For fishermen who spend long periods of time at sea, accessing dental care can be a real challenge.  Working irregular hours and moving around the country depending on the fishing seasons can make it difficult to make and keep healthcare appointments.

Dentaid The Dental Charity works with Fisherman’s Mission to take mobile dental services directly to the quayside. We park our mobile dental units so fishermen can see a dentist as they come ashore or before they set out to sea. We also attends Seafit events which bring together other charities and healthcare providers that offer advice and practical support for fishing communities.

This area our work takes us around the British Isles from Jersey to the Isle of Skye and from Cromer to Poole. In addition to emergency treatment, oral cancer screening and advice we also offer our BrightBites oral health programme to families in fishing communities.

Dentaid The Dental Charity also provides dental care for ex-service personnel who need extra support as they readjust to civilian life. Our volunteers provide dental care and oral health programmes for people who have left the armed forces who are at risk of homelessness or unemployment.

“I haven’t seen a dentist since I was 12 and I’ve become so self-conscious about the state of my teeth that I cover my mouth with my hand when I talk to people. I would have liked to go to the dentist but if my appointment was on a good day for fishing I would have to go out to sea otherwise we’d have no money.” Pete a Dentaid patient in Poole.