Gosport leader welcomes new mobile dental service

A new mobile dental service will provide much-needed dental care for those most in need in Gosport.

It will help new and expectant mothers, children, people on low incomes and benefits, and people at risk of homelessness and social exclusion. The free dental service is available across Hampshire and will target areas at highest risk of poor dental health.

It is funded by NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight for 18 months in a partnership with dental charity, Dentaid, to alleviate pressure on existing dental services and increase access to care for those facing difficult circumstances.

It will begin providing dental care in Gosport later this month, with mobile clinics initially delivered from Lawrence Square, and other locations expected to be added in the coming months.

Gosport Borough Council Leader Cllr Peter Chegwyn said: "This is very good news for Gosport and those currently struggling to find or afford dental care. The national crisis in NHS dentistry is having a big impact on people living locally, where there is a chronic shortage of available dentists. So we welcome this new service for those most in need across Hampshire, and we continue to work with Dentaid to find more locations for providing this service to Gosport residents."

Eligible patients will be invited to make appointments to see the onboard dentist. The dentist will provide check-ups and oral cancer screening, oral health advice and emergency care including extractions and fillings. All treatment will be free of charge.

Simon Cooper, Director of Pharmacy, Optometry and Dentistry at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: "We are really pleased to be funding this project and partnering with Dentaid The Dental Charity on this innovative approach to provide dentistry for those who need it most. Since we took on the responsibility for dentistry last year, we have been looking at ways we can ensure better access to NHS dental care for everyone living in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

"By targeting dental care at those living in more deprived communities, we will reach those with the highest risk of poor dental quality. We can then focus further investment on other patients who are currently unable to access an NHS dentist."

The service is for eligible Hampshire and Isle of Wight residents who don't already have a dentist, and appointments are essential. If you are eligible, call Dentaid The Dental Charity on 023 8001 4450 to make an appointment.

Published 6 March 2024