{my}dentist practices teams might be shut for business but have still been helping their local communities smile – via some acts of kindness.

From delivering prescriptions to simply calling elderly patients for a chat to ease the loneliness of social isolation the teams have done all they can to support people living nearby.

Tom Riall, {my}dentist Chief Executive, said: 'Throughout these uncertain times it has been truly heart-warming to see our colleagues’ community spirit.

'I am incredibly proud of all of our people for not only keeping practices open to provide vital telephone triage and emergency support, but also proactively looking after those who are vulnerable. In these tough times we really could not ask for more.'

Just a handful of examples of community support from {my}dentist’s team are below. The team has also been sharing stories, thanking their colleagues and keeping in touch via a new {my}dentist Facebook group which attracted nearly 3,000 members in two weeks.

Looking after the elderly in East Lancashire

After social distancing rules were announced, {my}dentist practices in East Lancashire decided to make sure none of their elderly or vulnerable patients were lonely. They got in touch for a chat, and gave practical help by running errands and shopping for essentials.

Reading to residents in Newtown

Rhian Slaymaker, treatment co-ordinator from {my}dentist New Road, New Town, decided to continue her voluntary work with a local nursing home by recording herself reading to them. Rhian often reads to the residents, so by recording herself she could continue while keeping everyone safe.

Meanwhile, the practice in Newtown also donated as many oral health products and kids activity sheets as they could to the local food bank, and delivered prescriptions to people unable to leave their homes.

Supplies for young patients in hospital

During the Covid-19 outbreak visiting in hospitals has been reduced. {my}dentist Crickhowell put together a hamper of toiletries and activity packs for children and young patients at their local hospital to help them pass the time.

Donating hand sanitiser to the NHS

With the majority of practices closed to patients, {my}dentist’s procurement team was able to donate 300 bottles of badly needed hand sanitiser to the NHS. These were split between Manchester Children’s Hospital and Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, close to its support centre.

Delivering food parcels

Access to food has been difficult for the most vulnerable. {my}dentist Stroud decided to supply care packages to the homeless, and offered themselves up as a rest stop for emergency services to refill their travel mugs with tea & coffee. Meanwhile, {my}dentist practices in Dukinfield and Hull have supported local care homes and charities to make sure elderly residents have enough to eat.

Shopping for soft foods

Chaitanya Kallisetty, a dentist from {my}dentist in Welshpool was so worried about one of his elderly patients being able to eat while they await a new denture that he went on a shopping trip to make sure they were well-stocked with soft foods and wouldn’t have to leave the house.

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