People thinking about having dental work carried out should think about the variety of payment options open to them, the British Dental Foundation (BDF) stated today.

Chief executive of the BDF Dr Nigel Carter explained that many treatments - which could include false teeth - will be available for a great deal less than people might think.

He adds that a range of payment options are available to help out those struggling to cope with the cost of such treatment.

"These include dental plans, health cash plans, dental insurance and capitation plans," Dr Carter explains.

His comments follow a BDF warning which advised people not to travel abroad for dental treatment after a bout of calls to its helpline from people who had encountered problems after having such work carried out.

The BDF is a UK oral health charity which has been providing public information and influencing government policy for 35 years.