This week marks a significant milestone for Dentaid The Dental Charity’s ninth mobile dental unit, affectionately known as Lottie, as it reaches its 50th clinic. The mobile dental surgery, supported by The Health Lottery, will be visiting a service for people experiencing homelessness in Exeter on its 50th outing for the charity.
Since its launch in June 2024, Lottie has travelled across the country, providing essential dental care to vulnerable communities in towns and cities including Weston Super Mare, Winchester, Kingston Upon Thames, Rotherham, Weymouth, Hastings, York, Salisbury, Trowbridge, Chippenham, Bradford and the Isle of Wight.
The mobile dental clinic enables volunteer clinicians to deliver life-changing dental services for those at risk of health inequalities including people experiencing homelessness, survivors of abuse, cancer patients and people affected by addiction. Volunteer dentists and dental nurses on-board Lottie offer treatments ranging from oral cancer screenings to extractions, scale and polish and dental health advice.
Jill Harding, Head of fundraising and communications at Dentaid The Dental Charity, commented: “Lottie has made an incredible impact in such a short time. Reaching 50 clinics is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our volunteer dentists and nurses, and we couldn’t be prouder of the difference this mobile unit is making to people’s lives.”
This milestone clinic in Exeter will be no different. By providing care for people experiencing homelessness, dentists on-board Lottie continue to address the severe oral health challenges faced by those at risk of social exclusion. Studies show that 70 per cent of people experiencing homelessness suffer from toothache, and 15 per cent have attempted to extract their own teeth due to lack of access to care.
The Health Lottery’s support has helped Dentaid The Dental Charity to repair, restore and equip Lottie. As a result, the charity has expanded its fleet of mobile dental units to meet the growing demand for services, ensuring that communities across Great Britain receive the care they need. Carly Troullis from The Health Lottery said: “We’re thrilled to see Lottie reach this important milestone and are honoured to support Dentaid The Dental Charity in their mission to bring essential dental care to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.”
For more information on Dentaid The Dental Charity and its mobile dental clinics, or to learn how you can get involved, please visit www.dentaid.org and learn more about The Health Lottery at healthlottery.co.uk.
