Dentaid mobile unit treats 130 patients in Dewsbury
A mobile dental unit provided by the charity, Dentaid, has provided treatment for more than 130 patients in Dewsbury.
The unit, which was staffed by volunteer dental professionals, hosted four clinics in the West Yorkshire town. The initiative was launched to target people who are not registered with an NHS dentist and provide care for those who cannot afford to see a dentist.
Recently, the dental van visited Dewsbury Moor Children’s Centre and Thornhill Lees Community Centre, providing 135 people with services ranging from routine check-ups and fillings to extractions.
The team, which comprised volunteers from Thornhill Dental Surgery, removed a total of 26 teeth and filled 24 teeth over the course of the four clinic sessions. Dentists also provided free oral cancer screening and oral hygiene advice.
The clinics were funded by Kirklees Council in partnership with Dentaid. The relationship began last year, when the charity visited the area to provide treatment for people who were struggling to see a dentist. Building on the success of last year’s mobile clinics, councillors supported further events and funding was provided by the Dewsbury and Mirfield New Homes Bonus.
Kirklees council cabinet member for health and social care, Cllr Musarrat Khan, said that the clinics are a symbol of continued commitment to improving oral health services in the area. Rates of decay in Kirklees are significantly higher than the national average, and access to NHS dental treatment is relatively poor, meaning that a large number of people aren’t registered with a dentist. The Dentaid partnership is helping to fill gaps and enable more people who aren’t on a list to get the treatment they need.
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