World Oral Health Day The importance of dental care for directors

However, with busy work and personal schedules, it can be easy to overlook aspects of your physical health.

Every year, World Oral Health Day is recognised on the 20^th March, serving as a crucial reminder of the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. Poor oral health can lead to conditions such as cavities and gum disease – but it can also have a direct impact on your overall wellbeing and productivity.

The impact of poor oral health on workplaces

A survey by Bupa Dental Insurance revealed some alarming statistics:

• 73% of workers have delayed going to the dentist, with over 2 in 5 delaying treatments due to concerns about needing time off work.
• Almost a third of employees say they’ve experienced a negative response from their employer when asking for time off for dental treatment.
• Almost half of employees have called in sick or left work early due to dental pain.

For businesses, this lost productivity can translate into substantial financial setbacks.

Why oral health matters for directors

Company directors are no exception to the effects of poor oral health. In high-pressure leadership roles, it’s easy for directors to overlook your own healthcare needs, including dental check-ups. Ignoring oral health can lead to more serious conditions, such as infections or chronic pain, which may impact decision-making, focus, and overall business performance.

Moreover, directors and those in leadership positions can set the tone for health and wellbeing in their organisations. By prioritising employee wellbeing, including dental care, you can contribute to a healthier, more engaged, and productive workforce.

How personal private health insurance can support dental health

As part of their personal private health insurance, you can now access Bupa’s dental allowance, which offers a range of dental benefits, including:

• A £300 allowance towards the cost of any restorative dental treatment you may need after the appointment, covering things like crowns or fillings*
• Everyone on your cover benefits from a Bupa Dental Care appointment each policy year, to use for a new patient examination, a routine check-up or an emergency appointment*
• Choose the location for your appointment with over 350 practices across the UK – close to your home, work or somewhere else

^*For FAQs please see Dental Allowance Frequently Asked Questions (bupa.co.uk).

**Applies to eligible Institute of Directors members on quotes for new Bupa By You policies, and is not available in conjunction with any other offer (e.g. months free, guided care options). Discount will be reviewed on 22/10/2025 and any changes will apply to renewals and new quotes thereafter. Quotes are valid for 14 days. See full terms and conditions here.

†Families pay 10% less for a joint policy compared to the price of separate policies for each family member. Cover must include at least one adult and one or more children. Children do not have to live at the same address as the main member. This offer applies to the Bupa By You Comprehensive and Treatment and Care health insurance policies. This offer may change or be unavailable when you renew. See full terms and conditions here.

‡Add more than one child under 20 years old to your policy and you’ll only pay for the eldest child, no matter how many more children you add. Children aged 20 or over cannot receive free cover or count as an ‘eldest child’ for this offer. Cover must include at least two children aged 19 or under. You’ll still receive our 10% family discount if you have free child cover. Children do not have to live at the same address as the main member. This offer may change or be unavailable when you renew. This offer applies to the Bupa By You Comprehensive and Treatment and Care health insurance policies. This offer may change or be unavailable when you renew. See full terms and conditions here.

Institute of Directors is an introducer to Insured Health Ltd. Insured Health Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales No: 9886202. Registered office: Saville House, 74-90 Savile Street, Sheffield, S4 7UD. For details about how Insured Health treat your personal information please refer to Insured Health’s privacy policy.

Bupa health insurance is provided by Bupa Insurance Limited. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 3956433. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Arranged and administered by Bupa Insurance Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 3829851. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London, EC2R 7HJ.