Dental nurses play ‘tooth fairy’ to homeless
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- Published: Wednesday, 28 January 2015 07:48
- Written by News Editor
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A team of dental nurses and dentists gave up time during the Christmas festivities to provide free dental treatment to the homeless. From 23-29 December, the group provided treatment around London inside four mobile surgery units lent by various community dental services, using sterilisation equipment provided by Henry Schein.
The volunteers for Crisis at Christmas were kept busy as they tended to the oral health needs of people living on the streets taken in and cared for by the charity. And, as a goodwill gesture, Dental Protection invited the dental nurses to take advantage of its indemnity provision so they could work alongside fellow volunteer dentists and dental hygienists/therapists.
First-time volunteer, dental nurse, Egle Valeikaite, said: ‘Volunteering with Crisis Christmas was one of the most memorable things I have ever done. I saw pain disappear and grateful faces appear and, rather than spending my money and going ahead with consumerism trends, I spent my time at service to others. In exchange, I received the greatest gift of all – a true Christmas spirit.’
During the time:
- 393 patients were seen by the team
- 217 patients received oral hygiene instruction
- 118 patients received a preventative fluoride varnish application
- 213 scales and polishes were performed
- 218 permanent fillings were placed
- 109 teeth were extracted
For further information about volunteering with Crisis at Christmas, visit www.crisis.org.uk/pages/dental-servicevolunteer.html
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