Nearly one in two people have not visited their dentist in the past year, according to a new survey.

The survey found that the main reason 48% of those questioned had not visited their dentist in the previous 12 months was the cost.

New research conducted by dental insurer DeCare Dental Insurance Ireland shows that three quarters (72%) of 35-44 year olds do not visit the dentist more often due to cost and over half (56%) of respondents avoid or delay dental treatment, also because of cost.

While the research demonstrated poor dental hygiene habits, the majority of people did recognise the significance of good dental hygiene.

Nearly nine out of 10 respondents thought that bad teeth would impact on their success in a job interview, while 90% of people said that unhealthy or unsightly teeth would put them off a new partner.

The cuts in tax relief and PRSI subsidies for dental care has led to a significant reduction in people attending the dentist, with one in four people claiming that they visit the dentist less now as a result, the survey found.

DeCare says there is growing interest in purchasing dental insurance that will subsidise or fully cover the cost of dental care.

The company has until now partnered with VHI to provide dental insurance, with DeCare providing the product, customer service and claims management, but now the company will for the first time offer its insurance product directly to the wider general public.