Almost Half Of Welsh Residents Haven’t Been To A Dentist For Two Years
A recent survey has revealed that almost half of the Welsh population has not seen a dentist within the last two years.
Statistics shown by the Welsh Government showed that only 54.8 per cent of Welsh people visited an NHS dentist over the course of the last two years, despite the fact that dentists advise check-ups every 6 months. The statistics showed that almost half of the population did not receive treatment in the two years up to March 2013.
The statistics also revealed that the number of treatments provided by dentists has fallen; between April 2012 and March 2013, 5 million dental treatments were completed which represents a decrease of 1.1 per cent compared with the same time period the previous year.
More than 40 per cent of procedures were chargeable, with the charges for patients in Wales reaching £28.6 million; this represents an increase of 1.7 per cent since 2011-2012.
Dr David Tuthill, a consultant paediatrician at the Children’s Hospital for Wales in Cardiff, said that the figures are disappointing, especially as routine appointments are recommended by dentists, as they are an excellent way of identifying early signs and nipping issues in the bud. Dr Tuthill said that the news is worrying, especially as rates of oral health diseases are higher than other UK nations and urged people to take better care of their teeth and do more to prevent oral health diseases.
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