Alex Bennett, head of health consulting said: 

"As mouth cancer cases rise in the UK, employers are increasingly taking up the slack caused by declining access to free dental care by offering dental benefits to employees and their dependents. 

"In an economic downturn, visiting the dentist - a trip that can end up costing hundreds of pounds - can slip down the list of priorities for people. This reluctance has been compounded with the changes in UK dentistry over recent years, which have made it more difficult and more expensive to access dental treatment, meaning that millions fail to maintain regular dental visits. This in turn has contributed to an increase in mouth cancer cases by more than 17% percent in the last 4 years*. 

"Many more employers have now recognised the benefits of helping their employees and their dependents gain access to affordable dental care. Employers are able to cover NHS or private dentistry fees, provide access to discounted cover, and provide dental benefits, including cash contributions to dental care.  Preferred provider options packages are the ideal way for employers to tailor services at discounted rates to meet increasing demand in this area.  The benefits have wide appeal to employees, are not prone to escalation inflation and require little management time or administration."

Ends

* British Dental Health Foundation 2007

For more information contact:
Josephine Corbett
0207 269 7250
Josephine.corbett@fd.com

David Skapinker
020 7505 7478
David.skapinker@aon.co.uk
http://aon.mediaroom.com