LONDON: A groundbreaking report from consumer health giant Haleon, in collaboration with the College of General Dentistry (CGDent), exposes significant gaps in the provision of preventative oral care in the UK. The newly launched Dental Health Barometer presents a comprehensive look into the state of proactive dental healthcare, emphasizing its critical role in preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious health complications.
Despite the proven benefits of preventative dental care, survey findings reveal that many UK dental patients miss out on vital guidance. Alarmingly, only 34% of dental professionals consistently offer preventative advice, while 25% of patients reported receiving no such guidance during their most recent dental visit.
The report also highlights disparities between private and NHS dental care. A notable 59% of oral health professionals admitted prioritizing preventative advice for private patients over NHS patients. Among NHS providers, 37% cited time constraints as a barrier, compared to just 15% of private practitioners. This inequality coincides with the growing prevalence of “dental deserts,” where certain UK regions have over 3,000 patients per NHS dentist.
Bas Vorsteveld, General Manager for GBI at Haleon, remarked:
“Our findings revealed inconsistencies in offering preventative care, despite widespread understanding of its importance. We remain dedicated to supporting dental professionals through innovative initiatives and educational resources, empowering them to deliver better patient outcomes.”
Haleon’s ongoing efforts, including campaigns like Shine Bright aimed at children’s oral health, complement the Department of Health’s updated Delivering Better Oral Health toolkit. Encouragingly, 76% of dental professionals surveyed were aware of this guidance, with younger dentists showing higher familiarity (82% among ages 23-34) compared to older peers (58% among ages 45-54).
Patients continue to place high trust in their dentists, with 88% of those receiving preventative advice finding it helpful. However, younger patients, men, and NHS users were less likely to seek proactive oral health guidance.
Dr. Abhi Pal, President of CGDent, affirmed:
“We champion excellence in general practice dentistry. This research underscores the importance of prevention as a cornerstone of care, and we support all initiatives that enhance preventative practices for both private and NHS patients.”
This report serves as a call to action for reinforcing preventative care across the dental profession. It highlights an urgent need for more equitable access and consistent advice to protect public health.