Dental Walk-in-Clinics for the Homeless
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Pilot Project to explore the perceptions of Homeless People before and after attending a Dental Walk-in-Clinic intervention by the University of Portsmouth Dental Academy
IRAS ID
277835
Contact name
Janani Sivabalan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Portsmouth
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 31 days
Research summary
Homelessness in the United Kingdom has significantly risen in the last decade, with current estimates at approximately 307,000 people sleeping rough, living in temporary or unsatisfactory accommodation and in hostels (Paisi et al., 2019). Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has magnified existing socioeconomic inequalities and for some homeless people it has led to a worsening in circumstances. With additional pressure on existing support services, a reduction in forming new services and dental access significantly reduced, there is likely to be an accumulation of untreated health needs (Marmot, 2021, Groundswell, 2021). The University of Portsmouth Dental Academy (UPDA) is a NHS primary dental care service and an educational establishment for undergraduate Dental Care Professionals, serving a broad range of patients for dental care and preventive advice through a NHS contract.
This study aims to proactively reach homeless individuals in Portsmouth who require oral health services, but struggle to access mainstream provision in a dental surgery setting and to explore homeless participants' perceptions of a Dental Walk-in-Clinic service. 4 Dental Walk-in-Clinics (DWiC) will be delivered at UPDA over a 6 month period to participants recruited from homeless people accessing local homeless services in Portsmouth. Participants will be provided with free, tailored dental care and those who consent to the research will be asked to provide their thoughts on the benefits, challenges, acceptability and sustainability of a DWiC in these settings.
Data will be collected in two phases. Phase 1 via two questionnaires- one before attending the DWiC intervention and one after DWiC questionnaire, and Phase 2, with further feedback gained via semi-structured interviews. Surveying will take place on the day of the DWIC, with alternative dates being offered for interviews for participant convenience if required. Statistical and thematic analysis will be undertaken and findings disseminated through reports, articles and the UPDA website.REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/NW/0281
Date of REC Opinion
21 Oct 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion