salvation Army in Leigh-On-Sea alongside Captain Clare Davis, expressed pride in supporting the community through this initiative. “When we were offered Dentaid, we jumped at the chance,” he said. Highlighting the impact of the service, Robert added, “I spoke to a mum who had been in pain for some time and couldn’t find an NHS dentist. Thanks to Dentaid, she got the treatment she needed which was a huge relief.”

Overcoming Barriers to Accessible Dental Care

The partnership between Dentaid and The Salvation Army aims to address barriers faced by vulnerable populations when seeking dental care. Jill Harding, head of fundraising at Dentaid, noted that health inequalities often create physical, practical, and emotional obstacles for those in need.

“By taking a charity dental service to partners such as The Salvation Army, we can provide dental care in an environment where people feel supported and comfortable,” Jill explained. She emphasized the role of volunteer dentists and dental nurses, as well as Dentaid staff, in delivering this care.

In addition to providing treatment, the initiative seeks to raise awareness about oral health. “This service is provided by volunteer dentists and dental nurses with Dentaid staff, and the results are transformative,” Jill stated. “We can also increase awareness of oral health, which can help our patients move on to a new chapter in their lives.”

Local Council Supports Efforts to Improve Oral Health

Councillor Laurie Burton, SSCC Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and SEND, highlighted the importance of accessible dental care for overall wellbeing. “Good oral health is vital for overall wellbeing, yet too many vulnerable residents struggle to access dental care,” Councillor Burton remarked.

The council’s decision to fund Dentaid underscores its commitment to addressing gaps in healthcare provision. “By securing funding for Dentaid, we’ve helped deliver essential treatment to those most in need and ensured they have a pathway to continued care with local NHS dentists,” Councillor Burton added.

Future Plans for Expanded Outreach

The success of the recent clinic has paved the way for future collaborations. The Salvation Army plans to partner with Dentaid again in the autumn, extending their outreach to include appointments for students at local schools. This expansion reflects a shared goal of improving access to dental care for underserved groups.

For Major Robert Davis, the initiative represents an opportunity to serve the community in a meaningful way. “It was a privilege to be able to support the community in a different way,” he said, emphasizing the value of partnerships in addressing healthcare disparities.

Through these efforts, Dentaid, The Salvation Army, and Southend-on-Sea City Council are working together to ensure that vulnerable residents receive the support they need to improve their oral health and overall quality of life.