Dentaid The Dental Charity has launched its Christmas appeal, calling for support to help change lives through dental care this festive season. The charity is raising funds to ensure that rough sleepers, survivors of abuse and families living in poverty can access dental treatment through the cold winter months.

This time of year can be especially tough for people suffering from dental pain who have nowhere to turn. For those experiencing homelessness and vulnerable people who are already facing health inequalities, being unable to access dental treatment can have a detrimental impact on their wellbeing and general health.

Dentaid is fundraising to help more people this winter by providing urgent care and treatments that help its patients feel able to smile with greater confidence. The appeal has got off to a great start thanks to an initial £1000 donation from Working Feedback, the patient feedback system used by dental practices – including Dentaid The Dental Charity.

Dentaid’s mobile dental units travel the UK providing outreach dentistry for people who face practical, emotional, physical and financial barriers to accessing dental care.  Many patients haven’t seen a dentist for years or have experienced long-term pain or damage to their mouths. With the help of volunteer dentists and dental nurses, the charity provides dental treatments whilst being mindful of a patient’s mental health, trauma, addiction and past experiences with the healthcare system. 

Mark, who has experienced homelessness and is a service user of The Lantern Trust in Weymouth said: “I want to go back to work, but I’m scared about going to a job interview because my teeth are so bad. I don’t have the confidence to smile anymore. I’m hoping that Dentaid can help me get my smile back.”

This Christmas, Dentaid The Dental Charity is asking for your donations to help people like Mark and change lives through dental care. With your support they can continue to make a tangible difference to the lives of homeless and vulnerable people this winter.

To find out more or to donate visit https://www.dentaid.org/