Poll Indicates More Trust In Dentists Than In Doctors
According to recent studies more people trust their dentist than their doctor.
Research carried out by Bray Leino indicated that 83% of people had a very high level of trust in their dentist, which was even greater than the level of trust in their doctor. Of the 1,500 people surveyed, twice as many people value their relationship with their dentist in comparison to their doctor. Furthermore, 19.7% said that they valued the relationship with their dentist, in comparison to just 9.9% of people who regarded their relationship with their doctor as important.
The poll also showed that three-quarters of those asked took their dentist’s advice with reference to the frequency of check-ups.
Despite the positive news for dentists, there is still a long way to go, as the study also revealed that almost two-thirds of participants do not visit their dentist once a year. The study suggested that many wait for at least three years, the main reason being due to fear. Almost 26% of people said that the reason they do not go to the dentist for regular check-ups is that they are scared of going to the dentist and having dental treatment.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said that the results of the poll are very encouraging in terms of the relationship between dentists and their patients. However, it is worrying that many are still avoiding their dentist as this increases the risk of oral health problems, which may subsequently affect overall health.
There are now many treatments and therapies available for patients who suffer from dental anxiety and dental phobia, from painless injections and sedation to hypnotherapy.
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