686. LISBON: Homeless will have dental appointments

The approximately 800 people who live on the street and who receive support from the Lisbon City Council will now have oral health care. In the first stage, a screening will be done, and then the necessary dental interventions will be performed.For the realization of the program Sorrir não Custa, this Thursday was signed, in the City Hall of Lisbon, a protocol between the autarchy and the person in charge of the project. The program is expected to start later this month, said Mário Almeida, head of the Municipal Homeless Program. The aim is to consult the entire homeless population of the capital.Paulo Varela, a dentist and clinical director of Sorrir não Custa, said many people complain that they do not go to job interviews because their teeth are not in good condition. To reverse this situation, the project aims to identify people who need help, educate them on oral hygiene and treat them through dental implants whenever possible.In order to reach the entire homeless population of the capital, the project will count on the support of the Lisbon Center for Homeless Planning and Intervention (NPISA), in an articulated work with the street technical teams, explained the coordinator of the nucleus, João Marrano.The Councilor for Social Rights of the municipality, João Afonso, said that there is no date for the conclusion of the program. The Chamber will be a facilitator to implement this program, which will not have costs for the municipality, he stressed.
Correio da Manhã