Tooth Pain Impacting Work: A Startling Statistic
In a concerning revelation, a recent study by Denplan, the UK’s leading dental plan provider, has uncovered a startling statistic – nearly 28% of Britons have been compelled to take time off work due to tooth pain. This equates to a staggering 11.7 million people of working age affected by dental issues.
The Findings: A Glimpse into Dental Woes
Denplan conducted its 2023 Oral Health Survey, surveying over 5,000 consumers in the UK, with the full report set to be released later this autumn. Preliminary results shed light on the extent of the problem:
- Approximately 7% of respondents have endured more than a week off work due to dental pain.
- A further 21% admitted to taking at least one day of sick leave due to dental issues, amounting to a jaw-dropping total of at least 23 million working days lost to dental pain or equivalent to 93,000 full-time jobs.
- Alarmingly, 9% disclosed that toothache has adversely affected their work quality and productivity.
Dental Deserts and Waiting Woes
As “dental deserts” continue to plague various regions, 12% of those surveyed revealed they attempted to secure an NHS dental appointment but are still awaiting their turn due to lengthy waiting lists.
The Cost Conundrum
With the rising cost of living weighing on household finances, the perceived expenses associated with dental treatments are discouraging people from tending to their oral health:
- A significant 32% worry about the cost of dental visits.
- Another 23% fear that dentists might recommend treatments beyond their financial reach.
- Shockingly, 34% have previously postponed or canceled dental appointments because of financial constraints, while 11% find themselves unable to afford dental care due to their current financial circumstances.
These findings come on the heels of a parliamentary inquiry by the Health and Social Care Committee that deemed the challenges in accessing NHS dentists “totally unacceptable.”
The Role of Dental Cover
For those concerned about costs, dental coverage emerges as a vital solution, enabling individuals to budget for their dental care over time. Among respondents with dental plans:
- A significant 63% have dental plans to help manage and spread out costs.
- An additional 27% enjoy dental coverage provided by their employers.
Catherine Rutland, Dentist and Clinical Director at Denplan, commented on the situation, emphasizing the need for a more cohesive dental care approach that combines NHS and private dentistry. Such an approach would prioritize preventative care, enabling the early identification of issues and averting invasive and costly treatments, thereby reducing the need for time off due to dental health problems.
Erin Balsa is a highly skilled and knowledgeable health journalist with a passion for educating the public on important health and wellness topics. With extensive experience in both traditional and digital media, Erin has established herself as a trusted voice in the field.