NEWS

Coming back to civilian life after leaving the services, not through choice but through disability caused in the line of duty, can be a challenging period for a former Royal Marine and the adjustment may be fraught with hurdles and disappointments. One example that has been receiving attention recently is the offer to the hundred or so medically discharged Royal Marines leaving annually, previously been kept dentally fit by the Armed Forces, a choice of free dental care in the community where they settle. Now, sympathetic dental practices can join a national scheme to help some of those former Royal Marine personnel with free basic dental care for life.

The inspiring scheme is being run by The C Group together with Smilestar Ltd, an organisation pending charitable status based in Devon. Royal Marines applicants will be introduced to the scheme through the normal resettlement process and those who are interested will be passed through to SmileStar for appropriate administration and details of their nearest participating practice. The scheme, the idea of Dr Mitesh Badiani, C Group member and principal dentist at the Devon Dental Centre of Excellence, was launched from his Ashburton based practice on June 22nd 2010. Already more than eighty practices around the UK are signed up to the scheme and 11 Royal Marines are in the process of being placed and treated.

Colonel Jim Hutton, Chief Executive of The C Group, who has supported the scheme from its inception, explained "Coming home and trying to settle into normal life is harder than people imagine and routine procedures such as going to a dentist can be immensely daunting. What Dr Badiani and his network of supporting dentists are offering is choice. A man can decide whether to go with the NHS system or take the opportunity to receive basic private dental care for free. This is a great offer and will help those who live in areas where NHS surgeries are working at capacity or where travel requirements may be excessive. There are numerous reasons to help these men who have served their country so bravely. This scheme will offer an extra helping hand to aid their rehabilitation. Practices around the country are signing up to the scheme to help in their area - we've been totally overwhelmed by the support the campaign is receiving already."

Practices from all around the UK, particularly in areas with strong links to the Royal Marines, are being encouraged to express an interest and request further details.

For further information, please contact: Sam Cutts, Smilestar at sam@mpc-ltd.co.uk or telephone  01364 654 070.

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