Dental patient had to travel nearly 3,000 miles to Turkey for a filling

A British dentist had to travel nearly 3,000 miles to Turkey for a tooth filling after failing to even find a private dentist in his hometown.

David Moore, from Bridlington, East Yorkshire, was due to have a broken tooth replaced by his private dentist but was unable to find treatment with the NHS or a private firm within 30 miles of his home after his practice closed.

He then decided to travel to Antalya, Turkey, to spend a “fraction” of what he would have paid to do the same job in the UK.

Mr Moore said his treatment, which included repairing the tooth and two implants, flights and hotel accommodation, cost around £2,000.

But it comes after the British Dental Association warned patients traveling abroad “should be aware of the risks and alternatives to the treatment they want”.

David Moore, from Bridlington, East Yorkshire, was due to have a broken tooth replaced by his private dentist but was unable to find treatment with the NHS or a private firm within 30 miles of his home after his practice closed

Mr Moore said his treatment, which included repairing the tooth and two implants, flights and hotel accommodation, cost around £2,000.

Mr Moore said his flight to Antalya was packed with “health tourists” desperate for treatment.

He added: “I would say it was probably around 90 per cent of English people who underwent dental work.

Two dental practices have closed in Bridlington in recent months, leaving the town with just one NHS practice.

He added, “I remember having an implant about nine years ago and that was as much as all of it put together.”

There was no queue for treatment or an appointment at Magic Smile for full hygiene, scale polishing, cleaning and cosmetic filling on one tooth.

He added: “It was amazing work having failed twice at a dentist in Bridlington.

“Then I had preparation for a dental implant. I needed a sinus lift and a bone graft.

“The clinic is absolutely amazing – so professional, respectful and competent.

“The staff were immaculately dressed in white sneakers, white jeans and white logo tops. Everything was explained in detail.

“Follow-up came with information sheets and medication. I was driven around by their own fleet of luxury MPVs.

“Although I pull a grin in my pictures, I was hardly in pain the whole time.

‘I would highly recommend for dental work at a great price and impeccable service

The chairman of the British Dental Association, Eddie Crouch, warned patients traveling abroad “should be aware of the risks and alternatives to the treatment they want”.

He said: “Dentists are aware that many people struggle to access care and may be tempted to go abroad for inexpensive treatment.

“Patients must give informed consent for any treatment they have and beware of hard selling as reality is rarely as simple as it appears on Instagram.

“Unfortunately, many British dentists are now picking up the pieces when something goes wrong.”

NHS England has been contacted for comment.