Watford couple 'dodge NHS dentist wait' by flying to Thailand

Jamaica Kelly, 23, decided to tie in a dental appointment during her five-month backpacking stint with her boyfriend, Sam Austen, 23.

After setting off around Asia in July 2023, the pair visited Malaysia, Japan and Indonesia before ending up in Thailand.

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A few weeks before they were due to fly back to the UK, Jamaica and Sam decided to take advantage of cheap treatment and no waiting lists by going to the dentist in Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand for a check-up.

They knew they were due a visit but worried about the cost of treatment in the UK if they had to go privately.

Jamaica, a receptionist living in Watford, said: "Honestly, the savings was the biggest draw for me - I knew it would be cheaper.

"My dad, John, was a flight attendant and he would go for medical trips whilst he was abroad.

Dental Box in Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand. (Image: SWNS/Jamaica Kelly)"I am such a big fan of doing minor things like the dentist or eye doctor abroad.

"There is a global standard for these sorts of things and I am more than happy to get these things done in another country."

After checking Google reviews for English-speaking dentists, they booked Dental Box in Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand, and secured a same-day appointment on November 30, 2023.

An hour later, both Jamaica and Sam had their teeth cleaned and she also had an x-ray which set them back just £58.50 between them.

The 23-year-old added: "I am originally from Australia but live in the UK for my studies.

"I have never been to the dentist in the UK, but I heard how expensive it can be which is what persuaded me to get it done in Thailand.

Sam and Jamaica in Thailand (Image: SWNS/Jamaica Kelly)"Even in Australia, I would have to pay double, if not triple, what I paid in Thailand."

Teeth cleaning set them back £22.48 each (1000 baht) and Jamaica's x-ray cost £13.49 (600 baht).

According to the NHS website, band one dental treatment costs £25.80, band two treatment costs £70.70, and band three will set you back £306.80.

Jamaica said: "We just walked in at around 5pm - they had an appointment for 6pm on the same day.

Jamaica and Sam in Thailand (Image: SWNS/Jamaica Kelly)

"We went back to the hotel, brushed our teeth and went back an hour later."

The NHS claim Hertfordshire is one of the easiest places in the UK to get an NHS dentist appointment.

Jamaica Kelly. (Image: SWNS/Jamaica Kelly)