90% of people experiencing homelessness have oral health issues. Recognising a critical gap in dental care, Dr Neil Sikka, our Director of Dentistry, and his team have embarked on a mission to bring dental care to those in need. By partnering with Dentaid The Dental Charity, whose mission is to improve oral health globally, they're making healthcare more accessible and supporting people experiencing homelessness, one smile at a time. 

Neil and his team's goals are to:

• Improve the oral health of people experiencing homelessness
• Offer dental care to people who have limited access to primary healthcare
• Raise awareness about the importance of dental health
• Foster a sense of community and support for vulnerable groups
• Provide opportunities for Bupa volunteers to use their skills to improve the lives of others

With the support of our Bupa Foundation, our team has donated a solar-powered, ULEZ-compliant mobile dental unit to Dentaid The Dental Charity, ensuring we continue to provide healthcare in a sustainable way. The Bupa Foundation is a charity dedicated to creating healthier communities by running and funding projects that improve both people and planet health.

Since the campaign started, Neil reports seeing significant improvements. Patients have quoted the support as “life-changing,” with one specific patient saying, "He was not used to having people care for him and it made him feel like a prince."

Neil’s advice for those looking to implement similar initiatives:

• Understand the community's needs
• Build strong partnerships
• Be adaptable
• Prioritise compassion and respect

He keeps his team motivated and engaged by sharing success stories, providing volunteer opportunities, and celebrating the contributions of volunteers.

The future looks bright for this initiative. Plans include expanding to more locations, increasing the frequency of clinics, incorporating more comprehensive dental services, and advocating for policy changes to improve access to dental care for people with limited access to primary healthcare.

"We invite everyone to join us in making health happen. Your support can help us reach more people in need and provide essential dental care. Together, we can create healthier, happier communities. Please consider volunteering, donating, or spreading the word about our initiative," - Neil Sikka, Director of Dentistry.

Find out more about Dentaid The Dental Charity here: https://www.dentaid.org/volunteer-in-the-uk/