A dental hygienist in Devon has come up with an innovative solution to make oral healthcare more accessible—converting an old caravan into a fully functional mobile dental clinic. Tara Pile, a former Royal Air Force (RAF) dental hygienist, is now using the revamped vehicle to deliver care to people who face difficulties visiting traditional dental surgeries.From Caravan to ClinicTara Pile purchased a 1991 Compass Shadow caravan in October and spent the next few months transforming it into a clinical space, completing the work by February. The process involved significant repairs, including fixing leaking windows and replacing a rotten floor, before installing specialized dental equipment.“It was in a bit of a state,” Pile told to BBC, but she had a clear vision. With 20 years of experience in the field, she knew exactly what was needed to make the caravan safe, hygienic, and functional for dental procedures. All the equipment had to meet dental regulations and be signed off for use in a clinical setting.READ: These 4 Signs Can Help You Identify Cavities-And What You Should DoFlossy Is BornOnce the transformation was complete, the caravan was affectionately named “Flossy.” The mobile clinic is now fitted with all the essentials for basic dental hygiene services: a portable dental chair, sterilisation unit, ultrasonic bath, and elbow-operated taps to maintain hygiene standards. The layout follows clinical protocols, ensuring a clean-to-dirty workflow that meets Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards."We don’t need a lot of kit, but you do need the specific equipment to have it clinically ready to go," Pile explained.CHECK THIS OUT: World Health Day 2025: What Your Mouth Is Trying to Tell You?A Family EffortTara and her husband carried out most of the renovation work themselves. While he was initially surprised—“My husband freaked out when I brought it home,” she joked—he soon got on board with the project. The couple worked together to transform the space into what Pile had imagined.Making Dentistry More AccessibleRegistered with the General Dental Council and regulated by the CQC, Pile aims to fill a crucial gap in dental care. “Clinics are busy and they’re booking nine to five every day,” she said. “But sometimes people need to be seen in the evening or on weekends.”ALSO READ: What You’re Getting Wrong About Dental Health—According To A Top DentistHer mobile clinic allows her to travel to patients’ homes, making it possible to treat entire families in a single visit. While she doesn’t provide emergency dental services, her work significantly reduces the inconvenience many face when trying to access routine care.Looking AheadTara Pile believes that mobile dentistry, though currently a niche area, holds huge potential. Her vision doesn’t stop with just one caravan—she hopes to build two more versions of Flossy in the near future to serve not just Devon but also Cornwall and beyond.With her mobile clinic, Pile is showing how a little creativity—and a lot of dedication—can bring smiles closer to home.