Dental care for veterans
Homelessness is a major social issue that plagues most developed countries, and the United Kingdom is no exception. Homelessness can affect anyone, but there is a particularly vulnerable group that may be overlooked: the UK army veterans who struggle to access dental treatment.
To fully understand why these veterans are struggling, it’s essential to look at the unique challenges they face. First, UK army veterans may have limited access to dental care services, primarily if they suffer from mental health disorders, physical disabilities or drug addiction. As a result, they may be unable to get to a dentist to treat infected teeth, gum disease or other dental problems that ultimately lead to more severe health issues.
Additionally, homeless UK army veterans may not have the necessary paperwork or proof of identification required to make appointments, especially if they’re living on the streets. Dental care services generally require a fixed address and other documentation to confirm income or benefits, such as the National Health Service (NHS) card or a GP referral letter.
Besides, dental appointments tend to be scheduled during regular working hours, and homeless veterans don’t often have the luxury of taking time off their survival activities to attend these appointments. They may have to choose between seeking food, shelter or medical care, and often the choice will be an obvious one.
Homeless UK army veterans also face other obstacles that make dental care more difficult to access. The dental treatment and procedures may often be too expensive to afford, and the cost of transport to move around from one location to another may not come cheap. They might have to spend a considerable portion of their money on daily survival than dental care.
It is for these reasons that Alan Wright and Colin Gaylor approached dental charity Den-Tech for help. They were passionate about in setting up a service to provide this much needed help to our homeless and struggling veterans.
After speaking to Alan and Colin the Den-Tech Trustee board were very keen to help this incredibly important group of UK citizens and subsequently set up their ‘Vets Bite Back’ project.
The Vets Bite Back project to date has facilitated over £35,000 worth of dental treatment for our UK veterans alone and there is still such an incredible amount of work yet to do and this can only be accomplished with the help and support of the UK public and especially the veteran community who understand exactly the struggles their fellow veterans are battling.
Our Project Lead is Alan Wright: alan.wright@den-tech.org
Jaqcui’s Story
“I was referred to Den-Techs Vets Bite Back project by Colin and Tracey from the Southampton Veterans Trust as I am a Veteran, and I was in so much pain and discomfort from previous dentures as they did not fit properly. I had sores around the gums, felt very conscious in smiling.
I have been both blown away and fortunate when I was taken on by one of Den-Tech’s volunteer dental clinics called Smilekind. They have gone over and above with what they have done for me, such care and attention to fit me with a lovely top set dentures. I feel more comfortable in smiling, can chew my food better.
If it wasn’t for this service for Veterans I would still be in pain, have further discomfort, Lack confidence especially with smiling.
I was medically retired from my job after 26 yrs and would not have been able to afford this service. So Thank you.
The staff at Smilekind reduced my anxiety and fear of dentists as over the years I dreaded going.
Without Den-Techs Vets Bite Back we would be at a great loss, but they need the funding to help people like me who are less fortunate.”
I am a Veteran, and I was in quite a bit of and discomfort from previous dentures as they did not fit properly and kept falling out. This made me very conscious especially when eating.
Barbara’s Story
“I have been extremely fortunate when I was referred to Den-Tech Vets Bite Back by Southampton Veterans Trust and then seen by one of their volunteer dental clinics called Solutions Dental. I am so pleased with what they have done for me, such care and attention to detail to fit me with a top set dentures. I can chew and eat my food better and can smile.
I was medically retired after 21 years service in the British Army and I’m really grateful. So thank you to the staff at Solutions Dental, Den-Tech Vets Bite Back and Southampton Veterans Trust.”