*SIGH*
Listen to the truth, from a British person who knows:
If you read the article properly you would see that it said these people (who are in a vast minority) did these things "rather than pay out for private treatment" - ie just the same as in America - they didn't have the money for **private** treatment or didn't have dental insurance. Its the same in the USA isn't it without socialised medicine? A completely non-socialised system means MORE people will be doing these things!
For the record, I don't know anyone who "Pulls their own teeth". Thats utter crap!!!
There are ***free*** emergency dental clinics at most hospitals that anyone in pain can go to and have the tooth extracted or filled so there really is no excuse for doing that! I think thats an utter lie.
The dental system here is a bit different to general NHS treatment. Dental treatment is only free for those who are unemployed or on (Welfare) benefits and others have to pay, but they can still pay reduced rates at an NHS dentist. Its a lot cheaper than it would be to go to a non NHS subsided dentist. Or you can always go to a private dentist, just like in America. I know noone who goes without dental care and I live in a poor area!!! Emergency treatment is free at any time its needed.
If someone did pull their own teeth its because they obviously didn't bother getting dental insurance or keeping up their regular NHS appointments. Noone needs to do that, they can go to the out of hours emergency clinic any time they want.
The rest of our medical care - hospital care, doctors appointments etc are free. Noone goes bankrupt because they have cancer.
We have private medicine also and you are free to take out insurance for anything you want.
Whats better? A system where a child dies of a tooth abcess because her parents can't afford private dental fees? Oh yes thats what you currently have in the USA isn't it?! Why is your 100% private system any better? How many people in the USA pull their own teeth because they can't afford private dental fees and have no dental insurance? I imagine its many many more than in the UK.