DT News - UK - UK patients trust their dentist more than their doctor

Dental Tribune International

Wed. 17 October 2012

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RUGBY – In order to gain better insights into the perception of dentistry in the UK, a communication agency has conducted an online poll among over 5,500 Britons. The survey revealed that the majority of people value their relationship with their dentist above that with their doctor. Three in four people in the UK schedule their check-ups based on their dentist’s recommendation, the investigators found.

The survey was conducted by Bray Leino, a UK communication agency, on behalf of the British Dental Trade Association. The online poll involved 5,589 respondents aged between 18 and 55. Almost 90 per cent of the people surveyed reported that they have a very high degree of trust in their dentist.

The investigators found that twice as many people (19.7 per cent) trust their dentist more than they trust their family doctor (9.9 per cent). They observed that patients typically rely on their dentist, as more than 75 per cent of the people surveyed claimed that they follow their dentist’s advice in terms of frequency of visits. For almost 60 per cent, trust in their dentist is far more important than the practitioner’s experience.

“The research is very encouraging. The excellent relationship that clearly exists between the patient and the dentist will hopefully result in oral health improvements throughout generations,” said Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation.

Moreover, the study revealed that 75 per cent of the population visit either a private or NHS dentist, whilst 25 per cent do not undergo regular check-ups. Among other factors, fear is a significant reason for avoiding dental visits.

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