Dentaid comes to rescue – in Dewsbury
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- Published: Monday, 21 December 2015 07:48
- Written by News Editor
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The first 'pay what you feel' dentist scheme in England has launched in Dewsbury, which has been chosen as the pilot for international charity Dentaid, who want to help improve the dental care of people in need in the area. Dewsbury Dental Centre will see homeless people, migrants, low wage workers and vulnerable adults who are suffering pain. Patients can pay whatever they can afford.
The anti-food poverty group The Real Junk Food Project is collaborating with the charity’s founders. Paul Burr from the project, got the idea after realising that some people who go to the project’s twice weekly pay as you feel cafes were in need of dental treatment. He said: “Many of our customers either cannot get to any NHS dentist or are unable to register with one – therefore this service is vitally import to them. We see hungry people arriving at our cafés and sessions but it’s difficult to enjoy the food if they are suffering awful toothache which also affects their well-being and morale.”
Dentaid strategic director Andy Evans said: “Over the last 20 years we have worked in 70 countries but now we have identified a need in the UK among people who cannot access emergency NHS dentistry and are suffering pain. Therefore, to find a partner like The Real Junk Food Project Dewsbury gives us a fantastic opportunity to help people in this country in addition to our work overseas.”
BBC News reported on Claire Skipper, 29, who pulled out her own tooth after she could not afford the public transport to an emergency clinic in Bradford, according to Dentaid. She said: "My dad was also suffering toothache so we arranged to meet in my garden shed at 3 in the morning, drank whisky and pulled our teeth out with pliers. My dad managed to get his out but mine broke - the pain was indescribable. It took me another week to see an emergency dentist who removed what was left. I can't afford more than £30 a month to go on a private care plan - sometimes we don't have enough money for the electricity meter."
Kathryn Hilliam, Head of Co-Commissioning at NHS England in Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "In Claire's case, she unable to get to the appointment as it was not local to her. We are currently looking at ways to ensure patients are offered routine and urgent care near to their homes where possible."
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