Recent Survey Reveals Decay in Nation's Dental Health

ANDOVER, England, April 1, 2010 - A lack of affordable dental care could have a severe effect on
the future state of Britain's teeth, according to a recent survey into the
oral health of the nation carried out by healthcare provider Simplyhealth.

Just half of the population is currently under the care of an
NHS dentist, with a further 39% claiming they have struggled to find one,
with many giving up on the search all together. Simplyhealth's Annual Dental
Survey also found that one in ten of the 1,000 adults surveyed admitted to
not having a dentist at all, whilst 35% revealed that putting off visiting
the dentist has had an adverse impact on their oral health. This neglect
resulting in tooth loss, abscesses and the need for extreme dental
procedures.

One in 100 men has never visited a dentist before, compared
with just one in 300 women. These statistics could be set to rise with
forthcoming generations, with financial concerns and a lack of NHS dentistry
now impacting not only the oral health of the nation's working population,
but that of their children too. Shockingly, one in 30 parents admitted their
children have never visited a dentist, citing prohibitive cost as the main
reason for putting off the trip.

In fact, 43% of those surveyed have put off visiting the
dentist due to worries over cost. This figure is higher amongst those in
their late twenties and early thirties (53%). Over a third of the population
(39%) has been forced to resort to taking on credit card debt in order to pay
for dental treatment costing over GBP50.

Michael Thomas, practicing dentist commented: "It is clear
from these results that greater focus needs to be placed on the importance of
maintaining a good level of dental health. Failure to look after your teeth
can have an impact not just on your oral health, but that of your entire
body, and in some cases can result in problems requiring severe treatment
that could have been avoidable with regular check-ups."

James Glover, spokesperson for Simplyhealth who carried out
the research as part of its Annual Dental Survey, says: "The results of this
year's survey clearly demonstrate the struggle people are facing to find
affordable dental care. Whether someone is able to access an NHS dentist or
not, I would encourage people to explore affordable alternative options such
as a dental plan or cash plan from Simplyhealth, to avoid the pain and
inconvenience of unnecessary dental procedures."

Simplyhealth provides cover for dental check-ups, treatment
and emergencies through its Simply Cash Plan and Simply Dental Plan. Perfect
for both NHS and private access with claims paid usually within a few days.
For further information visit www.simplyhealth.co.uk or speak to
someone in one of our UK call centres on 0800-072-6715.

Notes to Editor

About Simplyhealth's Annual Dental Survey

- The research was conducted by Opinion Matters using an
online fieldwork methodology. Opinion Matters surveyed 250 HR managers and
1,005 working adults between 24 February and 4 March 2010

About Simplyhealth

    - Previously known as HSA, BCWA, LHF, HealthSure and Totally
      Active, our family of health companies have joined together over the
      last 8 years to form Simplyhealth
    - At Simplyhealth, we have been providing healthcare solutions for
      nearly 140 years, dedicated to serving our customers through a variety
      of cash plans, dental plans, private medical insurance, healthcare
      trusts and mobility and living aids
    - Simplyhealth is a trading name of Simplyhealth Access, which is
      authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority
    - As of December 2009, Simplyhealth had 1.3 million customers
      providing cover for some 2.3 million people
    - Simplyhealth is committed in its constitution to making a
      positive impact on its communities. Each year, we help health related
      charities and causes to the tune of at least GBP1million

For further information on this story, please contact McKenna Townsend PR on +44(0)1425-472330 or email: Nikki Haine nikki at mckennatownsendpr.com, Nicola Holder nicola at mckennatownsendpr.com, Emily Wilson emily at mckennatownsendpr.com; For further information on Simplyhealth please contact: Abby Bowman, Senior Brand and PR Manager +44(0)1264-342561, Caroline Lakeman, Public Relations Manager +44(0)1264-342570, Rebecca Jeremy, Public Relations Assistant +44(0)1264-342400, Or pr at simplyhealth.co.uk