A new £1 million fund will launch a mobile dental unit to deliver essential care to rough sleepers and other vulnerable groups.
The scheme, led by the mydentist Foundation, aims to reach more than 850 people in its first year across the UK by visiting hostels, community centres, family hubs, refuges, and soup kitchens.
The unit will provide a full range of dental services, including fillings, extractions, oral cancer screenings, and X-rays.
The mobile clinic will begin operations in October and will be staffed by volunteer dentists and dental nurses.
Mobile dental unit will visit hostels, refuges and community centres
Nilesh Pandya, chief executive officer of mydentist, said: "While many people take access to a dentist for granted, those facing complex challenges such as addiction, homelessness and poor health, getting the care they need can be incredibly difficult, often leading to years of untreated pain and deteriorating oral health.
"The findings also highlighted a lack of understanding around some of the less visible challenges people can face when trying to attend regular dental appointments."
The £1 million launch is a partnership between mydentist, the UK’s largest dental operator, and Dentaid, The Dental Charity.
It follows a study of 2,000 adults, which found that four in 10 people were unaware of the dental care challenges faced by vulnerable groups, such as women at risk and survivors of abuse.
More than half (53%) of respondents said they were "surprised" to learn that thousands of disadvantaged individuals rely on outreach services and charitable dental care.
The study also revealed that the public sees serious consequences for those unable to access routine dental care.
Tooth loss (66%), ongoing pain (64%), and difficulty eating and drinking (58%) were the most commonly cited concerns.
More than half (54%) believed that a lack of dental care could lead to worsening physical health, while 51% said it could lower confidence and self-esteem.
Social isolation was another concern, identified by 33% of respondents.
When asked which groups should be prioritised for dental support, 59% highlighted families living below the poverty line, followed by elderly people living alone (53%) and individuals experiencing homelessness (44%).
Four in 10 respondents said the UK Government should take responsibility for addressing these barriers.
When it comes to solutions, 52% of those surveyed said lower treatment costs would have the biggest impact on improving access.
A further 46% supported the introduction of more NHS appointments and mobile dental clinics were each supported by 46%.
Additional suggestions included community outreach programmes (27%), clearer information about available support (26%), and specialist services (20%).
The study also found overwhelming agreement (91%) that everyone in the UK should have access to dental care, regardless of their circumstances.
Mr Pandya said: "Through our new foundation and partnership with Dentaid, we're committed to helping vulnerable and underserved communities access the treatment they need and deserve.
"By supporting outreach services, we hope to help tackle oral health inequalities and reach people who might otherwise go without care.
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"We will also support talented people from different walks of life to pursue careers within dentistry, including financial support, mentoring and development opportunities."
The mydentist Foundation will also fund professional pathways for aspiring dental professionals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
This will include a dental scholarship scheme to support students through their Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) qualification, as well as apprenticeships for dental nurses who want to become hygienists and therapists.
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