Denplan has partnered with charity Dentaid to improve access to oral healthcare for those most in need around the UK.
The Simplyhealth-owned provider’s investment means Dentaid can create and safeguard up to 25 mobile outreach clinics for homeless and vulnerable people across the UK.
Denplan will also be supporting an extension to Dentaid’s BrightBites, an scheme which teaches children about the importance of looking after their teeth, to develop education materials for pre-school aged children and their parents or carers.
Catherine Rutland, clinical director of Denplan, said: “I know the huge difference Dentaid’s mobile clinics make to the clients they treat; people who otherwise may not have the opportunity to see a dentist.
“I’m so pleased that through our support the charity can provide an additional 25 clinics that will specifically target the most vulnerable in our society enabling them to access the oral healthcare they need.
“I’m also pleased that Denplan is supporting the BrightBites early years oral health programme because we know that ensuring a child has the best start to their dental care can have a significant influence on their oral health for life.
“As dentists, we’re also very aware of the high levels of dental issues in children and know we shouldn’t underestimate the importance of teaching children about good oral health at the earliest opportunity.”
Andy Evans, CEO of Dentaid, thanked Denplan, noting the charity will be able to send mobile units to new locations where volunteers will provide dental treatments for people experiencing homelessness.
“We’ll also be able to help other hard-to-reach groups who are living with the misery of untreated toothache. Since the pandemic, demand for our work has soared and our help is needed more than ever,” Evans said.
“Furthermore, we’ll be able to work with Denplan to develop our BrightBites oral health education programme for early years.
“Sadly, a quarter of children have dental decay by the time they start school, with children in areas of higher deprivation more likely to be suffering.
“Through our contacts and charity partners we plan to teach children and their families about the importance of dental health to improve their chances of having a healthy smile.”