Five years ago, the MTWTU's idea came to life to make dental care more accessible to seafarers, who often don't have the opportunity to visit a doctor on time due to long voyages. The idea was born out of an understanding of the real needs of maritime workers.

It turned into a major dental project called UNION DENT — a free support programme for seafarers who are Union members and work on ships operated by German shipowners covered by ver.di agreements.

It survived the pandemic, expanded to include seafarers' family members thanks to the support of the ITF Seafarers' Trust, didn't stop when full-scale war began, and today continues to operate and develop for new programme participants — cadets at maritime educational institutions.

Over the years, hundreds of seafarers and their relatives have received the necessary assistance, and a new generation of seafarers has received treatment and knowledge that will help them stay healthy in their future profession.

The UNION DENT Project, implemented by the MTWTU with the support of the WF “MORTRANS”, provides consultations and treatment from highly qualified specialists, modern equipment, and healthy smiles of seafarers. And most importantly, it is about care, partnership, solidarity and confidence that the Union stands by its members and cares about their health.