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Looking for a caring and professional dental practice? We’re excited to welcome new patients to our clinic! Whether you’re due for a check-up, need treatment, or are looking to enhance your smile, our friendly team is here to help.
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The dangers of skipping dental appointments

The dangers of skipping dental appointments


The dangers of skipping the dentist due to financial pressures

Many people are skipping dental appointments due to current financial pressures, but this can lead to serious oral health problems, carrying an increased risk for additional costs in the future. At Sturminster Dental Care we're seeing an increasing number of patients delaying their routine dental check-up and ignoring treatment requirements until they are in pain. This is concerning as regular appointments are essential to maintaining the best oral health and avoiding any problems progressing into more complex issues.

The risks of missing dental check-ups

Missing dental appointments can have serious consequences on your oral health. Without regular visits to your local dentist and hygienist, plaque and tartar and build up in those hard to reach areas, leading to decay and gum disease. In addition, many oral health problems are asymptomatic, meaning they don't cause dental pain or discomfort until they reach an advanced stage.

Delaying treatment can also lead to more expensive and invasive procedures down the line. For example a small cavity that could be easily filled will eventually require a root canal treatment or even extraction, if left untreated.

At each dental examination, your dentist will also check for signs of mouth cancer in the cheeks, palate, tongue, gums and lips. According to the latest NHS figures, around 8,300 people are diagnosed with mouth cancer in the UK each year. That's about 1 in every 50 cancers diagnosed. If mouth cancer is diagnosed early, a complete cure is often possible in up to 9 in 10 cases using surgery alone, so regular check-ups with your dentist is key.

Tips for affordable dental care

Whilst the cost of dental care can be a barrier for many people at this time, there are some options to help spread the cost of your care, making it more affordable:

  • Dental plans - signing up to a dental plan will help spread the cost of your annual routine dental care and hygienist appointments across 12 months. Many plans also offer discount on any clinically required work for plan members. Ask your local Sturminster Newton  dentist about the plans they offer.
  • Employee dental insurance/plans - review your employee benefits to make sure that your not missing out on any reduced rate plans that you may be eligible for through your employer.
  • Commit to a good home oral care regime - Ensure thorough cleaning with an electric toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes, twice a day, followed by mouth wash and flossing/interdental brushing, to keep any problems at bay. 
  • Take advantage of preventative care - regularly check-ups and cleaning are essential for preventing costly dental problems down the line.

Finding a local dentist in Sturminster Newton 

If you are looking for a dentist in Sturminster Newton, there are many resources to help you find the right one. Ask friends and family for trusted recommendations, check out patient reviews on platforms such as Google, Facebook, Trust Pilot or Yell, or search online to find a dentist that best meets your needs. 

In conclusion, skipping the dentist due to financial pressures can lead to serious oral health problems. Its important to take steps to make dental care more affordable. By finding a local dentist that you can trust and taking advantage of preventative care you can maintain good oral health and avoid costly procedures down the line.

At Sturminster Dental Care we have carefully built our dental practice in Sturminster Newton up over many years through personal recommendation of friends and family, or on referral from their own dental practitioner; we are most grateful for this vote of confidence given to us. Check out our Google reviews below to hear more about what our patients think or us.

We commit to open and honest pricing for our patients. To view our latest fees, visit our fees page on the website.

Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Sturminster Dental Care. In fact, we have built much of our practice on these valued, trusted recommendations over the years. Read our reviews to hear why our patients are recommending us…

Patient reviews

674 Reviews

5.0

9th August 2025

Always given great advice, often with options, which makes me feel I have agency, a rarity in most dental care.

8th August 2025

The people. The staff are friendly and very helpful and understanding. We always feel at ease when we arrive as we are always greeted cheerfully.

7th August 2025

Efficiency and professionalism throughout

7th August 2025

Reception and dentists all very friendly and professional. However, if you were to include value for money in your survey the score would not be so good. This dental Practice is rather expensive.

1st August 2025

The staff are very personable and I have complete confidence in their technical ability.The whole atmosphere of the practice is professional and friendly. The premises is also light and airy.

31st July 2025

All the team were very helpful and friendly. I am a nervous patient but felt very relaxed

31st July 2025

Dentist very helpful and listened

30th July 2025

Friendly professional service. I was well taken care of from the moment I walked in until I left.

30th July 2025

It was the First time I had seen this dentist and he was polite and introduced himself. Explained to me what was wrong and the treatment I needed. He removed my tooth carefully and I was satisfied with the result. I have been a patient with this dental practice for over 20 yrs and have no intention of going elsewhere. The reception staff were caring as always and phoned me later that afternoon to check that I was ok. All in all I trust the practice completely with my treatment and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.

SA

Simon A

I have been with Sturminster Dental Care for quite a few years and have received excellent care throughout. Each visit has been a nice experience, especially as I am not a lover of going to the dentist. Recent staff retirements have been a distraction for me but so far I'm ok with that.

11th July 2025

Efficient, good communication, felt as though put at ease throughout

7th July 2025

Excellent care. But over 18 months the prices have increased well above inflation so I have reduced all the families visits by 1/3rd pa

3rd July 2025

Always listen / Clean / organised

3rd July 2025

All very good

2nd July 2025

Personal and friendly

26th June 2025

Promt and orderly

6th June 2025

All staff were friendly and welcoming. A comfortable and spacious waiting area. The treatment was pain-free, and thorough.

5th June 2025

Clean, friendly and efficient

KR

karen relf

Fantastic and professional practice. Great service and efficient staff, would highly recommend to anyone.

JP

Jeannie Pryce-Davies

I have been with Sturminster Dental Care for almost a year and have received excellent care. Each visit has been a very positive experience thanks to the lovely, helpful reception staff, the comfortable waiting area, and the wonderful dental surgeon and dental hygienist.

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