Most calls to dental helpline about cosmetic dentistry

Dental helplineImplants, veneers, crowns and dentures made up the most common enquiries to the Dental Helpline, according to the Oral Health Foundation.

In the last 12 months one in seven questions to the helpline have been about these four topics.

Enquiries about implants and veneers have jumped by 33% over the last 10 years.

‘There is little doubt that we are becoming more aware of our options when it comes to cosmetic dentistry,’ Dr Nigel Carter OBE, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, said.

‘There has also been a significant shift in how we view our relationship with our dentist.

‘Rather than seeing ourselves as patients, we are increasingly more likely to identify as consumers.

‘As these treatments can still be relatively expensive, we are more likely to research them.

‘It is why more are reaching out to services like the Dental Helpline.

‘As consumers, we want to feel reassured that the prices we are quoted are fair.

‘And that the treatments we are being advised to take are in our best interest.’

Growing industry

The UK cosmetic industry is estimated to be worth around £2.2 billion.

Predictions suggest the industry is expected to grow by a further 8% by 2021.

The Dental Helpline has also experienced a 50% increase in traffic to pages on its website about cosmetic procedures.

‘To know that have been able to support so many people is very special,’ adds Dr Carter.

‘The Dental Helpline will continue to be a friendly place for anybody looking to find practical and emotional support for their oral health.

‘If you are in pain, or simply feel that you don’t have the right information to make an informed decision about the health of your mouth, please do get in touch.’

Dental Helpline

The Oral Health Foundation recently celebrated its 400,000th call to its Dental Helpline over the last two decades.

It claims many who turn to the foundation are confused, anxious and unsure where to turn for help.

The helpline aims to provide information and support to help callers.

‘Your patient’s oral health matters to us,’ Dr Carter said at the time.

‘We’re more than just a place where they can get information.

‘We truly care about the people that reach out to us.

‘To say that we have been able to help 400,000 people is very special.

‘The Dental Helpline will continue to be a friendly place for anybody to find practical and emotional support for their oral health problems.’


Related stores:

Favorite
Get the most out of your membership by subscribing to Dentistry CPD
  • Access 600+ hours of verified CPD courses
  • Includes all GDC recommended topics
  • Powerful CPD tracking tools included
Register for webinar
Share
Add to calendar