Our response to the ‘Unhealthy State of Homelessness’ report

As a dental charity we see the impact of poor oral health on a person’s wellbeing on a daily basis. What we also see are the wider health issues that those experiencing homelessness face and so we welcome Homeless Link’s fourth wave of research on ‘The Unhealthy State of Homelessness 2025’.

In this they break down physical health conditions that have been diagnosed and those that respondents report. Their research shows an ongoing decline in the physical health of people experiencing homelessness. In this wave, for the first time, the most commonly reported physical health condition was ‘dental/teeth problems’, affecting 48% of respondents and a 12% increase from wave three of the research, published in 2022.

As with all aspects of healthcare, this highly vulnerable group often struggle to access mainstream provision, for many reasons and access to dental care is no different.

Many may choose to self-medicate for dental pain and with 72% of respondents to the survey reporting using drugs in the last 12 months and 49% being at high risk of exceeding the Chief Medical Officer’s low-risk guidelines for drinking.  Our concern is how much dental pain may contribute to increased usage and the ongoing effect this has on overall health.

Our model of care allows us to take our mobile dental units to partners who already have relationships with vulnerable groups and provide access to those who are most in need. We prioritise those who are in pain or have other urgent dental needs. The gratitude of those who access the service constantly reminds us of the need for our care.

The report describes so many health challenges that are faced, both physical and mental, which reminds us of the importance of working together in both the short and longer term to combat these inequalities. We will continue to take oral care to where is it needed and help solve a small part of a much larger problem.

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