Employers discourage taking time off for dental appointments
A survey has shown that an increasing number of employers are tightening up when it comes to employees taking time off to visit the dentist.
The 2010 SimplyHealth survey found that companies are becoming less flexible each year, with many actively discouraging their employees from arranging to see their dentist during work hours. The survey found that only 37 percent of employers believed it was down to the individual to choose when they have their dental appointment.
Over the course of the last year, many companies have tightened their belts in a bid to get the most out of their employees; it is believed that the recession has caused employers to become less flexible and expect more from their employees.
The survey also contained questions about access to dental services; the results showed that many people are still struggling to get an appointment with an NHS dentist even if they are allowed to take the time off work. Respondents from Wales cited problems with access to dental services as a major cause for concern; 10 percent of participants from Cardiff said they had struggled to get an appointment.
Recently, services in Wales have come under the spotlight; just a few weeks ago the area of Ceredigion hit the headlines after four thousand patients were left without an NHS dentist following the closure of their local NHS dental practice.
Company bosses agreed that oral health was an important factor and that good oral health amongst employees helped to boost performance; however, in light of the recent turbulent economic times, directors are not willing to make allowances for employees when it comes to visiting the dentist. Many of the respondents said that that struggled to find time to go to the dentist, as they were not allowed to go during work hours.
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