New Weekend Dental Clinics Give Homeless People a Reason to Smile Again
By Community Correspondent
HomelessNest.org launches SASSY initiative to provide free essential dental care for people experiencing homelessness.
A registered charity supporting people who are homeless or vulnerably housed has launched a new weekend dental initiative aimed at tackling the often-overlooked oral health crisis facing some of the country’s most marginalised people.
HomelessNest.org, has introduced Smile Again Saturday Sunday You (SASSY), a series of clinics providing free essential dental care for those who have long been excluded from mainstream services.
‘A Smile Restored’
On a cold Saturday morning in West Sussex, James*, a rough sleeper in his 30s, was among those queueing outside Beach Road Dental to receive treatment. Years of homelessness had taken a toll on his health — particularly his teeth.
"I hadn’t smiled in years because of the pain and shame from my teeth. Walking into the clinic, I felt nervous, but when they treated me with kindness and gave me back my smile, it felt like I was human again. For the first time in a long time, I have hope," he said.
That experience, organisers say, captures the heart of the SASSY initiative.
“For far too long, people experiencing homelessness have been invisible in healthcare,” says Emily Carter, Administrator at HomelessNest.org “SASSY is about restoring dignity. It’s not just teeth — it’s confidence, humanity, and hope.”
A Community Effort
The first two SASSY clinics were hosted by Beach Road Dental, which provided the premises free of charge. Volunteer dentists, hygienists and support staff donated their time, allowing dozens of people to receive care — in many cases, for the first time in years.
However, running the clinics requires significant resources, including consumables, lab tests and operational support. To expand SASSY into a regular service, the charity is now appealing for public funding and ongoing community involvement.
Overcoming Stigma
A major challenge remains the stigma surrounding homelessness. Some dental practices are hesitant to offer care due to misconceptions or fears of disruption.
“This hesitation highlights a larger societal issue,” Carter says. “These are people in need of compassion and care — exactly like anyone else.”
A Growing Health Emergency
Poor oral health is closely linked with poverty. Many homeless people rely on cheap, high-carbohydrate foods that accelerate tooth decay. Without regular check-ups, simple issues escalate into infections, malnutrition and severe pain. Some die in their 40s from preventable conditions.
The NHS is struggling to meet demand, leaving many homeless individuals reliant on A&E departments for emergency extractions rather than routine preventative care.
“Poor dental health destroys confidence,” Carter adds. “It stops people from applying for jobs, education, or even holding their head high. A missing tooth is more than a health issue — it’s a barrier.”
A National Ambition
HomelessNest.org hopes to replicate SASSY clinics across the UK and is already in talks with practices in several towns and cities inspired by the model launched in West Sussex.
“SASSY is more than dentistry,” says Ingrid Grey, Practice Manager at Beach Road Dental. “It helps people look in the mirror and feel worthy again. Every restored tooth, every smile — it’s a small victory in the fight against poverty.”
Demand has already proved overwhelming, with queues forming long before doors open and many attendees accessing dental care for the first time in years.
How to Support SASSY
With the next clinic scheduled before Christmas, HomelessNest.org is urging the public to help:
- Donate: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/homelessnest
- Volunteer time or expertise
- Share the charity’s story to raise awareness
“People may think a smile is small,” Carter says, “but for someone forgotten, it can be life-changing. It’s the first step toward dignity, hope, and a new beginning.”
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