A NEW mobile dental unit has opened its doors to Solihull residents.
The unit, which was funded by Solihull Hospital Charity, was launched at Kingshurst Primary School on World Oral Health Day – March 20 – for the Solihull Hospital Community Dental Team.
The team visits primary schools around the Solihull borough to ensure children from all backgrounds have access to the best dental care possible.
Going to the dentist can often make people feel anxious and this can be due to the unnerving experience we have as children.
The hospital charity wanted to change this and help children view the dentist differently, making it less daunting and significantly improving their oral hygiene. The unit includes the best dental equipment and has been designed to suit the needs of children with learning difficulties, as well as being wheelchair friendly.
It is bright and colourful to make it feel less clinical and help children feel more comfortable when coming to their appointments.
The van also includes additional features and sensory equipment such as a ceiling projector which helps to distract children who may be feeling stressed or anxious about visiting the dentist.
These sensory items help calm the young patients and are particularly beneficial for children with more complex needs, such as children on the autistic spectrum.
Nicki Williams, principal dental nurse for the Solihull Community Dental Team, said: “We are extremely grateful to Solihull Hospital Charity for providing us with the fantastic new dental unit.
“It has enabled us to continue visiting children in the Solihull borough and ensure they receive the dental care they need. The additional features make a huge difference and help children feel less anxious and afraid about dental care and really encourages a positive relationship with the dentist from a young age.”
For many children across Solihull, access to dental surgeries can often be difficult and for children with complex needs, access to treatment can be even harder. The team says this unit has made a difference to the local community, bringing dental advice, examinations and treatments to children in primary schools within the borough, including the most deprived areas.
Acting headteacher at Kingshurst Primary School, Shelley Mitchell said: “Our children enjoy visiting the dental van, it eliminates the fear and anxiety often associated with visiting the dentist as it is onsite.
“The dental team have become familiar faces in school, and this provides welcomed reassurance to both children and their families. We are really grateful to UHB Charity and the trust for providing this service at Kingshurst and can see the positive impact it has for our children and families.”
