Poland: Financial barriers impact dental care access

A report by UCE RESEARCH and Implant Medical reveals that approximately 36.9 percent of Poles forgo dental visits due to financial constraints. It is estimated that up to 10 million people in Poland may have abandoned dental treatment for economic reasons.

Patients are increasingly opting for installments or loans to cover costs, spending between 10 and 12 billion PLN annually out of pocket. While essential treatments like cavity care are prioritized, more expensive restorative procedures, including implants, prosthetics, and orthodontics, are frequently postponed.

Medical experts warn that neglecting oral health can lead to broader systemic issues. Chronic oral inflammation is linked to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and kidney disease, which may ultimately increase costs across the wider healthcare system.