Access to National Health Service (NHS) dentistry in the U.K. has improved in the past year, but it's been at the expense of quality, according to a survey from Simplyhealth, a one of the largest providers of health insurance in the U.K.
More than half (54%) of the U.K. population has experienced change in dental services in the past four years, and a reduction in quality of treatment and lower levels of NHS cover are cited as the main reasons, Simplyhealth's Annual Dental Survey 2011 found.
The Simplyhealth study of 10,000 U.K. respondents shows that although fewer people are now struggling to find an NHS dentist (from 39% to 29%), 18% said the NHS doesn't cover as much as it used to. In addition, 17% feel they don't receive the same level of treatment, and 20% say they're not asked to see their dentist as regularly.
While many patients are finding it easier to find an NHS dentist, cost is still the major factor that's preventing many from attending their appointments, Simplyhealth said. In fact, 40% said they've put off going to the dentist because they can't afford it.
More people believe that private dentistry offers a better service, up from 30% to 37%, Simplyhealth noted. This is put down to flexibility of appointments, improved treatment, and a belief that private dentists pay more attention to their concerns.
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