Cornwall-based Smile Together’s newly refurbished mobile dental unit is back on the road. The employee-owned dental CIC and certified B Corporation is once again delivering much-needed NHS dental treatment directly to communities.
Commissioned by NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB), this unique service is the only one of its kind in the South West and the first commissioned mobile dental unit in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
The mobile unit offers NHS dental examinations, treatment and urgent care by appointment, alongside oral health advice and oral health packs containing toothbrushes, toothpaste and emergency contact information.
Sarah Andrews, Practice Manager at Smile Together Dental CIC, said: “Our team sees first-hand the difference this service makes. From fishermen who’ve gone years without dental care, to veterans with complex oral health issues linked to their service, to individuals waiting patiently for an NHS dentist, we’re bringing care directly to those who need it most.”
This mobile dental unit is appointment-only, and Smile Together is making direct contact with eligible individuals from:
- Fishing communities, in partnership with the Fishermen’s Mission, tackling the unique challenges fishermen face in accessing regular dental care.
- Veterans, in collaboration with Veterans Regroup, many of whom experience long-standing oral health issues related to their time in service.
- Patients on the NHS dental waiting list—particularly children—who are being invited to book appointments when the van visits their area.
David Bustin, Commercial Manager at Smile Together Dental CIC, said: “We’ve been commissioned to provide services to fishermen, veterans and children from the NHS waiting list, so we’re making direct contact with those groups and delivering care from accessible locations. We’ve previously targeted the fishing community through our award-winning Smiles at Sea campaign, and we’re proud to now continue that work in even more places. We’re also working with Humphry Davy School in Penzance to identify children without a dentist. The mobile unit visited the school directly, and we’ve already seen more than 30 children, getting them out of pain and delivering essential treatment. People know how difficult it is to get an NHS dentist, so it’s fantastic to bring this kind of service directly into the heart of the community.”
This mobile service is just one of the ways Smile Together works with NHS partners to improve oral health across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. As a Community Interest Company, Smile Together reinvests its profits into community dental initiatives such as Smarter Smiles, oral health programmes in schools, and bespoke care for vulnerable groups.
“This is what we’re all about, bringing NHS dentistry to those who need it most, removing barriers to care, and helping communities smile with confidence again,” added Sarah Andrews.
For more information about Smile Together and the impact they are having on Cornish communities see their website https://smiletogether.co.uk/ or by following them on Instagram @SmileTogether_UK
