Improved Access to NHS Dentistry has Led to Poorer Quality

ANDOVER, England, May 6, 2011 - New findings from Simplyhealth's Annual Dental Survey 2011
show that access to NHS dentistry has improved at the expense of quality.
More than half (54%) of the UK population has experienced change in dental
services in the past four years. A reduction in quality of treatment and
lower levels of NHS cover are cited as the main reasons.

The Simplyhealth study of 10,000 UK respondents shows that
although fewer people are now struggling to find an NHS dentist (from 39% to
29%), 18% say the NHS doesn't cover as much as it used to. 17% feel they
don't receive the same level of treatment and 20% say they're not asked to
see their dentist as regularly.

Yet, although people are finding it easier to find an NHS
dentist, cost is still the major factor that's preventing many from attending
their appointments. 40% say they've put off going to the dentist because they
can't afford it.

James Glover from Simplyhealth says: "Individuals and families
are now able to see a dentist much more easily, which is great. However, it's
worrying that cost is forcing so many people to delay seeing their dentists,
especially as NHS dental charges increased at the beginning of April. Our
Simply Dental Plan which starts from just GBP7.50 a month is designed to help
manage the costs of routine visits to the dentist, and also provides
insurance for the emergency treatments."

More people now believe that private dentistry offers a better
service, up from 30% to 37%. This is put down to flexibility of appointments,
improved treatment, and a belief that private dentists pay more attention to
their concerns.

Practicing Dentist and Simplyhealth's Dental Advisor, Michael
Thomas, says: "The perceived drop in the quality of treatment that patients
receive is really unfortunate as the NHS is doing such a good job of
increasing the number of people its dentists see. However, we're advised that
the issue isn't being ignored and is included within the Government's ongoing
reform plans."

Simplyhealth is currently running an exclusive 'two months
free' offer* to all new customers who purchase a Simply Dental Plan online
via www.simplyhealth.co.uk. For more information about Simplyhealth
and the Simply Dental Plan, please visit the website or call 0800-072-6715.

*The two months free offer for new customers purchasing a
Simply Dental Plan online ends 30 June 2011.

Notes to Editor:

- The Simplyhealth Annual Dental Survey 2011 as well as
interviews with Michael Thomas, case studies and a spokesperson from
Simplyhealth are available upon request

- The research for the Simplyhealth Annual Dental Survey 2011
was carried out online by One Poll between 8 March 2011 - 14 March 2011
amongst a panel resulting in 10,000 worker respondents. All research
conducted adheres to the MRS Codes of Conduct (2010) in the UK and ICC/ESOMAR
World Research Guidelines.

About Simplyhealth:

- We became Simplyhealth in 2009 after bringing together HSA,
BCWA, LHF, HealthSure and Totally Active

- Simplyhealth is a trading name of Simplyhealth Access, which is
authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

- We have 1.2 million customers providing cover for some 2
million lives

- Simplyhealth is committed to making a positive impact on its
communities. Last year, we donated GBP1.6 million to health related
charities

Lynsey Thorp, Public Relations Executive, +44(0)844-579-2266

Caroline Lakeman, Public Relations Manager, +44(0)844-579-2274 /
+44(0)7795-294447 Or pr@simplyhealth.co.uk

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