Bringing Oral Health into the Heart of the Community
The NHS MELISSA Bus Project
21 September 2026
Between January and June 2026, Newcastle University dental students partnered with the NHS MELISSA Bus to deliver free oral health screening and education directly to communities across Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside, and County Durham. Using the iconic double-decker MELISSA Bus, teams of 8–10 clinical dental students and staff visited foodbanks, family hubs, community centres, and other local organisations to reach people who may otherwise face barriers to accessing dental care.
The project offered a welcoming, drop-in service with no appointments required. Visitors received free dental checks alongside personalised oral health advice and a free toothbrush and toothpaste. Students provided guidance on effective toothbrushing techniques, healthy dietary choices, smoking cessation, and the importance of regular dental care. Where further treatment was required, individuals were signposted to the Newcastle Dental Hospital student clinics, helping to connect community members with ongoing care and support. Supporting us with this initiative were the Healthworks team delivering mouth cancer awareness and the Mouthcare Matters teams. We were also supported by Henry Schein to provide children's free toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Throughout the six-month programme, the team worked with community organisations across Newcastle and Gateshead including St James’ Benwell, Galafield Centre in Westerhope, St Anthony’s Walker, Venerable Bede/Centre for Ageing in Fenham, St Silas in Byker, Baltic Square Gateshead, the Comfrey Project, Hadrian Leisure Centre in Wallsend, and Birtley Family Hub. These visits enabled the team to engage with diverse communities and bring preventative dental care into familiar and accessible settings.
The initiative successfully screened approximately 300 adults and children, highlighting both the demand for community-based dental services and the value of outreach activities in reducing oral health inequalities. Equally important, the project provided Newcastle University dental students with invaluable experience of delivering patient-centred care beyond the traditional clinical environment.
The NHS MELISSA Bus project demonstrates how partnerships between healthcare providers, universities, and community organisations can make a meaningful difference, improving oral health awareness while helping people access the care they need.
Dr Luisa Wakeling, Director of Engagement & Place, Faculty of Medical Sciences
.png)
.png)