Toothache Forces 3 in 10 Brits to Take Time Off Work

UK: A recent survey conducted by health insurance company Simplyhealth has unveiled alarming statistics regarding dental health in the UK. The survey of more than 5,000 people reveals that approximately one-third of Britons have been compelled to take time off work due to tooth pain when they couldn’t access a dentist.

Among those who experienced toothache and required time off work, a concerning 7 percent were in such excruciating pain that they had to take an entire week off. Extrapolated to the entire population, this translates to the UK losing a staggering 23 million sick days due to dental issues, as reported by Simplyhealth.

Nearly Half of England’s Children Missed Dentist Visits in 2022

Dental Deserts Leave Patients Struggling

The survey also highlighted another pressing issue: 12 percent of Britons found themselves in what’s been termed a “dental desert.” This unfortunate situation arises when individuals are unable to secure an appointment with an NHS dentist. This represents a significant barrier to accessing dental care for a notable portion of the population.

Worryingly, the cost of dental treatment has deterred many Britons from seeking the care they need. Approximately one in ten respondents admitted to forgoing dental visits because they couldn’t afford the associated expenses. This financial constraint further compounds the challenges faced by individuals striving to maintain good oral health.

Call for Improved Dental Care Provision

Simplyhealth’s clinical director, Dr. Catherine Rutland, expressed her concern over the survey findings, stating that they indicate “dental care provision in the UK is far behind where it should be.” The results of the survey serve as a stark reminder of the pressing need to address the dental health crisis in the country.

10% Brits have resorted to DIY dentistry

This survey adds to a growing body of evidence highlighting the difficulties faced by individuals in accessing dental care. A recent inquiry by the Health and Social Care Committee characterized the state of the NHS dental service as “totally unacceptable in the 21st century.” Official NHS figures from last month indicate that less than half of adults in England have visited a dentist within the past two years.

Human Toll of Dental Deserts

The shortage of accessible NHS dentists has had severe consequences, with some regions being harder hit than others. Analysis of England’s “dental deserts” earlier this year revealed that some areas had only one dental practice offering NHS treatments for every 13,000 people. 

This has led to concerns that people may delay necessary treatment or resort to do-it-yourself dentistry, risking more extensive and costly care in the future.

4am queues for NHS dental treatment could become the ‘new normal’

Furthermore, there are fears that cases of oral cancers, often detected during routine dental check-ups, are being missed. Dentists have reported instances where patients have struggled to secure appointments for potentially life-threatening conditions, raising concerns about delayed diagnoses.

Future of NHS Dentistry

While the NHS dental contract has undergone reforms in an attempt to improve access, dental industry bodies argue that these changes haven’t gone far enough to address the crisis. The situation is exacerbated by the departure of dentists from the NHS, leading to overburdened remaining practitioners and further access issues.

The survey findings serve as a clarion call for improved dental care provision, addressing dental deserts, and ensuring that the cost of dental treatment does not deter people from seeking essential care. The dental health crisis in the UK remains a pressing issue, demanding immediate attention and action to safeguard the well-being of the population.

Overwhelming Demand for NHS Dentist Places: Thousands of Inquiries and Long Queues