Employers clamping down on visits to the dentist during work time; A dentist’s appointment was once the excuse of choice for people hoping to take a few hours off work. But it is becoming increasingly difficult to get time off work for bona fide appointments, as Alison Lowe explains
0 Comments | Western Mail (Cardiff, Wales), July 26, 2010
I’M SURE, at one time or another, we’ve all used the excuse of having to visit the dentist when we’ve wanted to get out of work early.
But it seems that these days it’s not so easy to get away with it, even if it is a genuine appointment.
According to the UK 2010 Simplyhealth dental survey, companies are much less flexible when it comes to allowing dental visits during working hours.
One-in-10 employers now discourage workers from taking time off for dental appointments and only 37% believe it is up to the individual to choose when they visit the dentist.
Indeed, the number of companies taking this approach has doubled over the last year and it seems that it is a reflection of the pressure companies are under to keep their employees in work during the recession.
More worrying is the fact that many of those questioned by the survey couldn’t visit a dentist even if they could get the time off work.
Access and affordability remain key issues in Wales – the dire lack of NHS dentists has frequently been highlighted in recent years, most noticeably last month when almost 4,000 patients in Ceredigion were left without an NHS dentist when their practice closed.
The survey also found that 10% of workers in Cardiff have struggled and eventually given up on their quest to find an NHS dentist, which suggests a shortage of dentists in the capital.
It is reassuring to know the majority of employers believe it is their responsibility to look after the oral health of their workforce and the fact that their staff may not be able to afford to visit the dentist is of increasing concern.
Since dental care seems to be so important to employers, you would think they would be more flexible about allowing dental visits during working hours.
But the answer is a resounding no and bosses are becoming much stricter when it comes to monitoring this.
Nonetheless, oral health is seen as an important element of wellbeing strategies and with this in mind many companies now offer dental benefits.
This appears to be a win-win situation for all concerned, as it not only gives employees the option of visiting a private dentist outside of working hours, but employers have found that it boosts morale, aids staff retention and helps to reduce the amount of sick leave taken.
But what about the workers who don’t have access to Denplan or a similar dental scheme? There’s no doubt that visiting the dentist can be expensive and the rising costs mean that some people are being forced to neglect their teeth.
Indeed, 43% have put off visiting the dentist due to worries about the cost implications.
Many people have also called NHS Direct or gone to A&E with toothache or dental pain instead of, or before, seeing a dentist.
Of course, those who put off visiting the dentist often pay the price with their oral health – 35% of those questioned have suffered from long-term tooth decay or periodontal disease, which often results in abscesses, and the need for extractions and for some extended dental procedures.
Of more concern is that onein-five respondents had suffered at least one of the possible signs of mouth cancer.
This is one of the fastestgrowing cancers in the UK – cases have increased by 41% over the last decade.
Around 75% of mouth cancers are caused by tobacco and alcohol, yet this survey suggests that many people are still unaware of the risks of indulging in these vices.
Regular visits to the dentist are essential in detecting the signs, as survival rates are boosted by 90% with early detection.
So, how do we stand when it comes to taking time off work for dental appointments? Well, contrary to popular belief, there is no law that says your employer has to give you time off, but most do because they want to look after their staff.
However, they’re not obliged to pay you for it.
How much time you’re allowed is specific to your employer’s policies and depends on whether you are paid by the hour or salaried. You may find that you have to take the time as part of your annual or sick leave.
Whatever you do, don’t neglect your teeth – regular appointments with the dentist are a vital part of maintaining not only your oral health, but also your general health.
Alison Lowe is a dental hygienist based in Cardiff TIPS TO BRING A SMILE…
There is no doubt the debt crisis in Britain has made it more difficult to look after our teeth but here are some tips that may make it easier: If you need dental treatment but you’re worried about taking time off, have a chat with your boss or human resources department about the companies policies on missing work; If you’re struggling to find an NHS dentist then contact your local health board which will have a list of NHS dentists in your area. Alternatively, ask your friends and colleagues as they will often be able to recommend a good dentist locally; Ask your dental practice if they offer evening, early morning or Saturday appointments – you’ll find that many do (after all even the dental profession isn’t recession proof); I know it is easier said than done but try not to let cost stop you from seeking dental care, there are a number of ways of spreading the cost and minimising the financial pain of visiting the dentist; If you need to cancel your dental appointment due to work commitments make sure you give plenty of notice otherwise you may be charged.