40% of patients can’t afford dental appointments
A new survey has revealed that 40% of UK patients can’t afford to pay for dental appointments.
A poll conducted by discount site vouchercodes.co.uk showed that cost is most likely to be a barrier for millennials, with 47% admitting that they’re avoiding going to the dentist due to costs. Even if the highest age groups where the figures were lowest, 27% of over 55s said they couldn’t afford regular dental appointments. Of those surveyed, women were more likely to put off going off to dentist due to cost. Over 40% of women said that money was an issue compared to 35% of men.
NHS dental care is subsidised and it is usually significantly cheaper than private dentistry but many people still have to pay to see an NHS dentist and charges range from £23.80 for band 1 treatments to £282.80 for band 3 treatments. Band 2 treatments cost £65.20. Free dental care is available for children, pregnant women and women who have given birth within the last 12 months and patients who receive certain low income benefits.
The survey also showed that some people are avoiding going to GP appointments because they’re worried about the cost of prescriptions. Over 20% said they had put off going to their GP due to concerns about treatment costs. GP appointments are free for everyone but there is a charge of £9.35 per item in England for those who are not eligible for free prescriptions.
Rising living costs are impacting most families in the UK, with prices increasing rapidly over the last 12 months. More and more people are experiencing financial pressures. The survey showed that 10% of adults are planning to seek help for stress linked to money worries.
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