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Local company has solution to growing dental crisis
Reports this week continue to highlight the ongoing dental crisis. According to the Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Forums, the situation is worse than ever before.
The nationwide shortage of NHS dentists is forcing more people to put off visiting the dentist for regular checks and driving as many as one in 20 to resort to DIY dental treatment due to concerns about the cost.
One Leeds-based healthplan provider is continuing to monitor the crisis. Member services director at LHF, Raman Sankaran comments:
"The dental reforms were originally bought in to make the cost of dentistry more clear for the consumer and unfortunately the knock on effect has been a rise in prices. Over the last 18 months many people have started to avoid the dentist due to fears about the cost.
"Despite what the Government might say, there is a feeling that these reforms have failed the general public. The dental health of thousands of people across Yorkshire is being compromised – either through lack of access to dental care due to a shortage of NHS dentists or avoidance of treatment due to concerns about the cost."
"Either way, the result means that oral health in Yorkshire is being neglected potentially leaving more people at a greater risk of gum disease, tooth decay and mouth cancer. Even dentists agree that it is only patients that are suffering from the crisis and the overall quality of care has worsened."
Formerly known as the Leeds Hospital Fund, LHF has been serving the healthcare needs of the people in Yorkshire for 120 years.
Following feedback from its members, LHF has responded with the development of a specific dental-only product. Members are able to go direct for NHS or private treatment and claim back some or all of the cost (up to annual limits)
"As a mutual organisation, it is our goal to help provide regular essential healthcare for individuals and families. The development of a specific dental-only plan helps people across Yorkshire budget towards the cost of necessary checks and treatment that they need," concludes Sankaran.
LHF’s Dental Plan pays money back towards a variety of regular essential dental maintenance, including check-ups, hygienist visits and x-rays and, after a three month qualifying period, treatments such as crowns, white fillings and bridges as well as emergency treatment and accident cover.
Based on Canal Wharf in Leeds, LHF is one of Yorkshire’s leading healthcare providers. A mutual organisation, it exists purely for its members without needing to pay out to any shareholders and offers some of the most competitive and cost effective healthplan policies in the marketplace.
For further information on LHF Healthplan visit www.lhfhealthplan.co.uk or call 0800 056 0366.