VOLUNTEERS are needed to help poverty-stricken people around the world get relief from toothache by helping a Hampshire dental charity.

Dentaid, which sends portable dental chairs and donated dental equipment to countries all over the world from its base in Landford is increasing the size of its team as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.

The international dental charity is looking for people with a background in engineering, metalwork, electronics or the dental supplies industry for its Giles Lane workshop.

Its recent expansion has seen an increase in demand for its equipment and services in countries where people are suffering due to a lack of dental care.

The charity has recently sent dental equipment to the refugee camps near Calais and also helps to equip clinics in Africa, Asia and Central America.

Working alongside Dentaid’s workshop manager, volunteers will construct portable dental chairs and recondition donated equipment.

They’ll also help to compile DentaidBoxes which are entire dental surgeries that fit into a wheelie bin and can be operated without access to running water or electricity.

Dentaid is also looking for a volunteer with sewing skills to help make seat covers and special rucksacks allowing dental chairs to be taken on planes as luggage saving on shipping costs.

Workshop manager Stuart Bassham said: “This is a really exciting time for Dentaid and we know there is a great demand for our equipment and surgeries all over the world.

“We would now like to welcome more people to our fantastic team of volunteers so we can help people get out of dental pain.”

In addition to sending dental equipment to the developing world, Dentaid also sends teams of volunteers dental professionals to provide care and oral health education in countries where access to dentistry is very limited.

The charity recently launched its first UK project helping vulnerable people in Dewsbury who find it hard to access NHS dentistry and is helping to restore dental services in Nepal after last year’s devastating earthquake.

To find out more email stuart@dentaid.org or call 01794 324249.