Disappearing Dentistry

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The hot topic of falling NHS dental statistics has hit the news again with headlines of Dental System 'Failing Patients' (Sky News) and Abscess rise 'amid dental crisis' (BBC News) to name a few.

Since the introduction of the new dental reforms in April 2006, 900,000 fewer people have visited an NHS dentist. Statistics from the NHS Information Centre reveal that in the last 24 months a total of 27.3 million patients had been seen by an NHS dentist in England - equivalent to 53.7% of the population.

This is a drop of 3.1% (900,000) on the number of patients seen in the 24 months leading to the end of the old dental contract on March 31, 2006. In that period 28.1 million patients were seen by an NHS dentist, or 55.8% of the population. Source: NHS Information Centre

We are also seeing a similar trend in Scotland. The number of people registered with an NHS dentist in Scotland has increased – but almost half the adult population still do not have one, the latest statistics show. In May 2008 it was revealed that by the end of December 2007, only 50.7% of adults were registered with an NHS dentist. Source: isdscotland.org

It’s also becoming increasingly difficult to register with an NHS dentist as many practitioners are becoming private, only offering private treatment. Although everyone is entitled to treatment by an NHS dentist, 7.4 million adults in England and Wales haven't been to an NHS dentist since April 2006, mainly because they couldn't find one to treat them. Of these, 4.7 million have sought private treatment instead and approximately 2.7 have gone without treatment altogether. Source: Citizens Advice Bureau

Whichever way you look at it there is a national problem with access to NHS dentistry which won't be solved in the short term. Taking out dental insurance towards the cost of routine examinations and maintenance allows clients to claim for treatment received at either a private dentist or an NHS dentist.

Dental insurance is a cost effective employee benefit giving employees a perk that they will really appreciate. Depending on the level of cover chosen, employees can claim benefit for part or all of their costs for dental treatment, whether they go privately or via the NHS.

Dental Cover is an affordable way for business owners to give their employees a generous, practical benefit for a small outlay. Their employees will enjoy the reassurance the plan gives and make them feel valued, helping promote staff loyalty. The plan can be started with just one employee and premiums may be eligible for Corporation Tax Relief.

Claiming benefit from a dental scheme is quick and easy, the employees simply settle a bill then send the receipt to the insurer for reimbursement.

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