Abstract
Background: In 2022 an oral health survey carried out on adults experiencing severe multiple disadvantage (SMD) and/or homelessness in the East Midlands found a DMFT of 13.5 and 55% of participants reported having dental pain at the time of the survey. This demonstrated a need to provide dental services for the homeless/SMD population in the East Midlands.
Objectives: To establish a 12-month pilot to provide dental services for the SMD/homeless population in the East Midlands using a mobile dental van.
Method: Community Dental Services (CDS) Community Interest Company (CIC), in conjunction with East Midlands Primary Care Team identified community outreach settings where services were being provided for the homeless/SMD population and had enough space to accommodate a dental van. The rationale for locating the van in these settings was to reduce failure to attend rates and allow easy access for drop-in appointments. A patient pathway was established where the homeless/SMD setting would identify suitable patients and book the first appointment and CDS-CIC would book any follow up dental appointments. Full courses of treatment (excluding band 3 items) and urgent care would be provided. Patient feedback would be collected for the purposes of evaluating the project. A combination of pre booked and drop-in appointments would be available. Ethical approval was not required.
Results: The pilot started in June 2023. For two days each month the mobile van visits locations where services for the homeless/ SMD population are provided, in the East Midlands. The mobile van contains a fully equipped dental surgery, x-ray facilities, sterilisation equipment and a hoist to enable the dental team to carry out a full range of dental treatment.
Conclusion: The service aims to provide a positive dental experience for the homeless/SMD population by providing services in a trusted location via the use of a mobile dental van.
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