07 Oct 2022
The NHS medical is often cited as being in a critical state since the start of the Covid pandemic and yet NHS dentistry is arguably far worse. Across the country we’re seeing news articles on a severe lack of access (only 37% in some areas₃) and, in some cases, people now performing “DIY dentistry” – in 2022 UK.
Luke Harris-Johns wrote about the cost-of-living crisis a few weeks ago and how much this will affect the average household. NHS dental fees are a form of taxation in all but name, and on a service that is critical to our health and wellbeing. Whilst the NHS are looking to bring in new measures to help the general population access a dentist, including more money and increased incentives, it remains to be seen what impact this will have, if any.
So, what can we do to help?
As Employee Benefits Consultants we often talk about the tangible benefits of insurance policies – what will your employees get back. With NHS Dentists providing 12 million less courses of treatment in 21/22 (26.4m)₂ compared to 19/20 (38.4m)₃ and seeing almost 5million less patients (16.4m1 vs 21m2)₂₃ we can assume with good faith that dental insurance will be an area more and more leading employers will be investing in.
As with all insurances, it is worth getting advice to help understand your employees’ requirements, and how they can best be met by the benefit. Please get in touch to see how we can help.
- https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/nhs-dental-statistics/2021-22-annual-report
- https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/nhs-dental-statistics/2019-20-annual-report
- https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/urgent-call-action-over-devons-7612926
