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At the helm of the initiative was Belan Saied, a member of Henry Schein's CSR Committee. As a refugee herself, Belan knew first-hand the importance of access to safe dental care. The program was her idea, and Belan’s drive and enthusiasm was central to the initiative’s success.

Belan said: “As a Henry Schein employee I wanted to help in some way. I began discussing with the Henry Schein Cares team in the UK to build the Refugee Outreach Project with the help of Dentaid. After a year of planning, we visited Asylum Link Merseyside, where we were supported by the staff to assist refugees in the area with emergency dental issues.”

During the event, Belan and Naomi Pleasants, another member of the CSR Committee, saw parents who had never had any access to dental care or were suffering from severe dental issues. The experience was eye-opening for the team, and it highlighted the ongoing lack of access to dental care for vulnerable communities in the UK.

During the day, the children were able to brush a model of ‘big teeth’ to learn proper brushing techniques, as well as understand how much toothpaste to use. They were also given the chance to handle dental equipment such as handpieces and mirrors, and ask questions, hopefully reducing any misplaced fear of dentistry.

So that the children could use what they had learned and go home excited to practice, each child received a brand-new toothbrush, toothpaste, and an information booklet. The initiative hopes that simple workshops like this one can inspire and educate children to take care of their oral health for years to come, staving off possible oral health problems in the future.

Adam Palmer, Headteacher at SMSG, said: “Our children thoroughly enjoyed the experience of their Oral Health Hygiene session. The educational experience was informative and enlightening for children in all year groups across the school and the children were delighted to take home some toothpaste and brushes. It was an excellent afternoon.”

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Forward2Employment are a fantastic non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering young people with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) in the UK. With their unwavering support, guidance, and infectious positivity, Forward2Employment opens doors and creates pathways to permanent employment. They work tirelessly to break down barriers, match talents to opportunities, and provide personalised training and development. With Forward2Employment by their side, young people with SEND can confidently step into the professional world, armed with skills, self-belief, and the brightest of futures.

Believing sincerely in the Forward2Employment mission, Henry Schein has been supporting them since 2018. As part of our partnership, we recently supported Forward2Employment at their open evenings in Medway and Kent aimed at prospective interns and their parents who are interested in a Supported Internship program.