Do-it-Yourself Dentistry

A by-product of the austerity cuts is the rise of Do-It-Yourself Dentistry.

The Department of Health said reports of DIY dentistry were anecdotal. “Official figures show that more people than ever are getting NHS dental treatment, which is completely free for almost everyone receiving income-based benefits and subsidised for low earners,” said a spokesperson. However, according to NHS UK, people receiving incapacity benefit, contribution-based jobseeker’s allowance, contribution-based employment and support allowance, disability living allowance, council tax benefit and housing benefit, among others, are not entitled to free treatment without other qualifying benefits.

Below is the scene from Marathon Man starring Dustin Hoffman and distributed by Paramount Pictures. The film explores themes of endurance and the pursuit of Nazi war criminals. It was of course well known for the ‘dentist’ scene. Watch this excerpt, unless you are squeamish.