UK’s first mobile dentistry service is launched
The first UK’s first mobile dentistry service is being billed as the saviour of the country’s poor oral health system.
DentalXpress uses a fleet of multi-clinic-room portable dental units to improve access to dental treatments in underserved areas across Britain.
These temporary clinics will be placed in a Primary Care Trust (PCT) area for four to six weeks before moving onto another area and will then return four to six weeks later.
The idea for DentalXpress came about to remedy NHS dentistry shortfalls. As little as 58.3 per cent of the UK were able to access an NHS dentist between March 2007 and March 2009.
Amarjit Gill, DentalXpress spokesman, said PCTs had started to buy into the DentalXpress scheme as the situation was only going to get worse for NHS dentistry due to a growing need and budget cuts.
NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland has already introduced DentalXpress’s services and the company is currently negotiating with six other PCTs.
DentalXpress has committed to reinvest 75 per cent of its profits to delivering NHS dentistry and into expanding its services.
It is also looking at ways into expanding its services to schools, the army, carehomes and other priority groups.
The mobile clinics have all the regular amenities found at static dental practices. They contain a waiting area, four private treatment rooms, disabled toilets and even a staff room. They are staffed by three dentists, dental nurses and a receptionist and booking appoints can be made via a freephone number.
Join this Discussion