Are Dental Patients Receiving Clear And Accurate Information?

Simplyhealth’s Annual Dental Survey has revealed that dentists could be doing more to provide clear and transparent information to their patients.

The survey of 11,785 British adults found that 48{19761799e1353b7a6a49a5f02d3172230495afcde52b198895f8f3ba7ac759cb} of those who visit the dentist haven’t ever noticed that dental prices are clearly displayed or explained by their dentist. Only 27{19761799e1353b7a6a49a5f02d3172230495afcde52b198895f8f3ba7ac759cb} said that during their check-ups they have been given a written treatment plan that included charges.

James Glover, spokesperson for Simplyhealth says: “It is important that patients understand the dental treatment they are being advised to have and the costs involved if they are to value the care they receive. Patients should ask plenty of questions so they are involved and able to make informed decisions about their dental health.

“The lack of information patients say they currently receive could be why 24{19761799e1353b7a6a49a5f02d3172230495afcde52b198895f8f3ba7ac759cb} of those surveyed said they don’t believe visiting the dentist is good value for money, and 12{19761799e1353b7a6a49a5f02d3172230495afcde52b198895f8f3ba7ac759cb} said it isn’t at all good value. Although health cash plans and dental plans can help people budget for their appointments it is clear that more could be done to ensure patients fully understand the care they receive.”

Access to NHS dentistry has continued to improve. Only 16{19761799e1353b7a6a49a5f02d3172230495afcde52b198895f8f3ba7ac759cb} of people say they have struggled to find an NHS dentist, compared to 29{19761799e1353b7a6a49a5f02d3172230495afcde52b198895f8f3ba7ac759cb} last year and 39{19761799e1353b7a6a49a5f02d3172230495afcde52b198895f8f3ba7ac759cb} in 2010. Despite this, we found that 54{19761799e1353b7a6a49a5f02d3172230495afcde52b198895f8f3ba7ac759cb} of British adults are concerned that they won’t be able to afford dental care in the future.

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