THOUSANDS of Brits are flying abroad for cosmetic dental work – many to Hungary – before coming home with brand new smiles on their faces.

This is because dental charges in the UK – for both NHS and private treatment – are among the highest in Europe. It is said 40% of UK citizens cannot afford to go to the dentist here, never mind Budapest.

“The NHS was created out of the ideal that good healthcare should be available to all, regardless of wealth.” That’s not my quote, it comes from the NHS website.

Shame it’s no longer true when it comes to teeth.

Mind you, if the Government started sending patients abroad for cheap treatment they could be faced with another problem. I know people so frightened of a visit to the local surgery, goodness knows how they would react to the hassle of an airport and a three hour flight.

Could be a case of dental rage at 30,000 feet.