Community Dental Services CIC Hosts Free Pop-Up Clinic for Luton’s Children

Partnership with Luton Borough Council

Community Dental Services CIC (CDS) has collaborated with Luton Borough Council to offer a free dental pop-up clinic at the Park Town Family Hub, benefiting nearly 100 local children under the age of 10. This event provided essential oral health advice, guidance on healthy eating, and a ‘lift the lip’ assessment conducted by the dental team. Children identified as needing further dental care were directed to local general dental practitioners or offered appointments with CDS.

Addressing Tooth Decay in Luton

With Luton reporting a higher-than-average incidence of tooth decay among children, this initiative aimed to deliver crucial preventive advice to families. The focus was on promoting key oral health messages and raising awareness about healthy eating, in conjunction with dental assessments. In certain cases, fluoride varnish was applied, serving as an important preventive treatment for many children.

Successful Timing and Engagement

Scheduled during the Easter holidays, the event attracted a significant turnout. Each child received free toothbrushes and toothpaste to take home, reinforcing good dental hygiene practices.

Comments from CDS CEO

Helen Paisley, CEO of CDS, attended the clinic and participated in some assessments. She remarked, “A pop-up clinic like this is a fantastic initiative, and we were delighted to get out of our clinics and into the community. Many children, particularly the ‘Covid Generation,’ have had difficulty accessing dental care regularly. This pop-up clinic allows us to share oral health information, demonstrate toothbrushing techniques in an engaging manner, and conduct simple assessments to determine if treatment is necessary. It also helps children become more comfortable with dental visits, as we know that a lack of acclimatization can lead to increased anxiety when they eventually seek care.”

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Published

30th April 2025

Author

Sophie Turner