Several years ago, while on a visit to the U.K., I stopped at a small village north of the Cotswolds for some fish and chips.  While I was happily munching on the excellent treat, I struck up a conversation with a local and the one thing led to another, and we began to discuss the NIH.  I mentioned that I did not see any signs for a doctor’s office in the village.  He replied that of course there were no signs or advertisements as the village had no doctor and that the nearest GP was some fifty miles away.  I stated my amazement, and he went on to tell me that everyone in the village was excited as the traveling government dentist was coming to town for two days. 

Never having heard of a traveling dentist, I asked for clarification.  It seems that once a year, the dentist visits the village and sets up shop.  There are no appointments, everything is on a first come, first served basis which of course, leads to quite long lines. You wait your turn; a procedure is done and out you go.  I mentioned that the service must be quite perfunctory, and he agreed.  What I asked if you need to come back for a follow up procedure.  “Simple: come back the next day and get in line, no preference given.  When it is quitting time, he packs up and leaves.”  It was an amazing conversation and like the rich American, I sat there wondering how such a system could be endured.  But as my new friend said, the service is free!