Only 52 per cent of Irish adults have all their own teeth and only one third of people visit a dentist on a regular basis.
The statistics were highlighted by the VHI yesterday when it launched the first dental insurance plans on the Irish market.
Three plans, from a basic type covering twice-yearly visits to the dentist for check-ups, scaling and polishing, to a more comprehensive one covering up to half the cost of major restorative treatment including crowns and bridges, are available. Some policy holders will also be entitled to €1,500 off the cost of orthodontic treatment but they must have taken out the policy 18 months before they can benefit.
The cost of the plans depends on the holder's age: basic or silver plans range from €144.17 a year for 0-17 year-olds to €166.10 a year for those 70 years and over; gold plans cost from €216.94 to €408.50 and platinum plans from €305.05 to €548.34 for the same age groups. Existing VHI customers get a 10 per cent discount.
The company has linked up with a leading US provider of dental insurance, DeCare Dental, to offer the service.