New figures reveal six in ten (59%) Brits say they see the same dentist more consistently than they see the same GP, showing the vital role dentists play in people's health and lives.
The findings have been released by the leading dental plan specialist Denplan, part of Simplyhealth, in its annual Oral Healthcare Report, one of the most comprehensive reports into attitudes and habits in UK dentistry, surveying over 5,000 consumers in the UK who used both NHS and private dentists. Denplan has over 6,500 member dentists nationwide, caring for over 1.4 million patients.
The survey shows that a quarter (25%) of Brits that visit the dentist have seen the same dentist for the last ten years, with two-thirds (66%) of people reporting consistency meant they felt comfortable with their dentist and 91% of people who attend the dentist at least every two years saying it’s important to trust your dentist.
Over half (51%) of people say their entire family all sees the same dentist. Six in ten (60%) say they would not consider changing dental practices because they want to keep their current dentist.
Despite dentists’ valued role in society, the UK faces a crisis with people struggling to access dental services, with both Conservative and Labour governments acknowledging that further reform is needed on the current NHS dental contract.
With dentists being one of the more regular points of contact for patients, their role in wider health is apparent. The survey reveals three in ten (28%) have spoken to their dentist about other health problems and 15% of respondents have had dentists refer them to another health practitioner during their appointment. Of those that were referred, 20% were diagnosed with skin condition, 15% with iron-deficiency (anaemia), 10% with diabetes and a further 10% with a viral condition (e.g. herpes).
Denplan dentist Shamir Chandarana, Principal Dentist at Dental House, Sunbury-on-Thames said: “As a dentist, you’re privileged to have the chance to truly get to know patients and their families. Many of us have supported patients far beyond just their dental needs - whether being able to advise on common health conditions, simply listen to their current concerns, or refer them to another healthcare professional.