Oral health

People who are homeless face challenges in getting dental care and maintaining good oral hygiene.

Common challenges include:

• limited access to dental care -  even if a homeless person is registered with a dentist, they will need to show they receive Universal Credit to be eligible for free treatment
• poor nutrition - eating a poor diet can affect teeth and gums and reduce a person's ability to chew and eat
• lack of oral hygiene products - good oral hygiene is hard to maintain without regular use of a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss
• substance misuse - can have negative effects on oral health (particularly methamphetamine, cocaine and opioids)
• mental health issues - depression and anxiety can make it feel difficult to maintain good oral hygiene.

These can have a big impact on oral health. It can lead to dental problems such as cavities, gum disease and tooth loss.

Dental treatment for homeless people

You can access NHS dental care even if you have do not have a fixed address.

Dentists do not need proof of identity, proof of address or proof of immigration status.

Dental practices cannot turn you down for NHS treatment on the grounds of dental condition or protected characteristics.

You are eligible for free treatement and subscriptions if you can show they receive Universal Credit.

Mobile dental unit

If you're homeless or recovering from addiction you can get a referral to a mobile dental unit run by Dentaid.

If you're a friend or organisation you can also help a homeless person by referring them.

For referrals, email tracey.vickers@nhs.net or call 07762 948 344.

Treatment is free of charge and includes:

• dental checks
• fillings
• extractions
• antibiotics
• pain relief.

The mobile dental unit does not offer treatment under general anaesthetic, dentures or implants. If you need this type of dental treatment you'll be referred to a dentist.

If you're a dentist treating a homeless person

Dentists need to keep in mind that a homeless person may not be able to manage a long-term treatment plan. It’s important to meet the person's immediate need, especially if that is pain relief.

You should tailor oral health advice and supply hygiene aids whenever possible. For example, you do not need running water to brush your teeth.

Make sure staff understand the eligibility criteria for homeless people who want to access dental care.

How to promote good oral health if you work with the homeless 

If you're an organisation working with homeless people, you can help improve their oral health.

For example, you can:

• help them get a toothbrush and toothpaste
• encourage them to use your bathroom facilities to brush their teeth
• help them get registered at a dentist
• remind them about dentist appointments
• go to dentist appointments with them if possible. This will help make sure they get there on time and complete forms correctly.

A homeless person's contact details may be subject to change if they're living in sheltered accommodation. Consider if your organisation could be an address they can pick up post from.