Employers banning dentist visits in work hours on the up...

Employers are increasingly discouraging their staff from visiting the dentist during work hours, a survey has revealed.

The number of companies taking this approach has doubled from 5% in 2009 to 10% this year.
Researchers behind the 2010 Simplyhealth Annual Dental Survey said it is a sign that companies have been under pressure to keep people at work during the recession.

Results showed that HR managers in the north-east were the most likely (25%) to discourage employees.
Surprisingly, the healthcare sector is one of the most restrictive to employees, with 30% taking such an attitude.

But many take a more generous approach, with 71% of HR managers saying they were concerned that employees cannot afford to maintain their oral health.

A majority (74%) believe it is the responsibility of the company to look after the oral health of the workforce.

'With more people struggling to find an NHS dentist, 39% up from 35% in 2009, offering dental benefits can allow employees the option to visit a private dentist outside of office hours.'

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