More than one in 20 Brits traveled abroad for dental treatment last year amid rising treatment costs in the UK

MORE than one in 20 Brits went abroad for dental care last year, a survey shows.

The majority of the six percent who went abroad hoped to reduce the cost of treatment.

two

Others said they tried and failed to find a dental office at home or were unable to make an appointment here.

A man in his 50s, who had treatment in his native Greece, spoke to investigators from the General Dental Council.

“The cost here in the UK is double or triple compared to Greece.

“Some of us can afford it, but there are people who can’t and can’t get an appointment.”

The research showed that the treatment was sought in 30 countries, including as far away as India.

The rate of people going abroad was highest among young people between 18 and 34 years old, almost one in five.

But no retiree did. One in five patients said they had been unable to find a dentist in Britain.

Nearly a third said they did not seek treatment because of the cost.

British Dental Association president Eddie Crouch said: “Some are going abroad to seek care, but many others simply go without.”