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News Release from: HSA | Subject: Protection
Edited by the Insidemoneytalk Editorial
Team on 28 March 2007
Deteriorating oral health could impact
workplace
Oral health in the UK will get worse, according to recent research carried out by HSA, part of the Simplyhealth Group.
Nearly two thirds of people surveyed believe that the nation's oral health will deteriorate, and HSA predicts if this happens, sickness and absence rates will increase The national survey asked over 1,000 consumers how they access dental care and asked for their views on NHS and private dentistry
This article was originally published on Insidemoneytalk on 28 Mar 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
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John Dean, Sales and Distribution Director at HSA, says, "It's estimated that sickness absence caused by dental treatment equates to 12 million working days a year, which attracts a staggering associated cost of around ?754 million.1 On top of this, our research shows that many consumers believe the new fee structure is more expensive and less accessible, which could put them off from visiting the dentist".
"This could mean that dental benefits could become not only an increasingly popular employee benefit, but also an important part of cutting sickness absence." Dr Nigel Carter, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, says, "Since the introduction of fluoride to toothpaste in the 1970s oral health has actually been getting better all the time".
"It is important that we don't lose these advantages as a result of people attending less regularly due to changes in the dental contract".
"Anything that encourages regular visits to the dentist is welcomed by the Foundation so it is pleasing that more companies are now offering dental subsidies as an employee benefit." Additional key findings from HSA's Dental Survey include: Only 10% of respondents believe the new system is clearer Only 7% of people surveyed believe the new system is more affordable 20% of people are currently not visiting a dentist regularly 22% of people have turned to private dental care because they cannot find an NHS dentist in their area 61% of people believe that the nation's oral health will deteriorate 51% believe it is only a matter of time before NHS dentistry ceases to exist HSA's Dental Plan offers cash back on NHS or private treatment and maintenance, dental accidents and emergencies and offers a lump sum if a member is diagnosed with mouth cancer (a qualifying period may apply).
No dental assessment is required before joining the plan and it offers a range of benefit levels starting from as little as £6.75 per month per employee.
For more information please contact HSA on 0800 072 6716 or visit www.hsa.co.uk/corporate or email sales@hsa.co.uk.
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