New findings from Simplyhealth’s Annual Dental Survey 2011 show that access to NHS dentistry has improved at the expense of quality. More than half (54%) of the UK population has experienced change in dental services in the past four years. A reduction in quality of treatment and lower levels of NHS cover are cited as the main reasons.
The Simplyhealth study of 10,000 UK respondents shows that although fewer people are now struggling to find an NHS dentist (from 39% to 29%), 18% say the NHS doesn’t cover as much as it used to. 17% feel they don’t receive the same level of treatment and 20% say they’re not asked to see their dentist as regularly.
Yet, although people are finding it easier to find an NHS dentist, cost is still the major factor that’s preventing many from attending their appointments. 40% say they’ve put off going to the dentist because they can’t afford it.
James Glover from Simplyhealth says: “Individuals and families are now able to see a dentist much more easily, which is great. However, it’s worrying that cost is forcing so many people to delay seeing their dentists, especially as NHS dental charges increased at the beginning of April.” In fact in some cases private dental treatment is cheaper than NHS treatment.
Many people now believe that private dentistry offers a better service. This is put down to flexibility of appointments, improved treatment, a wider choice of treatment options and a belief that private dentists pay more attention to their concerns.
Source:
Simplyhealth
