Dental patients delaying treatment due to money worries

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A survey conducted by the British Dental Association has revealed that many people are putting off going to see a dentist because they cannot afford treatment.

The survey polled 251 dentists in England and the results showed that 68 percent of dentists had experienced patients deferring treatment due to money worries. 59 percent of dentists said that patients had cancelled appointments as a result of financial problems.

The poll also revealed that many dentists had experienced an increase in the demand for emergency dental care, which is probably linked to the fact that people are cancelling appointments and putting off going for regular check-ups.

Susie Sanderson, chairman of the executive board of the BDA, said that the results of the survey were alarming; she said that people are risking their health by trying to save money in the short-term. Cancelling and putting off appointments was leading to an increase in the risk of serious oral health problems, which can cause a great deal of pain, as well as being much more expensive to treat than more minor ailments.

A spokeswoman from the Department of Health has advised patients to stick to their regular appointments and urged people who are struggling to contact their local authority, as people on a low income and those that receive benefits may be entitled to free dental care; children under the age of 18 are also entitled to free dental treatment on the NHS.

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