Thoughts on the Pathways from Homelessness Conference 2026

While we often present and exhibit on the work we do at dental conferences, being given the opportunity to expand outside of dentistry and talk to different healthcare and support groups about our work is a privilege. Yet, as well as a privilege it is an important opportunity for us to dispel the thought that ‘they just do teeth’. 

This years Pathways from Homelessness conference was an opportunity to share the work we do, and also to listen and learn. Listening to those who have lived experience of homelessness and the challenges they have faced is a strong reminder of how important it is for us to be aware of running our service with a constant focus to ease any barriers faced. 

As with all sections of the community, dentistry is part of a wider solution in healthcare. It is not ‘just about teeth’, it spreads far wider. Systems need to be designed with this in mind. Dentistry should not be an afterthought as the implications, and cost, both to people’s lives and fiscally, can be significant.

Repeatedly, we hear from our partners that for many marginalised groups that we care for, they have little trust in healthcare and subsequently low engagement and delayed diagnoses. When the average life expectancy of homeless people, according to the Office of National Statistics is 45 for a male and 43 for a female, any earlier engagement with healthcare could be life altering. 

 If we form part of a wider package of support, our work can create a level of trust in healthcare professionals that gives confidence for patients to engage with other support. Our partners reference this often and hearing this is a constant reminder for us to share what we see and hear. 

Talking to like-minded delegates, either through our presentation or in conversations throughout the conference, shows that we still have a long way to go to ensure this is at the fore of wider healthcare planning.  

By Dr Catherine Rutland, Head of Clinical and Policy, Dentaid The Dental Charity