A Truro dental duo are set to travel to Kenya for a two-week voluntary working trip, providing dental care to the local communities.

The team of two from Oak House Dental Practice, consisting of owner, Dr Andrew Ridout, along with his wife and the practice manager & trained dental nurse, Lisa Ridout, are set to take part in a trip to Kenya this November with eight other professionals. The trip was organised by UK based charity, Smile Star.

The group will be working in the local hospital providing dental care for the local people during the first week, working 9am-5pm from Monday to Friday. The second week they will be travelling to Samburu; providing dental care for the local population and the surrounding schools for the entire week, staying in local lodges.

Andrew commented: “We first learnt about the work of Smile Star after meeting the founder, Dr Mitesh Badiani at his practice in Ashburton. When the opportunity arose, myself and Lisa were excited at the prospect of taking part in the work of this amazing organisation and providing dental care to the local population.”

“Many Kenyans living in rural or remote areas don’t have access to even the most basic dental care, or are too poor to visit a dentist. Smile Star has already helped to improve the oral health of hundreds of people across Uganda, Kenya, India and the UK, and provides an essential service to disadvantaged communities in these areas.”

Smile Star, a dedicated UK based charity, was created with the aim of providing free dental care to disadvantaged communities in Africa and India, as well as ex-Royal Marines in the UK. The founder, Dr Mitesh Badiani, uses the help of highly qualified volunteers to provide free dental care to some of the most disadvantaged and remote communities in Africa and India.

“I had always intended to do some charity work during my career, so after meeting Mitesh and learning about this new challenge, it was a perfect opportunity. We are both very excited about this trip. The chance to give something back while meeting so many locals, as well as getting a glimpse of such a beautiful country was too good of an opportunity to pass up!”

To find out more about the trip or to book an appointment at Oak House Dental Practice, please call the practice on 01872 222922 or visit www.the-oak-house.com