At the Acton Town Dental Practice, principal dentist, Ghassan Al-shaikh Radi is now being recognised for his efforts. Over two years, the 47-year-old dentist has been offering free services to the area’s homeless community.
Originally, the service was designed to offer emergency assistance but has since developed into a community event with many firms around Acton getting involved. Along with free dental check-ups, caterers provide hot meals and local hairdressers volunteer their cutting skills to those who can’t afford them.
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Ghassan commented that along with helping relieve people’s short-term pain, the initiative helps others trying to make a fresh start. Free from the need to worry about their appearance of their teeth, they can focus on a job interview or new relationship.
The British Dental Association advised on the dangers for homeless people in a recent report:
“It cannot be emphasised too strongly that for homeless people, just as for the wider population, oral and dental health is not a luxury, but a basic necessity. Untreated dental disease is likely to bring about acute discomfort, pain and infection.”
The Acton dentist’s practices employ over 70 staff members who take part. While the employees work for free, it costs the business around £1,000 each month.
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