LONDON, March 26 /PRNewswire/ -- A survey commissioned by the UK's leading dental payment plan specialist, Denplan, revealed that 89 per cent of us understand that poor dental health could impact on our overall general health.

While 72% of us would not consider delaying a dental appointment, the figures suggest that some of us are willing to risk our health with 13% admitting to delaying or even cancelling a routine check-up because of the recession. This suggests that 6 million* adults are delaying dental check-ups because of pressure on finances.

The survey also revealed that routine dental care is important (88 per cent) to us, and that 87 per cent of us are happy with the dental care that we receive from our dentist.

84 per cent of respondents said that their dentist took time to discuss preventive dental care measures with them, as well as making necessary recommendations (47 per cent at every appointment and 37 per cent occasionally).

Commenting on the survey results, Denplan managing director, Steve Gates said: With all that's going on at the moment regarding the economy, notwithstanding the current changes to NHS dentistry, it is extremely encouraging that as a nation we recognise that regular dental visits, checkups and good dental hygiene habits not only help maintain good oral health but good general health as well.

We also know from other research that patients on payment plans are least likely to cancel or delay, suggesting that budgeting for our dental treatment is favoured over pay-as-you-go when prioritising household expenditure during the credit crunch.

Note to editors:

*2001 Census UK adult population is 47,031,355

- The PhoneBus research was undertaken by TNS in which a representative sample of 1,010 GB adults aged 16+ were interviewed.

About Denplan http://www.denplan.co.uk

Denplan Ltd., part of the AXA Group, is the UK's leading dental plan provider. There are more than 6,500 dentists treating Denplan Patients nationwide treating over 1.8 million registered patients. Denplan provides a range of plans for adults and children, enabling patients to spread the cost of their dental care through a fixed monthly fee. Denplan supports regular attendance and preventive care, reducing the need for clinical intervention and helping patients to maintain healthy teeth and gums for life.

For more information contact: Louise Ellis or Sarah Miles, Lawton, e. louise.ellis@lawton.co.uk, T: +44(0)2380-828554; Aideen Kavanagh, Denplan Press Office, e: pressofffice@denplan.co.uk