A NEW doorstep dental service in Worcestershire is helping older people ensure their teeth are in tip top condition.

The mobile dental unit, funded by NHS Worcester-shire, was launched in November 2010.

It is now fully operational, serving nearly 50 care homes across the county.

The specialised unit provides a full range of dental care, from cleaning teeth to work on root canals.

The trust’s dental commissioning manager, Nigel Crew, said: “Nearly one per cent of Worcestershire’s ageing population now live in a care or residential home.

“NHS Worcestershire has invested in this new high quality, mobile dental service to serve the needs of this growing segment of the population.

“We are delighted we have already received positive feedback about the service from our patients.

"We know access to NHS dentistry is important to people in Worcestershire and we are continuing to invest to expand provision.”

Dr Imran Wadee, from Gentle Dental Surgery in London Road, Worcester, runs the service and has already treated more than 250 care home residents across the county.

He said: “Regular dental examinations for older people are vital in order to ensure that any oral diseases are caught in the early stages.

"We hope that by taking this new mobile dental service to care homes across the county and we will be able to help people in the county’s care homes take care of their oral health.”

Residents of Dunley Hall and Ryans Court in Stourport-on-Severn received a visit from the mobile dental van. Care home manager Lizzie Flood said: “This is an absolute essential service for meeting the needs of older people who reside in a care home environment.

"It will allow our residents to be supported by familiar staff when accessing the service.”

To find an NHS dentist, call 01905 760111 or visit getmeadentist.com

For more information on the mobile dental service, email nigel.crew@worcestershire.nhs.uk