A community dentist who launched a charity to help special needs children and refugees enjoy happier dental experiences is in line for a national award.
Linzi Maybin, a former student of Bradford Grammar School (BGS), launched Happy Teeth Outreach in October last year and has already supported more than 600 vulnerable children.
The charity visits schools and refugee clinics to screen children in a familiar environment, educating them on healthy diets and oral hygiene and giving different types of free toothbrushes, toothpaste and stickers away.
Now the charity is one of eight which have been shortlisted for an ITV National Diversity Award in the Community Organisation Award for Disability category.
Linzi, who works for Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Bradford has one of the highest dental decay rates in the country and being a community dentist, I treat a lot of children with additional needs and autism. They can have a range of issues from anxiety to mobility or behavioural issues, particularly if they have autism.
“For some, it can be challenging to attend a dentist, but by taking the dentist to their normal school environment, it makes it an enjoyable experience. We provide dental checks and fun, interactive educational sessions which aim to boost the confidence of these young people to attend the dentist.”
Linzi is no stranger to awards having won the British Society of Paediatric Dentists’ Innovation Award.
Happy Teeth campaigns to improve the oral health of young people with disabilities in Yorkshire, through educational programmes in schools, training and awareness for parents and dental and healthcare professionals, including school nurses and support staff.
Said Linzi: “We get a lot of great feedback from what we do and it’s really satisfying to be making a difference to these incredible young people’s lives. I’m passionate about using my dentistry skill to help others.”
Linzi said she never would have pursued a career in dentistry had she not been given a bursary to attend Bradford Grammar School (BGS).
She said: “I was from a low-income single parent family and I would never have gone to study dentistry were it not for the incredible teachers and support from BGS. The determination and drive I learnt at BGS has endured.
“I would never have felt I’d have had the ability to do it without Bradford Grammar and the school supported me all the way as I applied to study dentistry. You can go far if you have people who believe in you.”
Dr Simon Hinchliffe, headmaster at BGS, said: “It’s wonderful to see students using their talents to help others. Many of our students and Old Bradfordians are motivated to help others in their communities and Linzi is a fantastic example of how to use initiative and passion to make a difference to people’s lives. We wish her all the best for the future.”
The finals of the ITV National Diversity Awards will be held in February next year in Liverpool.
“I was from a low-income single parent family and I would never have gone to study dentistry were it not for the incredible teachers and support from BGS. The determination and drive I learnt at BGS has endured.
“I would never have felt I’d have had the ability to do it without Bradford Grammar and the school supported me all the way as I applied to study dentistry. You can go far if you have people who believe in you.”
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