Member Article

Bad teeth could be bad for business

If you want to get ahead in business then look after your teeth – that’s the message from one of the region’s leading dental experts.

Dr Nigel Rosenbaum is helping an increasing number of people find a winning smile and believes businesses across the region would benefit if they took dental health more seriously.

“More and more people are realizing just how important having a healthy mouth and good teeth is in business,” said Nigel, principal of one80-dental in Totley, Sheffield.

“First impressions count whether you’re trying to make a sale, clinch that major deal, gain promotion or impress in a job interview.

“There is plenty of evidence to show that, whether we like it or not, we are judged by our appearance and having bad teeth affects your chances to get ahead.”

In recent research nearly 50% of UK senior decision-makers in SMEs said poor dental health or hygiene would have a negative impact on whether to do business with someone.

Another 44% admitted that unsightly teeth or bad breath would adversely affect their decision to promote a member of staff – regardless of their ability.

Tim Higham has an hereditary powerful lower jaw which means that, over time, his teeth have gradually shattered. Tim’s six remaining front teeth were so badly worn down, they could not even be seen when he spoke.

“I’m a fairly confident guy and have been in a commercial sales role for 15 years, dealing with customers from the shop floor to CEO level,” said 37-year-old Tim.

“I’ve never let it bother me but it got to the point where I realized, aesthetically, it must be having an affect. I also wanted to go for another job and I just wanted to be confident that my appearance was not going to work against me.”

Tim is in the process of having implants fitted by Nigel but even a temporary denture has made a huge difference to his life.

“I got the promotion and I’m now a national sales manager in the waste and recycling industry,” added Tim. “You certainly begin to appreciate that having good teeth and a nice smile does really affect the way you come across to people.

“And knowing that you have good teeth does affect the way you approach – not only other people – but life in general.”

One80dental brings together brings together specialists undertaking advanced restorative and implant dentistry at its state-of-the-art centre on Baslow Road, Totley.

Dr Rosenbaum stressed that good dental health not only affects individual chances of getting ahead, but can also affect a business’s bottom line.

Estimates from the British Dental Health Foundation suggest that UK businesses lost a staggering £36.6m last year due to people taking time off work because of dental problems.

Nigel added: “If you are trying to get ahead in your career then clearly good looking and healthy teeth are going to be important – both in terms of how customers, colleagues, current and potential employers see you and how you feel about yourself.

“But encouraging staff to look after their dental health is also important for companies – from having a more confident workforce who also take less time off because of dental problems.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Kim d’Arcy .