GEN Z AND MILLENNIALS ADMIT THEY KNOW MORE ABOUT THEIR MENTAL HEALTH THAN THEIR DENTAL HEALTH
A new study by Bupa reveals a UK gap in knowledge about dental health, its relationship to physical and mental well-being and how workplace benefits can improve the health of the nation
London Wednesday, 18th September 2024. According to new Bupa research, two thirds (65%) of 18-34-year-olds say they are more knowledgeable about mental health than dental health. 19% in this age group admit that they were unaware there was a connection between mental health and oral health. Just 13% of Brits feel they know more about their dental health. This knowledge gap costs UK businesses thousands each year.
Bupa conducted the study to find out how well Brits understand dental health and its relationship with physical and mental wellness. The answer is not much, especially in terms of mental health. Only 12% of respondents knew that mental health issues are connected with panic attacks, while only 7% were aware of the link to bipolar disorder.
Just over half of the public (53%) are aware of the connection between mouth cancer and serious physical conditions. Even fewer people are aware that mouth cancer is linked to serious physical conditions such as diabetes (25%) and heart disease (14%).
This lack of knowledge is affecting the workplace directly. The cost of employee absences caused by dental problems alone is high for UK businesses. 37% need to take time off work because of oral pain. This is before you factor in the time taken off due to illnesses that could have been detected sooner through dental visits.
The average employee who calls in sick with dental pain will miss 6.5 hours of work. This means that a company employing 100 people would lose PS4,129.87 per year.
Only 15% of employees have dental coverage through their employers. Another 10% are unaware that dental is included in their benefit package. The number of older respondents who have dental insurance has also dropped, with only 10% of those between 45 and 54 having coverage.
Ann Stewart, director of dental insurance at Bupa, said: “Employers need to find a balance between rewarding and retaining their best talent and the broader goals of their business.” Mental health is now recognised as a key factor in our overall well-being and how we perform in the workplace. However, attitudes to dental care are still lagging behind.
Oral health issues can cost workers time at work and be a sign of other health problems. In the UK, workplaces are increasingly responsible for encouraging workers to put their health first and removing any barriers.
Ann adds, “Businesses should prioritise creating an environment in which their employees feel empowered to address any health concerns they may face.” You can do this by investing in education, creating policies that help people make appointments or investing in health benefit packages .”
Professionals who feel they are valued by their employers would be more motivated, and feel more loyal to their employer if their benefits were improved.
Costs are the main reason why workers delay regular dental checkups (32%). 34% of respondents say that employer support, such as time off from work, insurance at the workplace, and better communication about what is included, would encourage them to prioritize appointments. This highlights the important role employers have in encouraging positive dental habits.
Bupa launched “The Great Unexplored” to educate the public on the relationship between oral health and general health. The campaign includes a quiz that allows people to test their knowledge of the connection between mouth health and overall health.
Bupa also asked Londoners how much they knew about dental health. You can view the video on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram.
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A case study quote by Elaine Saw (57), whose family was originally from London and moved to another country.
My son (who at the time was about 6 years old) had been sitting in my mother’s lap while we were all gathered around TV after dinner. He came to me after she left and said, “I noticed that the breath of my grandmother had changed.” We thought he was being silly at first because no one else had noticed. He kept mentioning this every time she came to our house, and I eventually noticed it myself.
“At the dentist, it was discovered that she had a condition called acetone breath. This led to her diabetes diagnosis.” We had attributed her mild dizziness to low blood pressure. Only after doctors made the connection between her breath and her symptoms did they take it seriously .”
Bupa Dental Insurance Benefits
- Bupa provides comprehensive coverage for oral cancer as standard. Bupa also offers comprehensive coverage for dental emergencies and injuries, as well restorative treatment.
- Bupa Insurance has recently increased its benefit allowances, allowing customers to claim a higher cashback on preventative treatments such as a polish and scale.
- Oral Health Line – This service is available by phone to discuss an urgent situation, provide a second opinion, or reassure you.
- Bupa offers an instant claim service that allows customers to visit any of Bupa’s 400 dental practices, and the practice will take care of their claim there and then.
Methodology
Censuswide conducted the research amongst a sample size of 2001 adults aged 18+, who were selected to represent a representative national sample. (A minimum of 1,000 respondents worked full-time or part-time). The data were collected between 30.07.2024 and 01.08.2024. Censuswide adheres to the Market Research Society code of conduct, and employs MRS members. Censuswide is a British Polling Council member.
Bupa Global India & UK
Bupa is committed to helping people lead healthier and longer lives, as well as creating a better society. Bupa UK Insurance is the UK’s largest health insurer and provides health and dental coverage to more than 3.8 million customers. Bupa Global, the premium health insurance division of Bupa that serves 360,000 customers worldwide, is Bupa’s premium arm. Niva Bupa, a provider of retail health insurance and health insurance for health in India with 15,4 million customers, is the leading health insurer. Bupa Dental Care, the UK’s leading provider of dental care, provides services at around 400 centers in the UK and Ireland. Bupa Care Services is home to around 6,600 residents, spread across 117 residential care homes and 10 Richmond care communities. Bupa Health Services consists of 52 clinics and the Cromwell Hospital, which is located in London and provides care to insured, selfpaying and international patients.
According to Bupa Dental Care, the average UK gross annual salary is 35,828 pounds sterling and the average absence duration is 0.81 days.
The first time HR news published the article GENZ AND MILLENNIALS AGREE THEY KNOW MORE THAN THEIR DENTAL HEALTH.
