4.5 million workers put off seeing a dentist because they don’t have the time

Despite employee dental cover being one of the most accessible work benefits, the study revealed that the top reasons for people avoiding the dentist are the cost of appointments, fear of the dentist, and a lack of time – including not being able to take time off work.

The research also found that over two million Brits have not been to the dentist for over ten years, while 8.5 million are leaving it too long in between visits, waiting over two years between appointments. Meanwhile a third have never visited a hygienist – equating to more than 21.5 million people in the UK.

Last month Bupa unveiled its new dental insurance options for businesses, Bupa Dental Plan and Bupa Dental Choice. Both have been redesigned to cover more preventative treatments, which members typically use most, including routine examinations, hygienist appointments and x-rays.

It also includes Bupa’s ‘No Forms, No Fuss’ direct settlement process, a market-leading move which means that claims can be settled immediately, so customers do not have to pay upfront and claim back the costs.