A charity providing free dental care to people facing homelessness and hardship has returned to the site of its first clinic to celebrate a decade of service.
Dentaid, the dental charity, first visited Dewsbury in 2015. Since then, it has grown into a national organisation, operating a fleet of mobile dental units that will deliver more than 1,300 outreach clinics this year.
Roy Wake, 54, attended the service on Wednesday. After years of addiction, he said having his teeth treated was a crucial step in rebuilding his life.
Andy Evans, CEO of Dentaid, described returning to Dewsbury as a “fantastic feeling” and “an achievement we are truly proud of.”
The charity’s first clinic was run by local dentist Nick O’Donovan, who opened his practice every Thursday evening to treat people unable to access traditional dental care. The success of this pilot scheme led Dentaid to purchase its first mobile dental unit shortly afterwards.
Positivity And A Lifeline
For patients like Mr Wake, Dentaid’s service is life-changing. Years of drug and alcohol addiction had destroyed most of his teeth, affecting both his confidence and daily life.
“I tend to avoid solid foods. Anything mushy is fine,” he said. “I haven’t eaten peanuts, raw carrots, or anything like that for about five or six years.”
Mr Wake had broken one of his back teeth, causing excruciating pain on bad days. Access to the clinic has given him renewed hope.
“I’m starting to get myself back on my feet. I have a house now, I’ve been in recovery for 18 months, and I’m volunteering at my local hub,” he said.
“Knowing there’s a way forward and feeling the positivity from Dentaid has been amazing. Getting these teeth removed and moving forward—it’s just going to be life-changing.”
Expanding Reach And Sustainability
Wednesday also marked the launch of Dentaid’s new northern hub near Holmfirth. The Southampton-based charity said the hub will allow it to reach more locations while reducing its carbon footprint.
Its 11 eco-friendly mobile dental units run on batteries and solar panels, making them quiet and fume-free, Mr Evans said.
Dentaid provides extractions, fillings, and other treatments to relieve dental pain.
“If someone is already facing difficult circumstances, being able to smile and regain confidence is incredibly important,” Mr Evans said.
“By offering this service, patients know when and where we will be, and they can come along to get the help they need.”