CAMDEN has one of the highest dentist-to-patient ratios in the country, but tracking down one of its 64 practices offering NHS treatment is like finding a needle in a haystack, according to a Highgate couple.
Fed up trying to find a NHS dentist and appalled by the cost of going private, they flew to Hungary to have their teeth examined and treated.
Tamar Karet, a literary agent based in Highgate, said that, even with the air fare, the trip to Budapest to have work done on her husband David’s teeth cost far less than treatment at home would have done – and they enjoyed a holiday as well.
The couple were given three quotes – each of about £2,000 – from private dentists in Highgate, Hampstead and Crouch End for her husband to have two implants.
Mrs Karet, who is deputy editor of Highgate Society’s Buzz magazine, said: “Accustomed as we are to seeing old-fashioned, one or two person dental surgeries here, we were bowled over by the dental practice in Budapest.
“Not just a cheerful, modern, efficient collective surgery, but also all the equipment was on-site too. Panoramic X-rays? Just a three-minute detour into a side room. Dental surgery? Just step across the hall. Evening appointments? No problem.
“The dentist – a lecturer at the university – spoke fluent English and his work was impeccable. David’s treatment involved an implant, a temporary plate and removal of stitches a few days later. The bill came to only a third of the English quote.”
She added: “The only downside of having any medical procedures done abroad is that you have to go abroad again if anything goes wrong. It’s the best excuse for a delightful holiday I’ve found – and my husband’s smile is amazing.”