Dan’s story

“I became homeless due to family problems. I didn’t want to sleep on the streets so I got a tent and someone donated me an Army sleeping bag which keeps me warm even in the winter. I lived in a tent for seven years. I’ve been coming to Seaview in Hastings for about five years. They helped me find a flat – it’s a new start in a new location. I know I can move on and have a different type of life. One part of that is getting my teeth sorted out. I was embarrassed to smile. I’ve had fillings in three of my front teeth and they look really good now. I’ve got some more that need fillings and some roots that need to be taken out too. In total I’ll have seven roots taken out and lots of fillings – it’s good Dentaid comes here regularly because my teeth were a mess. When I get my smile back, I’ll get my confidence back. Everybody likes a smile. People say to me “I miss your smile” because I don’t show my teeth when I smile any more – but I will do when my teeth are fixed.”