Dentaid has taken the top prize in the Healthcare and Medical Research category at this year’s Charity Awards.
It won the prestigious award for its work providing outreach dental care for people experiencing homelessness.
With four mobile dental units, the charity travels the UK with volunteers. It offers dental checks and treatment for some of the most vulnerable communities.
‘Aspirational work’
In addition to helping people experiencing homelessness, Dentaid provides outreach dental services for head and neck cancer patients, fishing communities, refugees, retired service personnel and victims of domestic violence.
Since the pandemic, demand for Dentaid’s services has dramatically increased. This year the charity will run around 400 UK clinics. The charity also plans to grow its vehicles and establish regional hubs.
Dentaid was presented with the trophy at a ceremony at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on Thursday 16 June. Judges praised Dentaid for its ‘aspirational work that was making a huge difference’.
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Amazing volunteers
‘It is such an honour to win this award,’ said Dentaid CEO, Andy Evans.
‘It’s testament to the hard work and generosity of our amazing volunteers, supporters and everyone who’s been part of our journey over the last 26 years. The need for our work is greater than ever, with more people experiencing homelessness struggling to access dental care. By helping them out of dental pain and increasing their confidence we can help them to move on to a new chapter in their lives.
‘Winning this award is recognition of what we have achieved so far but it will also help us to grow and develop so we can help more people in the future.’
Matt Nolan is chief executive of Civil Society Media, which organises the Charity Awards. He congratulated Dentaid on their accolade.
‘The standard of entries this year was as high as ever, despite the challenges that the sector has faced during the pandemic,’ he said.
‘So Dentaid should be very proud to have won their category. Their programme has delivered great results.’
