BDA survey highlights satisfaction with dental services

The British Dental Association (BDA) has published a report showing that the majority of UK patients are highly satisfied with the quality of dental treatment they are receiving.

Figures from the survey of 1,000 consumers showed that eight out of ten patients who had seen a dentist in the past two years were very happy with their treatment, with the same proportion saying the fee structure was clearly explained to them.

Moreover, three-quarters of patients said their treatment provided good or very good value for money, while only one percent had made a complaint in the last two years.

However, there were also a few negative conclusions to be drawn, with one-quarter of patients failing to visit the dentist regularly for various reasons, including cost concerns and phobias.

Dr Martin Fallowfield, chair of the BDA principal executive committee, said: "The dental profession should be reassured by these findings as a healthy dental market is one which is able to meet patients' needs.  This said, we should not be complacent."

Last week, the BDA called on dentists, Trading Standards officials and the General Dental Council to join forces in preventing non-qualified individuals from illegally advertising and providing tooth whitening treatments.