Many adults in the UK have some form of gum disease, but may not be aware of the possible link to disease in other parts of their body. An article in the British Dental Journal wrote that in recent years there has been considerable interest in the possible link.
The article also pointed out that all members of dental teams are aware of the link, and it is part of their role to provide clear evidence-based advice and information to patients where appropriate. To read the full article follow this link.
https://www.nature.com/articles/bdjteam2015163
During the COVID pandemic the impact on the lack of availability of dental treatment has been very noticeable, with many people finding it difficult to get emergency dental appointments in and routine oral care has been disrupted with long wait times.
The British Dental Association have indicated that some patients might find that a treatment is available quicker privately than it is on the NHS. As with medical care, this is often because the queue for NHS treatment is longer. It may simply be that there are many more people looking for NHS appointments than private appointments.
Many practices will provide a mix of NHS and private care. But those practices will have a limit to the amount of NHS care they are able to provide. The BDA believes that the current NHS contracts do not work well for patients or for dentists and are discussing with the relevant authorities ways of improving them. To find out more about the BDA and Dental Treatment check out the full details on Advice for Patients. https://www.bda.org/patients?_ga=2.77257877.1213729189.1610364128-942022581.1610364128
For some people there may be an element of insecurity about the safety of visiting a dental practice whilst the pandemic is still not under control.
It is reassuring to know that dental practices in the UK are guided in the treatments they can deliver by official advice from the Government and Chief Dental Officers and details can be found here on the NHS website.
In addition to the document covering the overall strategy for Dental Treatment delivery and care during the COVID pandemic there are regular updates on how dental practices need to adapt to new information and guidelines as they become available. The latest publication available is to cover the period from 01 January - 31 March 2021.
https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/publication/preparedness-letters-for-dental-care/
If you are interested in finding out more about a personal discounted private dental scheme through Eduhealth, we have options for private dental plans and also cash back plans for payments made for NHS treatment, please contact us on 0345 226 9938
This information was published by Eduhealth's Content Team and any information is generic and if applicable original sources of information are listed.
The information contained on this page and in any third party websites referred to on this page is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice nor is it intended to be for medical diagnosis or treatment.
Third party websites are not owned or controlled by Eduhealth and any individual may be able to access and post messages on them. Eduhealth is not responsible for the content or availability of these third party websites.
