People experiencing homelessness

For people experiencing homelessness, looking after their oral health is just one of many challenges they face in their daily lives.

Research shows 90% of people who are rough sleeping or vulnerably housed have had issues with their mouth health since becoming homeless.  Seven in ten have reported losing teeth while homeless, and at any time 30% of people experiencing homelessness are suffering untreated dental pain.¹

Some patients who come to Dentaid have suffered damage to their teeth through issues with diet, addiction, violence or abuse.  We often see people experiencing chronic tooth pain who use recreational drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism.

Simply getting and keeping a dental appointment can be hugely difficult for rough sleepers and many of those we support have chaotic lifestyles with competing priorities in their lives.

We take our mobile dental units to hostels, night shelters and emergency accommodation across the UK to offer screening, advice and dental care. By offering a regular service of help and support to patients, we can help to improve their dental health and general wellbeing.

Many of those we see have anxieties about their oral health which have affected their self-esteem and prevented them from coming forward for support. We aim to be compassionate in the way that work with those experiencing homelessness, allowing them to talk with our clinicians about their oral health and making sure they get the treatment they need in a supportive environment.

We often hear that our patients have been able to seek further support, access housing, find employment or re-engage with family, and that improved oral health has helped them in their journey.