From this month, Toothfairy, will be available on all Canada Life’s group protection schemes, to provide employees with on-demand virtual access to a real dentist, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Users will have unlimited access to a powerful chat helpline function, connecting them directly to a dentist and signposting to clinical referrals.

They will also be able to get virtual assessments, and advice, and obtain any prescriptions they need for urgent issues and routine checks, as well as a 10% discount on cosmetic dentistry such as teeth straightening and teeth whitening.

The award-winning Toothfairy app was developed by two pioneering dentists who are passionate about easing the nation’s dental crisis - which has seen the number of dentists at a decade-low, and millions of people suffering with pain and teeth problems.

The app offers on-demand-access video consultations with real dentists at similar costs as an NHS check-up.

The ground-breaking deal gives unique benefits to Canada Life’s 2.8 million customers, who represent around 9% of the UK workforce.

Toothfairy co-founder Dr Deepak Aulak -- who has stepped back from a successful London private practice treating clients including pop stars and Premier League footballers – has welcomed the industry-first Canada Life deal.

He said: “Toothfairy was founded because of our passion to do something about Britain’s dentist crisis and to help patients overcome the numerous barriers of access to dental care.

“We are excited to offer our services through the benefits route for the first time. Our inaugural partnership with Canada Life, chimes with our ethos as a forward-thinking insurer with deep care for its members. Through this partnership, we are bringing together our patent-pending health-regulated technology, with an insurer who wants to make a positive impact on its members' lives.

“Our unique cost-effective, on-demand dental service is there to support the millions without dental access. At a time when we are seeing the rising cost of living crisis, this partnership will equip members with life-long skills and pick out dental diseases earlier before they become expensive, irreversible, and life-changing chronic issues.

“We are thrilled to start the next chapter in our story and look forward to teaming up with more businesses to offer this unique but necessary benefit”.

Dan Crook, Protection Sales Director, Canada Life, said: “I’m really pleased that Canada Life is partnering with Toothfairy, bringing a unique dentistry solution to all our customers. At Canada Life we strive to ensure the support services we offer are of high impact, and relevant and meet the needs of our employer customers and their employees.

“Access to dental care was strained during the pandemic with many people unable to receive the care that they needed. The innovative technology that Toothfairy offers delivers practical and useful solutions to everyday dental issues that will in no doubt decrease the estimated one million days missed off work each year for dentistry-related appointments.”