Dentaid’s newest charity dental unit makes maiden journey
Dentaid the Dental Charity’s 11th charity dental unit is on the road – thanks to funds raised by the Straumann Charity Bike Ride.
Our mobile dental surgery on wheels, named “Manny”, officially launched at Crawley Open House on June 18th, where volunteer dentists and dental nurses provided essential care for people experiencing homelessness near Straumann’s head office.
The charity dental unit has been supported by funds raised through last year’s cycling challenge which saw almost 50 cyclists – including Dentaid CEO, Andy Evans – riding the length of Portugal in the space of five days.
Their hard work, riding 746 kilometres in hot, sweltering weather conditions raised more than £80,000 for Dentaid.
Manny will be used to deliver dental clinics around the country for communities where people experiencing homelessness, poverty or abuse struggle to access dental care.
Thanks to funds raised from the bike ride we’ve been able to completely overhaul and rebuild the vehicle and surgery to provide a modern dental clinic on wheels. Teams onboard will offer a full range of emergency treatments and oral health programmes
Andy Evans, CEO of Dentaid the Dental Charity, said:
“The Straumann Charity Bike Ride is an incredible event that’s brilliantly organised and well run, providing Straumann’s team and customers with a real cycling challenge. Pedalling from the top to toe of Portugal was hard work but an unforgettable experience. The physical effort everyone put in and the funds they raised will help to support so many people experiencing homelessness, abuse and other health inequalities who are in need of dental care long into the future.”
“Giving back to the community is at the heart of what we do at Straumann, and supporting Dentaid’s incredible work is a cause we care deeply about,” added Sarah Gardiner, Education and Events Manager at Straumann Group.
“Seeing the impact this mobile dental unit will have—especially for those who face barriers accessing vital dental care—is both humbling and inspiring. Our team poured their hearts into the charity bike ride, and it’s an honour to know that effort is now transforming lives.
“We’re proud to stand alongside Dentaid in helping bring dignity, relief and smiles to those who need it most.”
Ian Wilkins, Head of Fundraising and Relationships at Crawley Open House said: “We are thrilled to be a part of launching this new Dentaid unit. One of the most anticipated times of the month for us is when the Dentaid unit visits, and several of our hostel residents and day visitors can get to see a dentist.
“Many of them have pretty much given up ever seeing one due to their current circumstances, and we are so grateful to Dentaid and Straumann for partnering with us to dignify them with this vital service.”
This isn’t the first time that cyclists from Straumann have taken on a major challenge in support of Dentaid. In 2022 a team of more than 50 riders completed a 500-mile, coast to coast journey across Spain. Money raised from that journey helped to fund our first ever custom-made charity dental unit which has provided care for hundreds of the most vulnerable people in our communities.