A 2021 survey on adult oral health in England revealed that while 66% of adults rated their oral health as good or very good, and 63% regularly visited a dentist for check-ups, significant inequalities in both oral health outcomes and access to dental care persist across the UK. These gaps are especially pronounced in rural areas, where NHS dental services are often scarce, leaving residents with limited access to essential care. The situation is particularly dire in Wiltshire, which faces these challenges due to its rural landscape.
Furthermore, people living in disadvantaged areas are more likely to suffer from poor oral health. Vulnerable groups, such as those struggling with substance use or homelessness, face even greater barriers to accessing care. Individuals with substance use issues, for example, tend to experience more severe dental problems yet are less likely to seek treatment. Similarly, people experiencing homelessness often have unmet oral health needs that significantly impact their overall quality of life.
In response to these disparities, Wiltshire Council has launched a mobile dental outreach programme aimed at increasing access to care for those most in need. The initiative seeks to address several key issues:
Enhance access to dental care for vulnerable residents, including those dealing with substance use, rough sleeping, or the threat of homelessness.
Promote oral health education and encourage better dental hygiene habits among the community.
Provide a reliable, well-attended mobile dental service tailored to the needs of socially excluded groups in the region.
The Pilot Programme
The Wiltshire Council Public Health Team has commissioned a dental provider to run a pilot scheme of 18 mobile dental clinics throughout 2024. These clinics will offer a variety of treatments, including:
- Oral health assessments
- Cancer screenings
- Oral hygiene instruction
- X-rays
- Fillings
- Tooth extractions
- Fissure sealants
- Fluoride varnish applications
- Scale and polish
- Referrals for ongoing care
The 18 clinics will be held across three locations: Trowbridge, Chippenham, and Salisbury. Each location will host six clinics, primarily at supported accommodation sites for individuals at risk of homelessness. These sites also serve as drop-in centres for people experiencing rough sleeping. This strategic choice of locations is designed to directly reach those facing complex challenges, ensuring they have access to the care they need.
Through this initiative, Wiltshire Council hopes to bridge the gap in dental care access for vulnerable groups, improving both their oral health and overall well-being.
