Under normal circumstances Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust would hand out about 800 oral health packs every month to families in need, but during this Covid-19 pandemic it has enlisted the help of the Salvation Army and food banks to distribute over 5,000 packs containing an oral heath leaflet, toothbrushes and toothpaste (donated by GlaxoSmithKline) products to help families struggling from the repercussions of Covid-19.

“We’re very grateful for this help from GSK“

Senior project co-ordinator with KCHFT’s dental outreach team in London, Surjeet Jhheent, said: “Previously, I had worked with GSK on a clinical trial. I approached my contact there and discovered it was happy to help. This was a great weight off my mind, as we were unable to get the toothpaste from our usual supplier. So far, the company has given us 8,000 tubes of toothpaste. Some are for adults and some are for children and they are continuing to help, which is fantastic. We took delivery of the first-round last week. When families are struggling with money, obviously food is a necessity – but so is oral health. Unfortunately, when times are hard this often gets pushed down the list of priorities. With these supplies we can help to make sure this is something people think about. Most of our dental services were suspended at the beginning of the lockdown. Our outreach team has been busy putting the packs together, ready to send out, practising social distancing and with masks, gloves and hand sanitiser to hand. We’re very grateful for this help from GSK.”