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The Tooth Fairy is Recession Proof! Research by Vhi DeCare Dental gives insight into tooth fairy trends in Ireland

26 August 2009 - Vhi DeCare Dental today announced the results of the Tooth Fairy Poll which surveys the amount Irish children receive from the Tooth Fairy for a lost tooth: 90% of respondents have not experienced any reduction in Tooth Fairy Deposits since the start of the recession. Indeed, when compared with international figures, children in Ireland fare better on average than their US counterparts: the average Irish gift is €3.70 per tooth, which is almost double the average gift that U.S. children received this year.

“We all know the economy has been tight in Ireland this year - but our Tooth Fairy hasn’t let it affect her giving,” said Ger Gavin, Dental Director for Vhi DeCare Dental, Ireland’s premier commercial dental insurer. “In that light, you could say taking care of your teeth is always a solid investment.”

“Secrets to a healthy mouth for life include regular brushing, a healthy diet and regular visits to your dentist,” continued Gavin. “And studies show that families with dental cover are far more likely to take their children to the dentist for checkups than families without cover.”

Vhi DeCare Dental is the first and leading commercial dental benefit provider in Ireland, covering more Irish individuals, families and members of employer groups than any other brand. Hallmarks of Vhi DeCare Dental plans include affordability, freedom to see any dentist and friendly, accessible customer service.

Its dental plans cover the spectrum of dental care needs from regular cleanings and exams, through fillings, root canals and crowns. Visit www.vhi.ie for more information.

The Survey Says ...
According to the Tooth Fairy Poll, which surveys commercially insured Vhi DeCare Dental members, parents are proactive with their children’s dental care:

• More than half of parents polled stated their child’s first dental visit was by age four.
• The European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry recommends that a child be seen by a dentist in the first year of life (EAPD November 2008).
• Approximately 85 percent of parents surveyed stated their children receive a dental exam once a year.
• More than 90% brush their teeth at least twice a day.
• More than half of children change his/her toothbrush every three months.
• Almost 70% of Parents polled indicated their children consume an average not more than two sugar drinks and/or treats per day.

Notes to the Editor

• This report details the results of the Vhi DeCare Dental Tooth Fairy Survey undertaken in June 2009. This was an on-line survey sent to 1633 current Vhi DeCare Dental policyholders, where there were children between the aged 3-14 years. 44% of respondents were female, 56% male.
• September is Dental Health Month.

About DeCare Dental
With 40 years of proven success, the DeCare Dental family of companies is a leading dental benefits management group that oversees more than $1 billion in managed revenues, serving 4.3 million individuals in 22,000 employer groups including Fortune 500 corporations, small businesses, nonprofits and government entities worldwide. DeCare Systems Ireland, based in Cork, is an enterprise software and web development company serving several of the world’s leading corporations. DeCare Operations Ireland, based in Claremorris, provides claims and customer service supporting DeCare Dental’s members and group clients. DeCare Dental Insurance Ireland is a Claremorris-based insurance company that provides dental cover in Ireland in partnership with Vhi Healthcare.

VHI Press

26-August-09