A dental patient from Bolton, Lancashire, has revealed how he underwent a dental check-up overseas for just 40p.
Fifty-five year-old Brian Tonge decided to get his teeth checked out while visiting his son Rob in China.
He registered as a patient at the Sichuan Provincial Hospital for 7.5 Chinese yuan – the equivalent of 75p and he was seen by a dentist within minutes.
For another four yuan (40p) the dentist carried out X-rays, filed down rough edges and gave his teeth a clean.
He commented: "I was amazed. I knew it wouldn’t cost as much as an English dentist, but I was very surprised when it was only 75p to register and 40p for my treatment. It was a very modern hospital and was very well equipped."
"I suppose my flights cost £500, but I was visiting China anyway," he added.
Mr Tonge was told by his dentist in England that he needed a crown replacing and that the procedure would cost around £200.
He enquired about having the treatment carried out at the Sichuan Provincial Hospital, but was unable to get an appointment before his flight back to the UK.
Mr Tonge said he may now wait until his next trip to China to have the treatment carried out.
