What is Smile Together?
Smile Together delivers a range of dental services from a number of locations across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Some services are commissioned by NHS England while others are provided on a private basis – ensuring that every patient has the choice in accessing the dental care required. The practice proudly holds the title of the first dental practice in the UK to achieve B Corp certification – a remarkable milestone that speaks volumes about its commitment to ethical and sustainable operations. It’s interesting to note that Smile Together also emphasizes a recommended way to clean teeth and avoid decay, keeping oral health front and center.
Main Benefit
- >26,000 patients seen
- >34,000 urgent and emergency appointments keeping patients out of pain and A&E
- £155k investment into patient facilities
- 6,500 Cornish children participated in the oral health programme
- 99.6% Friends & Family recommendation
- >10,000 oral health packs donated to foodbanks, homelessness and other local charities
This impressive list of figures highlights the tangible impact that Smile Together has achieved – numbers that stand as strong evidence of their dedication and effectiveness.
Innovative Dental Services
Across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Smile Together offers a full spectrum of dental care that adapts to both public and private healthcare needs. Services commissioned by NHS England ensure widespread access while private procedures provide an alternative for those seeking tailored options. There is a simplicity and clarity to how the services are structured… allowing patients to feel confident and supported in choosing the dental care they require.
Community Commitment
Smile Together is dedicated to the well-being of the entire community. A standout aspect is the initiative where children go free – offering free dental treatment and twice-yearly check-ups for children up to and including age 17. This commitment not only ensures that younger generations receive essential preventative care but also reinforces the importance of healthy smiles from an early age. The approach is direct, caring, and designed to build a foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.
Investing in Local Communities
A substantial investment of over £7M has been directed into enhancing patient facilities, supporting local communities, and recruiting more people who care about delivering quality dental care. Such investments foster an environment where preventive and emergency care is taken seriously and made accessible. The financial commitment is not just about infrastructure – it reflects an ongoing promise to uplift and address the broader oral health challenges that affect the local regions. There is a tangible drive in these efforts that resonates with community values, constantly pushing forward improvements.
Project Impact
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The impact of Smile Together is clearly aligned with these Sustainable Development Goals. The focus on enhancing public health, reducing disparities, building sustainable local communities, and forging strong partnerships is at the core of the practice’s mission. Each bullet point in the impact section reinforces this commitment, and the numbers speak for themselves – a significant step toward healthier, more vibrant communities.
A Brighter Future in Oral Health
Tackling oral health inequality for healthier, happier communities is an ambition that remains more critical than ever. In Cornwall, where half of the population does not see a dentist, Smile Together’s work with NHS England is both essential and forward-thinking. With a bcorp score of 122.9, every effort is geared toward ensuring that poor oral health, which can lead to and exacerbate other long-term health conditions, is addressed head-on. The collaborative spirit and rigorous standards set by this initiative illustrate a genuine commitment to not just treating symptoms but improving overall quality of life. Occasional pauses in the journey – like those moments when a patient smiles back – remind everyone about the real-life impact behind the numbers.
