DIY dentistry has a long history in New Zealand. PHOTO: LINDA ROBERTSONFrom pulling troublesome teeth out with pliers, with whisky to dull the pain, to putting in homemade fillings, New Zealand has a "long tradition" of DIY dentistry - and it is still happening, a University of Otago academic says. Associate Prof Jonathan Broadbent said he had come across patients in private practice and in his research who had resorted to DIY dentistry because of the high cost of care. "There is a long tradition of people pulling their own teeth out in New Zealand. However, if dental subsidies were increased to make dentistry more accessible, they would need to be accompanied by price regulation.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 15, 2019 15:22 UTC