University of Portsmouth dentist recognised for ‘life-changing’ scheme for homeless people
A dentist from the University of Portsmouth has been recognised for her work on a ‘life-changing’ oral health initiative, which has made an incredible difference to homeless people in the city.
Janani Sivabalan, a clinical teaching fellow at the university, was awarded the prize for Best Local Oral Health Initiative in the South at the FMC Clinical Dentistry Awards in September. The awards ceremony took place at London’s Royal Garden Hotel.
The award was presented to Miss Sivabalan in recognition of her impact on the local community after launching a new dental clinic for homeless people in December 2021. A team of volunteers, including staff and students, provides a wide range of dental services to local people who don’t have a fixed address. The walk-in clinics are part of the dental school’s outreach programme, which plays a crucial role in helping the local population to access dental care.
The walk-in clinics for the homeless have been described as ‘life-changing,’ ‘a godsend’ and ‘a lifeline’ by people who have used them. In addition to offering access to dental services, volunteers from the Dental Academy joined forces with volunteers from the university’s Eye Clinic to provide eyecare services.
Speaking about the award, Miss Sivabalan said that she was “extremely grateful and proud.” The work undertaken by the academy and the Eye Clinic has made a real difference to homeless people in the city, she added, and it has been a valuable and rewarding experience for staff and students involved.
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