UK workers 'too busy' to visit dentist

According to Bupa

Adam Saville
clock • 1 min read

Combination of costs, fear and lack of time putting people off looking after oral health

Research by Bupa has suggested that millions of employees - 14% of the UK population - are putting off visiting the dentist due to time constraints. The study of 2,000 adults found that while dental cover exists as one of the most accessible employee benefits, people are avoiding going to the dentists due to the cost of appointments, fear of the dentist and a lack of time, which includes not being about to take time off work. Based on the research, it is estimated that over two million Brits have not been to the dentist for over 10 years, while 8.5 million are waiting over two years b...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on PMI

NHS waiting list increases to 7.33m
PMI

NHS waiting list increases to 7.33m

July 2026 data

Jaskeet Briah
clock 10 September 2026 • 2 min read
Self-pay PMI admissions hit highest level in Q1 2026
PMI

Self-pay PMI admissions hit highest level in Q1 2026

Slight decline in insured admissions

Jaskeet Briah
clock 08 September 2026 • 2 min read
Healthcare access barriers cost UK £17bn: Simplyhealth
PMI

Healthcare access barriers cost UK £17bn: Simplyhealth

Simplyhealth research

Cameron Roberts
clock 04 September 2026 • 2 min read