New survey reveals 36% of employees avoid the dentist due to cost
A new survey has revealed that 36% of employees avoid going to the dentist as a result of worries about the cost of treatment.
The poll, which was carried out by Unum Dental, revealed that cost was the most commonly cited barrier for employees. Almost a quarter of those surveyed (24%) admitted that the main reason they didn’t go to the dentist regularly was a fear of pain. Fear of the dentist was particularly common among women, with 27% of female respondents saying they were scared of going to the dentist compared to 22% of men.
The survey, which involved 2,000 employees, found that 30% of people would be willing to pay for dental insurance if their employer offered an initiative, and 80% said they would go to the dentist more frequently if they had insurance.
Managing director at Unum Dental, Andrew Bower, suggested that it’s well-known that many people feel anxious about going to the dentist, but it is surprising that so many survey participants listed cost as the most significant barrier to regular dental visits. Dentists are trained to care for nervous patients, and today, there are all kinds of treatments, technology and techniques that can be used to minimise pain and reduce treatment times. Patients who are anxious about going to the dentist are encouraged to speak to their dentist so that they are aware of the situation.
The findings of the survey underline the value of dental insurance as an employee benefit, with 80% of people claiming they would go to the dentist twice a year if they had insurance through work. Poor dental health can contribute to low morale, taking time off and an increased risk of general health problems, so it’s beneficial for employers to consider including dental benefits in their employee package.
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