Dentist patient had to travel nearly 3,000 miles to Turkey for a filling – after he couldn’t find a dentist within 30 miles of his home
- David Moore traveled nearly 3,000 miles to Antalya, Turkey, for dental work
- He couldn’t find a cheaper option near his home in Bridlington, East Yorkshire
A British dental patient had to travel nearly 3,000 miles to Turkey for a filling after he couldn’t even find a private dentist in his hometown.
David Moore, from Bridlington, East Yorkshire, had to have a broken tooth replaced by his private dentist but was unable to find treatment on the NHS or through a private firm within 30 miles of his home after his practice closed.
It was then that he decided to travel to Antalya, Turkey to spend what he described as a ‘fraction’ of the cost he would have had to pay in the UK for the same job.
Mr Moore said his treatment, which included the repair of the tooth and two implants, flights and hotel accommodation, cost around £2,000.
But it comes after the British Dental Association warned that patients traveling abroad should be ‘aware of the risks and alternatives to the treatment they want’.
David Moore, from Bridlington, East Yorkshire, had to have a broken tooth replaced by his private dentist but was unable to find treatment on the NHS or through a private company within 30 miles of his home after his practice closed
Mr Moore said his treatment, which included the repair of the tooth and two implants, flights and hotel accommodation, cost around £2,000.
Moore said his flight to Antalya was packed with “health tourists” desperate for treatment.
He added: “I would say it was probably about 90 percent English who had dental treatment.
In Bridlington, two dental surgeries have closed in recent months, leaving the town with just one NHS practice.
He added, “I remember having an implant about nine years ago and it was as much as all of this put together.”
There was no queue for treatment or an appointment at Magic Smile for complete hygiene, lime brush, clean and cosmetic filler on one tooth.
He added: ‘It was a great job that failed twice when it was done at a dentist in Bridlington.
“Then I had preparations for one tooth implant. I needed a sinus lift and bone graft.
‘The clinic is absolutely amazing – so professional, respectful and knowledgeable.
“Staff were immaculately dressed in white trainers, white jeans and white logo tops. Everything was thoroughly explained.
‘Aftercare came with information sheets and medicines. I was taken around by their own fleet of luxury MPV’s.
“Even though I make a face in my photos, there was hardly any pain the entire time.
‘I would highly recommend this for dental work at a great price and impeccable service
British Dental Association president Eddie Crouch warned patients traveling abroad ‘should be aware of the risks and alternatives to the desired treatment’.
He said: ‘Dentists are aware that many people struggle to access care and may be tempted to go abroad for cheap treatment.
“Patients should give informed consent for any treatment they undergo and be wary of a hard sell as the reality is rarely as simple as it appears on Instagram.
‘Unfortunately, many British dentists now pick up the pieces when something goes wrong.’
NHS England has been contacted for comment.
