Interview with Rebecca Silver, Dental Card Practitioner for DFC

We are thrilled to announce that one of our amazing Dental Care practitioners, Rebecca Silver, won the dental nurse award at the Private Dentistry Awards 2024.

Read our interview with Rebecca, as she gives an insight into what it is like being a Dental Care Practitioner on the Change Please Driving for Change bus.

Why did you want to work on the Driving for Change bus?

I first saw a call for DCPs on social media at the end of last year. The post explained that the role involved working with people experiencing homelessness and providing oral health care. Although I couldn’t attend on my original date, a colleague of mine did, and she shared how rewarding it was. She felt that she made a genuine difference, not just by providing oral health care but also by listening to people. At the end of the day, these clients are people. I knew I could offer oral health care and point them towards further support, but my main motivation was to make a real difference in the lives of those in difficult circumstances.

What does a typical day on the Driving for Change bus look like as a Dental Care Practitioner?

The day begins with the duty manager introducing everyone on the bus and explaining their roles. After that, it’s often a waiting game to see who turns up. I help clients find NHS dentists or emergency dental care and provide essentials like toothbrushes and toothpaste—things some people haven’t had access to for months. I also offer tailored advice, whether it’s about diet, smoking, or oral health.

For example, I always encourage clients to accept food they’re offered, even if it’s high in sugar. Teeth can be fixed, but addressing issues like malnutrition is much harder. A lot of the time, it’s about chatting with regular attendees, catching up on their news, or just being a friendly, familiar face. Even if they’re not there for me specifically, I think they appreciate the consistency and support.

What is the best part of working on the Driving for Change bus?

It might sound self-serving, but the best part is definitely knowing I’ve made an impact on someone’s life. I’ve had clients repeat advice I gave them months ago and tell me how they’re trying to make positive changes based on what we discussed.

I’ve also loved working with the other staff and contractors on the bus. It’s such a supportive environment, and I feel like I’ve made some lifelong friends along the way.

What are some challenges you have faced while working on the Driving for Change buses?

One of the biggest challenges has been trying to maintain the same standards I’m used to in a dental practice. The bus doesn’t always offer much privacy, which can be difficult when discussing sensitive information with clients. This means we have to get creative and innovative in our approach.