Community Dental Services CIC (CDS) partnered with the Over 50s Black Men (O5BM) Forum to deliver a community oral health session aimed at improving oral health awareness and preventative health knowledge among older Black men in Luton.
Held at the Luton Co-op Social Club on Stockingstone Road, the event brought the community together with oral health professionals for an evening of education, health screening and practical advice aimed at tackling oral health inequalities. The collaboration between the O5BM Forum and CDS was shaped by feedback gathered from O5BM Forum members ahead of the event, which identified key areas of interest including oral cancer awareness, oral hygiene and support for tooth loss and dentures.
Interactive health stations allowed participants to receive personalised advice and learn more about the connection between oral health and wider physical wellbeing with CDS clinicians discussing the links between oral disease, diabetes, cardiovascular health and healthy aging.
Chidi Umeano, Partnership & Engagement Lead for the O5BM Forum said: “Many of our members have told us about the difficulties they face obtaining reliable information about oral health. Working with Community Dental Services has enabled us to bring expert support directly into the community and help people take positive steps towards better oral and overall health.”
Glen Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, CDS said: “Prevention and early intervention are central to improving oral health outcomes. It was a delight to work with the Over 50s Black Men Forum to provide accessible information, screening opportunities and practical guidance that can help people maintain a healthy mouth and improve their wellbeing.”
Through surveys, blood pressure measuring and finger-prick blood glucose measurements, the event also provided an opportunity to better understand the oral health needs of older Black men in Luton and explore future community outreach initiatives that support preventative healthcare and reduce barriers to accessing services.
