St Louis dentists report increase in appointments
After months of uncertainty, it seems the economy is finally starting to recover, as dentists report an increase in patient appointments for the first time since the recession hit.
The turbulent economic times have undoubtedly caused families to tighten their belts and cut down on spending, with many forgoing dental care. Dentists reported an increase in the number of patients cancelling appointments and postponing treatment, as people tried to stick to tighter budgets. When contending with putting food on the table and paying for a roof over the family’s heads, dental care emerged as an unaffordable luxury and was put on the back burner by millions of people.
Many dentists are still reporting decreased numbers of patients; however, several are seeing their appointment books gradually filling up as the economy starts to recover and people start to feel more comfortable.
Dentists in St Louis say there has been a significant increase in the number of patients coming back to the dentist recently and appointments are now being booked weeks in advance. As well as signs of recovery in the economy, patients that have been putting off treatment are now being forced to see their dentist because the problems are getting worse and they are experiencing more pain; the cost of the procedure has held them back for a long period of time but there is now no option but to bite the bullet and get help.
The rise in patient numbers will come as a welcome surprise for dentists and health ministers, although there is still a long way to go and a huge proportion of people are still struggling to afford dental care.
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