Yorkshire street dentists provide care for the homeless

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A group of Yorkshire dentists is bringing smiles to people on the streets by providing free dental care.

Nafiza Jamil is a member of a team of dentists based in the Leeds area, which is providing care to homeless people who have no hope of getting a dental appointment. When you’re struggling to keep a roof over your head or buy a hot meal, items many of us deem essential, such as toothpaste and toothbrushes, become a luxury that few can afford. Nafiza books a day off work every six weeks or so and spends the time helping the homeless along with dental nurse, Naomi, from Dentaid, and a dental hygienist.

Nafiza and her fellow volunteers visit locations like The Crypt in Leeds and a soup kitchen in York, arming themselves with dental supplies and equipment. At the soup kitchen, where sessions tend to run in the evening, Jamila will typically see up to six patients. During the day sessions, which take place at The Crypt, she may see up to 15.

Many of the people Nafiza sees suffer from extensive dental health problems, which are exacerbated by a poor diet, a lack of oral hygiene and alcohol and drug abuse. Dental pain is incredibly common, and many people get into a habit of taking drugs or drinking to numb the pain caused by infections or widespread decay and gum disease.

Daniel Casey is one of many homeless people who have benefited from the kindness and clinical skills of the team. He was sleeping rough for eight months before he found a hostel, and suffered from horrendous toothache. Daniel visited one of the mobile clinics staffed by volunteers and had three teeth extracted and a series of fillings. He said that he would never have been able to see a dentist, but them coming to him made it possible to get the treatment he needed. That time in the dental chair made a huge difference and enabled Daniel to live life without any pain.

Nafiza believes that the street dental scheme is really making a positive difference, but admits that there is a long way to go to cater for the demand for treatment.

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