Booked your holidays yet? Finding it hard to find an NHS dentist in our region?
The Diary has stumbled across the latest form of health tourism - dental holidays in Hungary.
We've had a missive from one David Toth (is that Hungarian for tooth?), relationship manager for Dent Orient, a company that specialises in getting desperate people to Hungary for high-quality, but cheap dental care.
Mr Toth wants British people to overcome their natural suspicions. So he has invited a couple of our Press journalists - and four or five readers - to spend a week in Hungary, flights and four-star hotel paid, "to get acquainted with the world-standard Hungarian dental treatment and our country".
"According to surveys, there are some doubts in the United Kingdom's citizens, so we would like to dispel these. In our opinion, the direct experience is the best proof and convincing power," he said.
The package includes a free dental consultation and, after that, any treatment is about 55 per cent of the cost of private treatment in the UK.
"If they do not like to take part in the treatment, it will not put them at a disadvantage. Their staying here for a week will be ensured in this case as well," he pledges.
Apparently, they are doing a roaring trade among Germans and Austrians because the treatments are half the price of those in their own countries.
They even dose you with Hungarian spirits and take you folk dancing in the evening while the anaesthetic wears off.
"Our world-standard services are guaranteed by excellent experts, well-equipped surgeries and first-class (German, American) materials.
"We are in connection with the best Hungarian dentists, who provide two to five years guarantee for their job. Service that satisfies all demands, the fastest treatment, pleasant recreation - these are what we give to our clients," pledges Mr Toth.
So while we try to find a couple of volunteers among our reporters, are there any Diary readers out there with toothache who want to nip over to Hungary for a bit of drill'n'fill? Drop us a line and tell us your tales of tooth woe.
By the way, what's the Bratislavan for "Ouch"?
Diary regular (as clockwork) Dale Minks sent us a pretty picture of our publishing centre in Walmgate, York, showing the large, gilt "Evening Press" sign over the main doors.
"Just how long will the sign of golden 'Evening Press' issues remain on your frontage?" was his impertinent inquiry.
Tut-tut, Dale. We are not exactly saying your photo was sepia toned, but have you been down Walmgate this week?
The signage was altered (see OUR picture here) to coincide with our proud, new name, The Press.
Updated: 10:00 Friday, April 28, 2006
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