Students help to improve dental care for homeless

Dental students from Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry have been working with residents from a local project providing housing and support for homeless Armed Forces Veterans.

Ten students visited residents at the veterans’ home run by South West charity Alabaré Christian Care & Support recently, to get their input on a pack they are producing aimed at improving the dental health of people living on the streets or in homeless hostels.

Dental care is often a problem for people who are homeless or on very low incomes, in terms of affordability and having regular access to washing facilities, and many people in hostels report feeling embarrassed about their teeth.  The students were able to give Alabaré’s residents advice on brushing and caring for their teeth correctly, as well as getting some useful feedback on the packs they are developing and learning about the practical realities of living rough.

Robert Witton, Clinical Lead in Social Engagement and Community-based Dentistry and Consultant in Dental Public Health at Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, said:  “Our students thoroughly enjoyed working with the veterans on this community engagement project, which is one of a number of special study units designed to give students invaluable experience of working with different groups in the community.

"They were given a unique insight and the contribution of residents and staff was invaluable to their understanding of the barriers facing those falling on hard times.

"The veterans were integral to the project which has since involved the development of a free dental essentials pack that we hope to be able to issue to many homeless individuals. We are very grateful that our students have had the opportunity to work with such a fantastic group of people and thankful for the hospitality that they were shown during their visits."

The veterans agreed that the students had helped to give them the confidence to seek professional dental care in the future.