CLCH oral health promotion team helps train future dental professionals through community outreach
CLCH’s oral health promotion team is helping to shape the next generation of dental professionals, while at the same time improving oral health awareness among people experiencing homelessness.
Every year, dental therapy and hygiene students from the Eastman Dental Hospital take part in community visits as part of their social responsibility curriculum. CLCH’s oral health promotion team coordinates these sessions, arranging visits with local homeless support centres including the Passage Centre (SW1), Connections at St Martin’s (WC2), and St Augustine’s Church (SW7).
During the most recent visits, students, accompanied by their tutor, engaged with patients in small groups. Supported by the CLCH team, they provided evidence-based oral health advice, guidance on accessing local dental services, and distributed oral hygiene products.
The collaboration offered students valuable hands-on learning, while also ensuring people in vulnerable circumstances received practical support.
One student said: “The experience was overwhelmingly positive. I was able to provide tailored oral health advice in a compassionate and respectful manner. I learned to adapt my communication style to suit each individual, focusing on empathy and practicality rather than clinical jargon. One challenge was addressing oral health concerns in the context of limited access to resources like toothbrushes or regular meals.”
Another added: “It wasn’t just about giving out toothpaste, it was about understanding the deeper systemic issues that keep people from accessing the care and opportunities they deserve. It reminded me that as future healthcare professionals, we have a role to play in recognising these barriers and advocating for more inclusive and supportive systems.”
Simin Rounagh, Clinical Lead for Dental Therapy and Oral Health Promotion at CLCH said: “These visits are a fantastic example of how we can support future dental professionals to develop their skills while making a real difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
“At CLCH, we are committed to tackling health inequalities, and this work directly supports our Trust strategy and the NHS 10-year plan by improving access to care, focusing on prevention, and working in partnership to reduce inequalities in oral health.”
By hosting and facilitating these sessions, the team ensures that students gain a meaningful understanding of the social dimensions of healthcare, while vulnerable communities benefit from oral health support.
