Millions have neglected dental care: researchers highlight the extent of dental hygiene issues.

A recent analysis of the findings from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in England highlighted significant disparities in access to dental care across the country, particularly affecting certain regions and demographic groups. These results, considering they were derived from a high-income country, suggest an even more troubling situation on a global scale, as noted by The Probe.

The analysis of the ONS data, conducted by the independent consulting firm Broadstone, revealed that 5.9% of the working-age population in England (ages 16-64) with access to dental services or dental hospitals had not seen a dentist in over two years. This figure translates to approximately 1.2 million individuals, raising concerns about poor oral hygiene and its broader health implications.

The study uncovered striking statistics: 12.0% of all residents in England, or 5.7 million people, reported that they do not have a dentist. Of these, 4.9 million are of working age. Researchers were alarmed to find that among those without a dentist, 81.2% of those who attempted to book an appointment in the last 28 days were unsuccessful. Following these failed attempts, the majority (75.6%) took no further action, indicating a lack of real alternatives for many individuals.

In urban areas, the percentage of people without a dentist was the highest at 13.1%, while in rural areas, this figure was lower at 10.5%. Emily Jones, the client advisory director at Broadstone, emphasized the seriousness of these findings, stating: "Oral health is a crucial foundation for overall well-being, and untreated dental issues can lead to more serious health risks, from infections and sleep disturbances to cardiovascular complications." She also highlighted that the absence of regular dental visits increases the risk of undetected oral diseases, including gum disease and oral cancer.

Jones stressed that to address this gap and enhance employee well-being, it is vital for employers to take steps to provide dental benefits as part of their healthcare offerings. The research findings emerged at a time when access to dental care has come under intense scrutiny from the government.

Despite calls for government intervention to improve accessibility, progress in this area appears minimal. Meanwhile, employers are encouraged to consider offering healthcare benefits that could alleviate pressure on such services, particularly as businesses face rising costs due to increases in national insurance and the minimum wage.

The coverage of dental care in England has been declining for many years, exacerbated by a significant number of dental professionals leaving public organizations for private practice. This, in turn, reflects the concerning global statistics regarding similar changes. According to the British Dental Association's 2023 report, nearly half of dentists in England reported plans to reduce their work within public structures, further compounding access issues. This aligns with research data showing a shortage of available slots and unmet dental needs among the population.

Important! This article is based on the latest scientific and medical research and does not contradict them. The text is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice. For a diagnosis, please consult a physician.