'I couldn't get a NHS dentist appointment so went private and it saved my life'
A man who couldn't get an NHS dentist appointment when he began to suffer with a sore and swollen jaw last winter was diagnosed with cancer after paying to go private.
Ray, a retired NHS worker, was told that there were 800 people on the waiting list when he contacted his dentist because of the persistent pain, which he thought was being caused by a recently removed tooth.
The 64-year-old was told that paying £50 would secure him a private appointment within a week.
After stumping up the money, Ray attended a consultation where an X-ray revealed a tumour.
The Durham resident was subsequently referred to hospital to have the tumour removed but worries what the outcome might have been had he not forked out for a private appointment.
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In England, 11million people were unable to see an NHS dentist last year (Getty Images)Ray initially assumed that swelling in his jaw was caused by a recent tooth removal but by Christmas he was struggling to eat certain foods.
After struggling to get an NHS dental appointment, Ray told The Northern Echo: “We're lucky that we could afford to pay.
“Even if we'd had to save up over time it might have been too late.”
Ray's diagnosis came at a private appointment on January 26 and on February 14 he underwent surgery to remove part of his jaw and the tumour.
The 16-hour operation saw surgeons replace part of his jaw with bone and muscle from his leg.
Ray had part of his jaw removed during a 16-hour operation (North News & Pictures Ltd nort)Ray remained in hospital for six weeks after his surgery and has recently completed a course of radiotherapy sessions.
That has left him unable to eat solids, with a tube fitted to his stomach to help provide nutrients.
“If I hadn't been able to afford to go private, I might not be here to tell my story,” Ray added.
“It doesn't seem like much, but some people wouldn't be able to afford £50 for a private appointment and wouldn't be as lucky as me.
“Getting an appointment quick could make all the difference.”
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According to data from the British Dental Association, 11million people in England were unable to get an NHS dentist appointment last year.
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