Dental nurses play ‘tooth fairy’ to homeless

Crisis at ChristmasA team of dental nurses gave up time during the festivities last month to provide free dental treatment to the homeless.

The volunteers for Crisis at Christmas were kept busy as they tended to the oral health needs of people living on the streets taken in and cared for by the charity.

From 23-29 December, the group provided treatment around London inside four mobile surgery units lent by various community dental services, using sterilisation equipment provided by Henry Schein.

And, as a goodwill gesture, Dental Protection invited the dental nurses to take advantage of its indemnity provision so they could work alongside fellow volunteer dentists and dental hygienists/therapists.

First-time volunteer, dental nurse, Egle Valeikaite, said: ‘Volunteering with Crisis at Christmas was one of the most memorable things I have ever done.

‘I saw pain disappear and grateful faces appear and, rather than spending my money and going ahead with consumerism trends, I spent my time at service to others.

‘In exchange, I received the greatest gift of all – a true Christmas spirit.’

For further information about volunteering with Crisis at Christmas, visit www.crisis.org.uk/pages/dental-servicevolunteer.html.

Number crunching

  • 393 patients were seen by the team
  • 217 patients received oral hygiene instruction
  • 118 patients received a preventative fluoride varnish application
  • 213 scales and polishes were performed
  • 218 permanent fillings were placed
  • 109 teeth were extracted.
Favorite
Get the most out of your membership by subscribing to Dentistry CPD
  • Access 600+ hours of verified CPD courses
  • Includes all GDC recommended topics
  • Powerful CPD tracking tools included
Register for webinar
Share
Add to calendar