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Research confirms there may still be 1.5million without an NHS dentist in Yorkshire
It is now nearly 18 months since the radical dental reforms came into effect, supposedly making it easier for people across Yorkshire to get access to an NHS dentist.
However, an independent survey carried out on behalf of Leeds-based healthcare provider LHF Healthplan has revealed that there could be up to 1.5million people in Yorkshire not registered with an NHS dentist, leaving themselves wide open to the risk of gum disease, tooth decay and even mouth cancer.
For those without an NHS dentist, 43 per cent cited lack of availability or long waiting lists that make it difficult to get access to treatment. The survey also revealed that there are potentially up to 350,000 people in Yorkshire who haven’t been to the dentist in longer than three years.
Since its last regional survey that was carried out one year ago, LHF has continued to monitor the dental crisis and availability of access to NHS treatment for residents in Yorkshire.
To ease the pain of accessing treatment, LHF has developed an affordable new dental plan to help individuals and families across Yorkshire budget for the necessary checks and treatment that they need, whether this takes place at an NHS or private dentist.
Member services director at LHF, Raman Sankaran, comments: "We have listened carefully to feedback from our members on how they and their families have been affected by the current dental crisis and designed our new dental plan to meet their needs.
"We have used 120 years of healthcare experience in Yorkshire to create a well thought out product that will provide tangible dental benefits to people giving them the option to receive NHS or private treatment without breaking the bank."
From just £7 per person per month, the LHF Dental Plan pays money back towards a variety of dental benefits including check-ups, hygienist visits, x-rays, crowns, white fillings and bridges as well as emergency treatment if teeth are damaged in an accident.
All dependent children - under the age of 18, residing at the same address, can also be covered from just an extra £1 per month.
A mutual organisation, LHF makes regular donations to charity and has been looking after the health and well-being of individuals and families across Yorkshire for more than 120 years.
The survey was carried out by Gem Research Limited during 2007 on behalf of LHF Healthplan
For further information on LHF Healthplan visit www.lhfhealthplan.co.uk or call 0800 056 0366.