What is the service?
A NEW mobile dental service is being launched in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to provide dental care for people experiencing health inequalities ~ The service has been launched by NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight and is being run by Dentaid The Dental Charity for people at risk of social exclusion ~ Charity dental units will be parking outside community centres, public buildings and sports facilities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight ~ Dentists will be providing check-ups and oral cancer screening, oral health advice and emergency care including extractions and fillings ~ Patients who are eligible will receive treatment free of charge with the project funded by NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight to improve accessibility to NHS dentistry ~ The project will run for an 18-month period commencing in February 2024 & the first clinics will take place in Southampton, Havant, Cosham and Portsmouth, followed by the Isle of Wight in March and other areas of Hampshire later in the year ~ The service is to enable communities at the highest risk of social exclusion and poor dental health, to access dental screening, advice and urgent care ~ Appointments are required and must be booked by calling Dentaid The Dental Charity on 023 8001 4450.
Who is it for?
Residents of Hampshire and Isle of Wight who are exempt from NHS charges including children, expectant and new mothers in areas of social deprivation and people on certain benefits ~ families experiencing poverty ~ people at risk of homelessness and social exclusion ~ looked after children ~ refugees and asylum seekers ~ people who access foodbanks and support services provided by charity partners.
The service is for people who experience financial, physical, practical and emotional barriers to accessing dental treatment. It is a service for people who don’t already have a dentist (either private or NHS). Appointments will also be available for emergency cases where Hampshire and Isle of Wight residents are suffering acute pain and have no other access to dental care and call 111.
What will be offered?
Dental check-ups, oral cancer screening and emergency treatment including fillings and extractions ~ Prescribing of antibiotics as required ~ Preventative care for children including fluoride varnish and fissure sealants ~ Dentures for suitable patients ~ Emergency care for eligible patients referred from 111 ~ Oral health advice ~ Referrals to orthodontics, oral surgery, cancer services, sedition and primary care for patients who meet suitability and eligibility criteria ~ Follow up appointments as required.
What won’t be offered?
Treatment for people who turn up without an appointment ~ Treatment for people who already have a dentist either private or NHS ~ Cosmetic procedures such as tooth whitening and veneers ~ Treatment for people who don’t meet the eligibility criteria -they must be referred to the service because they are at risk of health inequalities.
How do people make appointments?
Patients who meet the criteria should call Dentaid The Dental Charity on 023 8001 4450 between 9.30am and 4pm Monday to Friday to make an appointment. Out of these hours they can leave a message and they will be called back to make an appointment
