Dentaid At HARP - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Dentaid At HARP – HARP has Hosted a Mobile Dental Clinic in Partnership with Dentaid to Support Local People Facing Homelessness.

Dentaid At HARP - HARP has Hosted a Mobile Dental Clinic in Partnership with Dentaid to Support Local People Facing Homelessness.

HARP has Hosted a Mobile Dental Clinic in Partnership with Dentaid to Support Local People Facing Homelessness.

Local homelessness charity HARP welcomed the Dentaid mobile dental unit to The Bradbury Day Centre on Wednesday 16th April, providing free emergency dental care and oral health advice to people facing homelessness and other challenges.

Dentaid, a UK-based charity, delivers vital dental services to people experiencing homelessness, poverty, harm and abuse. Their mobile dental units travel across the country to reach those who might otherwise struggle to access care.

At the Southend clinic, patients received support for a range of dental needs, including extractions, fillings, and general oral health guidance.

Ria Wickham, Dentaid Clinical Supervisor, said: “We’re here for four hours and can typically see up to eight patients in that time.

“Many of the people we see haven’t had access to dental care for a long time. They may be unable to register with a general practice due to discrimination or because their lives are too chaotic to attend regular appointments.

“By bringing the service to them, we’re removing those barriers.”

The Southend clinic is part of a broader partnership involving Dentaid and Southend Council, with the mobile dental van also visiting local projects like One Love and SVP on a weekly basis.

The van used in Southend was generously donated by the Straumann Group, and Dentaid relies entirely on donations and the goodwill of volunteer dentists and nurses to run their outreach services.

Tanvi Bagtharia, an associate dentist based in Benfleet, joined the Southend team for her first day of volunteering with Dentaid.

She said: “I’ve been qualified for five years and I’m currently studying for a master’s in Implantology. I’ve seen other dentists getting involved with Dentaid and really wanted to give back to the community.

“I’m excited to be here and help however I can.”

Ms Bagtharia was joined by her colleague, dental nurse Rebecca Robertson, also volunteering for the first time. She said: “It’s amazing how well-equipped the van is.

“Tanvi mentioned the opportunity and I jumped at the chance, it’s rewarding to be part of something that makes a real difference.”

Also supporting the day’s clinic were Shane de Carteret, who oversees the setup and running of the vehicle and draws on his background in youth homelessness to reassure and support patients.

“It went really well,” said Natalie Carey, Front of House and Facilities Coordinator at The Bradbury Centre. “Many of our rough sleepers have serious dental issues like abscesses, and normally all we can do is signpost them to the hospital, where they face long waiting times.

“It’s been amazing to have Dentaid on site, and we’re hopeful they’ll return soon.”

For more information about HARP’s work or to find out how to support the charity, visit www.harpsouthend.org.uk

Picture: Dentaid clinic at The Bradbury.

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