Plymouth residents fear the dentist more than flying
Residents from Plymouth voted the dentist’s chair scarier than flying (35%), heights (33%) and ghosts (22%) according to a new study released today.
Two thirds (66%) of the city’s residents admitted that fear is the main reason they put off visiting the dentist – considerably higher than the 60% average of the UK.
While the potential prospect of pain, needles and having already endured bad experiences in the past play their part in making up the irrational fear factor. However, it’s the potential cost that fills residents with the most terror. Find out the full extent of the UK’s dental fear here.
The inconvenience of having to book time off work to make an appointment was another major factor cited in keeping Plymouth’s respondents away for an average of 18 months between check-ups.
A stereotypically daunting task, a trip to the dentist was voted scarier by close to a third of the population than spiders (29%), clowns (34%) and the dark (37%).
The study by solicitor firm Neil Hudgell, who specialise in dental negligence, also revealed that the younger a person is the greater the fear. Over two in three 18-24-year-olds admit to being afraid of the dentist, compared to just over half of those aged over 55 (55%).
Just ahead of Plymouth in first place in the list of most afraid cities was London, where 69% of people admitted they were staying away from the dentist’s chair due to fear.
At the other end of the spectrum, with just one in two residents admitting to being scared, Leeds can lay claim to the title of joint-bravest city.
Neil Hudgell’s study also found:
• Leeds’ residents are the most attentive to their teeth, visiting the dentist every six months
• Apprehension of the potential cost is the main reason why Londoners stay away from the dentist – more than anywhere else in the UK
• Birmingham was joint second with Plymouth in terms of scared respondents at 66%
Simon Wilson, a specialist in handling dental negligence claims at Neil Hudgell Solicitors, said: “Many consider it to be irrational to fear a trip to the dentist, and that is because most people thankfully benefit from great dental care in the UK. Certainly, it is advisable to follow the lead of those in Leeds by having regular check-ups, as putting off a quick, simple examination can result in suffering pain down the line.”
“However, we are seeing a rise in claims against negligent dentists, and this is perhaps making the dentist’s chair increasingly feared in parts of the country.”
“Our advice is simple, ensure you do your research and use both a practice and dentist you know meet the industry standards. If you do your own check-up first, it should prove a painless experience.”
Neil Hudgell asked members of the public to describe their experiences of the dentist you can view their responses here.
