Meet Clover, our new solar-powered mobile dental unit!
We unveiled our new solar-powered mobile dental unit in Northern Ireland this week, giving people experiencing homelessness the chance to see a dentist.
Thanks to funding from Bupa Foundation, the first-of-its-kind lower-emission dental surgery on wheels provided essential care for people experiencing homelessness, supported by Simon Community, Northern Ireland’s largest homelessness charity.
Clinics in Northern Ireland began the week of November 11th with the dental unit visiting Simon Community services in Coleraine, Lisburn, Armagh and Belfast. Volunteer dentists and dental nurses delivered vital care for people who are rough sleeping or vulnerably housed. Treatments included extractions, fillings, scale and polish, oral cancer screenings, and dental health advice.
The vehicle has been specially built to provide us with a smaller, lighter, lower-emission mobile unit ensuring a reduced environmental impact. Instead of using a generator solar panels on the roof power the dental equipment, while batteries charge as the vehicle moves. As a result, the charity will be able to deliver care in rural communities, Central London, and other city centres. All while generating a lower carbon footprint thanks to the vehicle’s compliance with ULEZ and Clean Air Zone standards.
In addition to funding the specially adapted vehicle and lightweight equipment onboard, the Bupa Foundation has also supported Dentaid’s return to Northern Ireland in November and next March.
This new solar-powered mobile dental unit is the 10th in our fleet and is the most cost-effective, versatile, and environmentally friendly dental unit on the road.
“Although our existing charity dental units continue to work incredibly hard for us and we use them to carry out lots of incredible work, like all organisations we are taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint,” said CEO of Dentaid The Dental Charity, Andy Evans. “We’ve had a long-held ambition to return to Northern Ireland but we need to do this with the lowest environmental impact possible. This new vehicle means we can achieve it and we are looking forward to bring dental care to more of the most vulnerable communities in Northern Ireland.”
Anna Russell, Bupa Foundation Director for Bupa Global, India & UK, commented: “We have supported Dentaid The Dental Charity and its wonderful work for many years, providing essential dental care to some of the most vulnerable individuals who may otherwise struggle to access it. That’s why we’re delighted to fund the charity’s first-of-its-kind low emission dental vehicle, to reach even more communities in a sustainable way and support our purpose of helping people live longer, healthier lives and making a better world.”
Mark Allan, General Manager for Bupa Dental Care, added: “Dental professionals play a crucial role in promoting oral health and its wider impact on overall wellbeing. It’s therefore so important that charities like Dentaid get the funding they need and where we can reduce the environmental impact it’s a win-win. I’m delighted that our dental colleagues are volunteering their expertise during the vehicle’s first outing.”
Kirsten Hewitt, Director of Homelessness Services for Simon Community said: “Our partnership with Dentaid is incredibly valuable, as it enables us to provide vital oral care and treatment for clients across our services in Northern Ireland. Oral health is a fundamental part of our overall well-being, yet it’s often inaccessible for those experiencing homelessness. Through working with Dentaid, we are bridging this gap and offering critical care that not only improves physical health but also restores confidence and dignity. The ability to smile without pain or discomfort can be life-changing, and we are immensely grateful for Dentaid’s commitment to providing these vital services.’