Transforming smiles: how Happythreads supports Dentaid in Northern Ireland

At Happythreads, we believe that a little kindness can go a long way - and sometimes, it can even change lives. That’s why we’re so proud to support Dentaid the Dental Charity, an organisation dedicated to restoring smiles and hope for those who need it most.

Recently, Dentaid brought their free dental clinics to Northern Ireland to help individuals facing barriers to dental care, such as homelessness. To support their incredible mission, we provided scrubs for their hardworking team, and our founders, Daniel and Abby, travelled to visit one of their mobile dental buses to see their life-changing work in action.

For Abby, a paediatric dentist, this was a deeply personal cause. “Dental care is about more than teeth - it’s about restoring confidence and dignity. Seeing Dentaid’s impact firsthand was truly humbling,” she said.

Supporting vulnerable communities with dental outreach

For many people, visiting the dentist is routine and often taken for granted. But for others, accessing dental care feels impossible. Dentaid provides critical care to those who need it most, including:

• People experiencing homelessness
• Families living in poverty
• Refugees
• Survivors of abuse
• Cancer patients
• People recovering from addiction
• Communities with limited access to dental services

In Northern Ireland, their mobile dental bus partnered with the Simon Community, visiting soup kitchens, hostels, and community centres to provide much-needed relief to people who had been waiting far too long for care.

How Dentaid delivers dental care

Dentaid takes their services directly to those in need. With eight mobile dental units and a static dental trailer, they travel across the country, offering treatments and advice to underserved communities.

Volunteer dental professionals provide services such as pain relief and extractions while educating patients about maintaining their oral health. These clinics do more than treat dental problems - they give people a fresh start, restoring both their smiles and their confidence.

Life-changing dental care in action

Dental care might seem like a small thing, but it can make a huge difference. Imagine living with constant pain or feeling too embarrassed to smile. For many people, Dentaid’s clinics are life-changing.

Daniel and Abby’s visit to the Dentaid mobile bus gave them a firsthand look at the impact of the clinics. “Meeting patients who hadn’t seen a dentist in years and watching their relief after treatment reminded me why I became a dentist. I feel so inspired by seeing how much these adults are benefiting from this service. I am speaking with Dentaid about a potential partnership with Happyteeth to extend this opportunity to the paediatric community who are struggling to access care.’” Abby shared.

Scrubs that support the mission

Comfort and durability for healthcare volunteers

At Happythreads, we know that the right uniform can make all the difference for healthcare professionals working in challenging environments. That’s why we were honoured to provide scrubs for Dentaid’s volunteers.

Our scrubs are designed for comfort, flexibility, and durability - our scrubs support professionals working in challenging environments. Seeing our scrubs play a part in this mission made us proud to contribute to Dentaid’s journey of care and compassion.

How you can support Dentaid charity

Dentaid’s work is made possible by their amazing volunteers - dentists, dental nurses, and other healthcare professionals who give their time and skills to make a difference. But they need more support to keep going.
Here’s how you can get involved:

• Volunteer your time: Join Dentaid at their clinics and help bring care to those who need it most.
• Donate: Every contribution helps fund mobile units, equipment, and supplies.
• Spread the word: Share Dentaid’s mission with your friends, colleagues, and community.

To find out more, visit dentaid.org or email UKclinics@dentaid.org

Thank you, Dentaid

For nearly 30 years, Dentaid has been making a difference where it matters most. Delivering care and restoring dignity to those who need it most.

To the volunteers, staff, and supporters of Dentaid: thank you for your dedication. Your work inspires us every day, and we’re proud to stand with you - one scrub at a time. 🧡