Protecting teeth

The importance of dental hygiene has been raised by the UK Club, which warned dental problems can be a major cause for concern among seafarers. It often sees claims arising from dental problems that require urgent medical treatment and even repatriation of crew. On an individual basis these claims may not be in the higher claim cost bracket, however, they often result in repatriation of crew, which has a further impact on the safe manning of the ship and other delays to ship operation. Sophia Bullard, crew health programme director of the Club, said: “Encouraging and reminding seafarers to take the correct steps to avoid dental problems will not only ensure their own wellbeing, but will also reduce costs for members and improve the safety of the ship by helping to maintain a full complement of crew.”