Cornish Patients Struggling To Pay Dental Bills
A study has revealed that many dental patients in Cornwall are struggling to afford dental bills, with many resorting to using credit cards or taking out a payday loan to foot the bill.
The study, which was carried out by Simplyhealth, revealed that around 40,000 patients have not been to the dentist in the last five years, despite the fact that dentists recommend check-ups every 6-12 months.
Tom, a patient from Camborne, said that he has not been to the dentist for three years. In 2010, he was told that he could be facing a bill for thousands of pounds as a result of dental issues and said that he was now waiting for an NHS dentist, but had not heard anything. Tom has frequently used a credit card to pay for dental bills and said that he has had numerous problems with his dental health in the past, which have cost a lot of money.
Dentist Michael Thomas said that oral health problems can be potentially very damaging for children. Not only do they suffer from pain, but they may also develop a fear of going to the dentist because they associate it with having to have treatment, rather than just sitting in the dental chair for a 5 minute, painless check-up.
Dentists say that avoiding regular check-ups is likely to add to bills in the future, as check-ups are much cheaper than complex courses of treatment. Research also suggests that it is important to see your dentist frequently to allow them to treat any problems as early as possible. Studies have linked gum disease and poor oral health to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and strokes and most oral diseases are preventable.
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