A dental hygienist from Devon has transformed a caravan into a mobile dental clinic to assist individuals who struggle to visit traditional dental practices. Tara Pile, a former Royal Air Force (RAF) dental hygienist, purchased a 1991 Compass Shadow caravan in October and completed its conversion by February. The caravan, named Flossy, was initially in disrepair with leaking windows and a rotten floor, which were repaired before installing the necessary dental equipment.
Mrs. Pile, who has been a hygienist for 20 years, envisioned the project clearly. She recalled her husband’s surprise when she brought the caravan home and announced her plans to convert it into a dental clinic. “I knew what was needed; it was just a matter of fitting everything in,” she explained.
Flossy is equipped with essential dental equipment, including a sterilization unit, an ultrasonic cleaning bath, and elbow-operated taps for hygiene purposes. Mrs. Pile emphasized the importance of having the right tools for clinical readiness, even if extensive equipment is not required.
As a registered member of the General Dental Council and regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), Mrs. Pile believes that mobile dental care can enhance oral health by making services more accessible and convenient. Traditional dental clinics often operate from nine to five, but mobile clinics can offer appointments in the evenings or on weekends, allowing families to be treated in one visit rather than multiple trips.
Although Flossy does not provide emergency dental services, Mrs. Pile plans to create two more mobile clinics to serve areas across Devon, Cornwall, and beyond. This initiative aims to expand the reach of mobile dental care, a niche but potentially impactful sector in improving oral health.
