RACING WELFARE FACILITATES FREE DENTAL APPOINTMENTS FOR RACING STAFF
The first of two mobile dental unit visits to Newmarket has taken place on Wednesday 6th August, giving access to vital free dentistry. Keen to ensure this service was available to, and accessed by the racing community, Racing Welfare volunteered to facilitate two visits of the NHS service, taking on responsibility for arranging all appointments and promoting via their networks.
Racing Welfare arranged for the NHS dental service, delivered by Community Dental Services, to be stationed at the National Horseracing Museum and is supporting its return on 19th August. The initiative is aimed at individuals who have not seen a dentist in the last 12 months and are not currently registered with one. The service offers a chance to be seen by a registered dentist for a check-up or referral, completely free of charge, which the charity recognised as an area of significant need within the local racing community.
A government survey carried out last year revealed that one in four patients who tried to see an NHS dentist in the past two years were unsuccessful. Some rural regions, including parts of Suffolk and Norfolk, have been labelled as ‘dental deserts’, with a very high proportion of people not registered with an NHS dentist due to lack of availability. The initiative is designed to bridge this gap for those who may otherwise go without necessary dental care, potentially leading to more serious oral health problems.
14 appointments were delivered on the first day, with fillings and x-rays completed, as well as several people coming away with antibiotics for infections.
Shona Ferrow, a work rider based in Newmarket, was one person to avail of the service. She said: “It’s a very good service. I’ve not seen a dentist since I moved to Newmarket five years ago because I’ve not able to get into anywhere. I had x-rays done and I’m booked in for another appointment when they’re back again to get a couple of teeth pulled out – I had an accident and had a few teeth smashed and a few crowns knocked out, so I’ve been in a lot of discomfort with them.
“It’s brilliant. Racing Welfare were very good with organising all of the time slots, they accommodate all racing staff very well.”
Regional Welfare Manager Aimee Hockley-Righton said: “We know that access to NHS dental care is a growing concern, particularly in rural areas where many of our beneficiaries live and work. This mobile dental service is a crucial step in helping to remove barriers and ensure the racing community gets the healthcare it needs and we’re proud to have facilitated this support for industry staff and their families for the first time. We’d also like to thank the National Horseracing Museum for kindly hosting the unit on our behalf.
“Having facilitated these two visits, going forward we hope this service will be embedded within the wider community and will continue to promote any future visits to our networks, signposting into the service to help people get the access they need.”
Those interested in finding out how to access the service can call Racing Welfare on 01638 560763.
