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...from the National Center for Public Policy Research's new book, Shattered Lives: 100 Stories of Government Health Care.
Do-It-Yourself Dentistry in Britain
“I was lying awake at night being driven mad by this constant throbbing ache; it was horrible,” recalls George Daulat of Scarborough, England. Over the course of several weeks, Daulat had developed a nasty toothache. When the pain became unbearable, Daulat’s girlfriend helped him look for treatment. She made calls to 20 public National Health Service dentists as well as private practices, though Daulat was unemployed.
However, because of a shortage of dentists, there was...
Shattered Life: Do-It-Yourself Dentistry in Britain
First, Deamonte Driver was eligible for dental free coverage through Medicaid, but the paperwork confirming him had been sent to the family's prior address. He also was eligible for free dental care through at least one local charity. His mother (according to published reports) said one reason he had not gotten dental care was because she was distracted by his brother's dental problems.
Ironically for those who post about it in the NHS's defense, the Driver case illustrates why it was important for the NHS to treat George Daulat without excessive delay.
Second, if Mr. Daulat was the only person under NHS care having difficulty finding a dentist, his story would illustrate...