John – volunteer dentist
After contributing to the NHS for more than 35 years, I sold my dental practice, but within six months I found that I missed using my professional skills and interacting with the staff and patients. However, I still wanted time to travel and pursue other interests, and I find working with Dentaid in the UK as a volunteer dentist fulfils this need.
It is very easy to book clinics ahead to fit in with these interests and so I have plenty of time for everything else. Around 10 clinics a year stops me becoming rusty!
What I really enjoy about volunteering for Dentaid is getting to know the patients, hearing their stories and sensing their gratitude. I feel I am helping them in my own way. The Dentaid team and the nurses who volunteer are all very friendly and passionate about their dentistry.
I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived at my first Dentaid clinic in the town centre of Weston-Super-Mare, but the mobile unit was well-organised, and the patients were all nice.
The mobile unit is very similar to a normal dental surgery. It is a little bit like camping and the dentistry is quite basic, but within those parameters I feel I have back up and have all the equipment I need.
Nearly two years after I first started, I still find that each clinic I do is different with a wide range of patients and particular needs. I have seen asylum seekers, ex-drug addicts, homeless people and fishermen who are all trying to get on in their lives. As they are all suffering dental problems, at least I can help them in their lives with this.
I would definitely encourage other people to have a go at volunteering for Dentaid. It is sometimes good to try a new thing. Get out of your silo and push the envelope. You might like it!