Supporting Our Community: How Pure Dentistry Is Helping Tackle Hygiene Poverty in Harpenden and St Albans
- Dr Wayne
- Jul 16
- 2 min read
At Pure Dentistry, we believe that dentistry is about far more than healthy smiles — it’s about supporting the wellbeing of people in our community. As a longstanding and trusted dental clinic in Harpenden, we are proud to give back where we can. That's why we’re delighted to support the brilliant work of The Hygiene Bank in Harpenden and St Albans.
Recently, Pure Dentistry was able to donate toothpaste to this inspiring local project, helping ensure those in financial difficulty can access basic hygiene essentials.
About The Hygiene Bank
Operating locally since May 2019, The Hygiene Bank works tirelessly to tackle hygiene poverty — the hidden but devastating reality that many people can’t afford basic hygiene products. In that short time, this small but mighty group of just 10 volunteers has distributed over 57 tonnes of toiletries, that’s the weight of a humpback whale!
They operate much like a food bank, but instead of groceries, they collect new and unopened toiletries and distribute them to over 50 local groups, charities, schools, and services. These organisations support people in extreme hardship — from women fleeing domestic violence to the homeless, care leavers, prison leavers, and families reliant on free school meals.
Their work makes an enormous difference: enabling people to feel clean, confident, and more able to engage in daily life — from school to job interviews and beyond.
Dr Dan Shaffer and the Pure Dentistry Team Are Proud to Support This Worthwhile Cause
“It’s fantastic to see the impact a small gesture like donating toothpaste can have on someone’s dignity and confidence,” says Dr Dan Shaffer. “As a practice that cares about health in its broadest sense, I’m overjoyed to support this brilliant local initiative.”
At Pure Dentistry, we understand that oral health is inseparable from wider wellbeing. Everyone deserves access to essentials like toothbrushes and toothpaste — not just for their health, but for their self-esteem and their future.
How You Can Help
We’d love it if you could help us spread awareness of this impactful local charity. There are simple ways you can make a real difference:
Tell a friend about The Hygiene Bank
Pop an item into one of their donation boxes
Make a small donation online — just £2 can provide a child with a washbag of essentials to see them through the school holidays feeling confident and cared for.
Local Donation Points in Harpenden:
Manor Pharmacy (Old HSBC Building, Station Road)
Manor Pharmacy, Southdown
Boots, Harpenden High Street
Musicale, near St George’s School
Thank You for Supporting Our Community
At Pure Dentistry, we’re committed to delivering excellent dental care and making a positive impact beyond our clinic doors. Together, we can help tackle hygiene poverty and make Harpenden and St Albans a kinder, healthier place for everyone.
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