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One in 10 Brits fear the dentist
2nd Jun 2010
A new study reveals that 4.5 million people have been so frightened of going to the dentist that they have avoided having a check-up for at least five years.
The research suggests that three million Britons have avoided the dentist because there is no NHS dentist near where they live and some employers block time off for dental check-ups as these appointments are seen as a ‘cover' for job interviews'
The new research* – from the Implantium Network – reveals that one-in-ten (9%) Britons has been so scared of going to the dentist that they have avoided a check-up in the last five years.
The Implantium Network is warning we are at risk of becoming a nation of dental phobics with serious oral health problems, conforming to the American stereotype that Britons' have bad teeth.
A further 3.2 million (7%) Britons have been so worried about the problems a dentist might find with their teeth that they have avoided having a check-up.
The affordability of dental treatment remains a key concern, with 14% of people avoiding treatment because of worries about costs.
More than 3.1 million (7%) Britons have not gone for a check-up or treatment because they claim there is no NHS dentist near where they live.
The difficulty of securing employers' approval for time off is risking the health of the nation's teeth.
Many company bosses have been stung by employees using ‘a trip to the dentist' as an excuse for sneaking off to a job interview and have barred dental trips in work time.
More than 900,000 Britons have avoided the dentist in the last five years because they could not get time off work.
Jason Buglass, managing director of The Implantium Network, says: ‘Britons are risking their oral health by not going to the dentist regularly. For those avoiding regular check-ups, there is an increased risk of dental infections resulting in septicaemia or even heart disease.
'There are courses available to help Britons overcome their fear of the dentist and many practitioners are compassionate to nervous patients and will take extra time to reassure them. It is important that Britons realise that if they put off treatment they may exacerbate health problems, requiring more extensive, invasive and expensive treatment at a later date.'
'Affordability remains a key issue and it is important the dental industry makes treatments accessible to patients. The Implantium Network, comprises 150 dental practitioners across the UK offering a key dental procedure, dental implants, 37% cheaper than the industry average.
'This network will drive down the costs of replacement teeth for those with missing molars, canines and incisors and covers the whole of the UK.'
For further information on the Implantium Network, visit www.implantium.co.uk.
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