Dental organisations come together to provide for the disadvantaged in Blackpool

Funded by Blackpool Council as part of the Horizon alcohol, drug and sexual health support service, the dental health day took place on 1 December. The drive was aimed at helping people who might avoid going for regular check-ups with an NHS dentist, often due to extreme anxiety or out of fear of being judged.

A volunteer dental team from Dentaid, volunteer BADN dental nurses and Horizon volunteers staffed the event. Administrative support was provided by Janet Goodwin, past-president of the Oral Health Foundation, and BADN Chief Executive Pam Swain.

During the course of the day, the team treated over 30 patients and performed 45 treatments on people who would otherwise experience pain on a daily basis. Each patient also received a bag containing information leaflets, a toothbrush, alcohol-free mouthwash and a variety of toothpastes, courtesy of the Oral Health Foundation, which aims to raise awareness of dental self-care.

“We are delighted to support this much needed initiative,” said Swain. “Personally, I am so pleased that a number of BADN members offered their services. It is an excellent way for dental nurses to build up their knowledge of extreme dental cases.”

“I was especially pleased to have been able to offer oral health education to many of the patients and to distribute self-care information to everybody who came along,” Goodwin commented. “Dental care won’t be at the top of the list for people who are street homeless or dealing with addiction issues, but many took the first step today.”

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