New Survey Reveals More Irish Patients Avoiding Dentist
A new survey has revealed that Irish dental patients are avoiding the dentist as a result of benefit cuts and the recession.
According to the survey, which was carried out for the Irish Dental Association, a quarter of those surveyed admitted that they visited the dentist less frequently now compared to four years ago, as a result of cost. Despite the fact that many patients are visiting their dentist less often than recommended, 80 per cent of those surveyed believed that they had a healthy smile.
Fintan Hourihan, chief executive of the Irish Dental Association, said that the results of the survey were alarming and confirmed the impact of budget cuts, which affected the dental benefits scheme. Mr Hourihan described the impact of the recession on the oral health of the nation as “hugely negative” and stressed the need to reach out to those who had been left in limbo by changes to the PRSI and Medical Card schemes.
The Behaviour and Attitudes Survey also showed that almost 60 per cent of participants admitted that they would only see a dentist in an emergency situation, while a staggering 41 per cent of people said that they rarely even think about going to see a dentist.
Mr Hourihan stated that the findings of the study indicate that the recession has had a significant impact on dental health in Ireland and added that there seemed to be a “disconnect” between the way people think and act, as many patients admit to seeing a dentist infrequently, yet still believe they have good oral health. He also said that the Health Service Executive needs to do more to make people aware of their dental entitlements, as the survey revealed that half of the population is unaware that they are entitled to a free dental check-up.
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