Employees Finding it Difficult to Take Time Off to Visit the Dentist
A survey has revealed that employees in Britain are finding it difficult to take time off work to see the dentist.
A survey carried out by the British Dental Health Foundation revealed that only 43 percent of workers are allowed to take time off work to visit the dentist and the circumstances are even more difficult for parents, as only 25 percent are permitted to take time out of work to take their children to the dentist.
The survey also revealed that less than 10 percent of people receive advice about oral health through occupational health at work.
Of those surveyed, 13 percent had taken unpaid time off work to see a dentist and 29 percent had taken time off or booked a holiday to attend a dental appointment. Almost two thirds of parents admitted that they had take time off work or arranged holiday leave to take their children to the dentist.
The results of the survey show that neither employers nor employees are benefiting from the situation, with an estimated 2 million workers taking time off as a result of poor oral health over the last 5 years.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said that a large number of people are forced to take time off work due to preventable dental problems and encouraged employers to allow staff to take time to attend routine visits on a regular basis, as this reduces the risk of complex problems in the future, which would force employees to take time off.
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