Over a third of Britons are relying on credit cards to pay their costly dental bills, according to new research by healthcare provider Simplyhealth .
The group’s Annual Dental Survey 2010 found that over the last 12 months 39 per cent of Brits have paid for dental treatment bills over £50 using a credit card, while 2 per cent have even been forced to take out a loan to cover the costs.
The survey, which was carried out by market research firm Opinion Matters, also revealed that an increasing number of UK adults are struggling to find an NHS dentist for them and their children, with 63 per cent currently without access to NHS dental care compared to 59 per cent a year ago.
Opinion Matters surveyed 250 HR managers and 1,005 working adults between 24 February and 4 March 2010.
Over 40 per cent of those questioned said they have neglected dental care due to the costs involved. Of these, 26 per cent said they have suffered long-term tooth decay, 19 per cent have lost a tooth and 2 per cent have required restorative dental procedures.
Commenting on the findings, James Glover, from Simplyhealth, said: "It's extremely worrying that people are going to these lengths to pay for their dental treatment and that others are delaying to the point of pain and long term damage."
"The good news is that it doesn't need to be like this. Dentists who are concerned about patients' ability to pay for dental bills have a part to play in creating awareness and affordable and sustainable funding options like cash plans and dental plans by displaying literature in practice waiting rooms."
"Simplyhealth, for example, provides cover for dental check-ups, treatment and emergencies through its Simply Cash Plan and Simply Dental Plan ."
"These plans can help take away the financial bother of visiting the dentist, allowing patients to visit when they need to, not just when funds allow."
