Local MP Alan Mak visited a mobile dental unit to see how it's helping people across the Havant Constituency facing health inequalities.
He was greeted by Andy Evans, CEO of Dentaid The Dental Charity, and went on board the unit in Civic Centre Road car park.
Mr Mak spoke to dentist Vasilica Grapa, dental nurse Emma Simmons and patients who were being treated.
The scheme, run in partnership between Dentaid and NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, means people on low incomes and receiving certain benefits, pregnant women and new mothers, children, people experiencing homelessness, and those supported by partner charities can receive free dental care.
Patients who believe they meet the eligibility criteria for the service can request to make an appointment by calling 023 8001 4450.
More than 13,000 patients attended outreach services on Dentaid’s mobile dental units last year.
In Havant alone, the scheme has seen more than 1,000 patients since February 2024, providing more than 7,000 treatments including extractions, fillings, oral health advice, head and neck cancer checks and support with dentures.
The unit also visits Leigh Park, while Dentaid is looking into providing the service on Hayling Island following a request from Mr Mak as part of his wider campaign to increase dental services in the Havant Constituency for local people.
Mr Mak said: "I’ve been campaigning for more dental services in our area for many years. It was great to go on board Dentaid's mobile dental unit in Havant and hear directly from the dentist and dental nurse about how they can support people in real need of treatment.
"Providing care to those who are not registered at a dental practice can be extremely challenging and it's great the mobile unit do just that, directly in the community.
"I'll continue working with the NHS on improving local dental services and ensuring that more people can be seen by a dentist."
