Lumino The Dentists give back to Carers NZ

Martin Geddes, of Lumino the Dentists, is preparing for a day of free dentistry. Photo / Warren Buckland.

On Saturday, Lumino The Dentists practices up and down the country are opening their doors to hundreds of deserving New Zealanders.

Lumino The Dentists have, for the second year, teamed up with Carers NZ, the national body that provides information, advice, learning and support to family carers.

It is particularly special for Lumino The Dentists: Smile Centre Hastings, who will give back for the first time since joining the franchise in February.

Dentist, Martin Geddes said it gave them an opportunity to identify people in need in the community.

"They're an important part of the community so we are giving them a boost by providing a service for them."

"It is going to be interesting to see how it progresses and we are taking our guidance from Lumino on how to run the event," Mr Geddes said.

Two dentists and three nurses will see 12 patients for what will be mostly "emergency work" involving extractions and fillings.

More than 500 family carers will benefit from the fifth annual Lumino Day, be it a hygiene service or simple dental procedures such as fillings.

A team of 83 clinical staff and close to 150 support staff from Lumino The Dentists will be caring for or assisting the unpaid carers at the 32 participating practices on the day.

More than 420,000 people in New Zealand are reported to be looking after a family member who is sick or has a disability. For many, this has meant a major loss of income and up to 30 hours of additional unpaid care work every week.

Lumino The Dentists chief executive Andy Tapper said Lumino Day has become a highlight of the calendar year.

"We are aware that looking after oral health is not something that many carers put as a priority, so Lumino Day is just a small opportunity to lend a hand to a group of very deserving people," he said.

"It's our way to give back to our communities and provide carers with an opportunity to focus on themselves and their own self care."