Dai ‘The Tooth’ Davies, 68, is accused of operating an unlicensed dental surgery from the back of a Ford Transit, despite insisting he is fully qualified to file horses’ teeth on Tuesdays.
Police and NHS officials have issued a warning to residents in Carmarthenshire following reports that a rogue dentist has been offering cut-price dental treatment from a lay-by near Trimsaran.
The man, known locally as Dai ‘The Tooth’ Davies, has reportedly been providing a range of dental services including fillings, extractions, root canal treatment and what he describes as “a full mouth service” from a converted Ford Transit van.
His promotional offers include three fillings for the price of two, half-price extractions on Wednesdays and a loyalty card entitling customers to a free scale and polish after six visits.
However, police say Mr Davies has no recognised qualifications in human dentistry, although records suggest he was once licensed to file horses’ teeth on Tuesdays.
PC Gareth Evans, 43, of Llanelli, who wished to remain anonymous, said officers were investigating several complaints.
“We’ve received reports of a man operating what appears to be a dental surgery from a lay-by just outside Trimsaran.”
“He’s got a reclining garden chair, a battery-powered drill and a handwritten sign saying ‘DENTIST – NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY’.”
“He’s also offering three fillings for the price of two, which is unusual because most people don’t need three fillings at the same time.”
Patients Attracted by Bargain Prices The operation first came to the attention of authorities after several local residents reported seeing a queue of people standing beside a white van near the B4308.
According to witnesses, the van was displaying a large cardboard sign advertising:
DAI THE TOOTH – QUALITY DENTAL WORK
Fillings – £15 each or three for £30 Extractions – £20, second tooth half price Root canal – £45, depending on how deep it goes Scale and polish – £8, bring your own toothbrush Emergency appointments – Just knock on the van Pensioners – 10% off on Tuesdays, unless there’s a horse booked in Mr Davies reportedly reassured customers that his procedures were quick, affordable and carried out with the minimum of fuss.
Glenys Thomas, 64, from Kidwelly, who wished to remain anonymous, said she had visited the mobile surgery after struggling to secure an NHS dental appointment.
“I’d been waiting months to see a dentist, and then somebody told me Dai was doing fillings for fifteen quid.”
“I thought, well, that’s a bargain.”
Mrs Thomas said she became concerned when Mr Davies asked her to sit in a plastic garden chair and handed her a pair of sunglasses.
“He told me the sunglasses were to protect my eyes from the light, but there wasn’t a light. He was using a head torch he’d bought from Lidl.”
“Then he asked whether I’d brought my own towel.”
She said the treatment was relatively painless, although she was surprised when Mr Davies offered to fill two additional teeth for another £15.
“I told him there was nothing wrong with the other teeth, but he said it would be a shame to waste the offer.”
Horse Dentistry Qualifications Under Scrutiny Investigators have established that Mr Davies has no recognised human dental qualifications.
However, he insists he has extensive experience working with teeth and has previously provided dental services to horses, ponies and occasionally donkeys.
“I’ve been doing teeth for forty years,” Mr Davies reportedly told investigators.
“A tooth’s a tooth. Doesn’t matter whether it’s in a horse or a person.”
He explained that his original training involved filing the teeth of working horses on farms across west Wales.
“I was licensed to file horses’ teeth on Tuesdays. That’s a proper qualification, that is.”
“When you’ve had your arm halfway down a Clydesdale’s mouth, doing a filling on Mrs Jenkins from Trimsaran is a piece of piss.”
Mr Davies acknowledged that human dentistry was slightly different from equine dentistry, particularly when it came to the size of the patient’s mouth.
“With horses you’ve got plenty of room to work. Humans are a bit more fiddly.”
“And they complain a lot more.”
NHS Warns Against Unregulated Treatment NHS officials have expressed concern about the growing popularity of the mobile dental operation.
A dental health spokesperson, Dr Emyr Pritchard, 52, of Carmarthen, who wished to remain anonymous, said the public should only receive treatment from appropriately registered dental professionals.
“Dental procedures require specialist training, proper equipment, infection control and a suitable clinical environment.”
“A lay-by outside Trimsaran does not meet those standards, regardless of how competitive the prices are.”
Dr Pritchard said he was particularly concerned about the reported use of equipment originally intended for agricultural purposes.
“We understand that Mr Davies may have been using a tool normally employed for filing horses’ teeth.”
“While that may be perfectly suitable for a horse, it is not appropriate for Mrs Williams from Pontyates.”
He also questioned the logic behind the three-for-two filling offer.
“Dental treatment should be based on clinical need, not supermarket-style promotions.”
“You wouldn’t expect a surgeon to offer two hip replacements and a third one free.”
Local Man Claims Treatment Was a Success Despite the warnings, several customers have defended Mr Davies, praising his affordable prices and willingness to accept walk-in appointments.
Bryn ‘Brynny’ Jenkins, 71, of Pontyberem, who wished to remain anonymous, said he was delighted with the service.
“I went there with a terrible toothache. Dai had the tooth out in about four minutes.”
“He only charged me twenty quid, and he threw in a packet of mints.”
Asked whether the procedure had been painful, Mr Jenkins admitted it had been uncomfortable.
“Well, he didn’t have any anaesthetic, so he gave me half a bottle of whisky and told me to bite down on a rolled-up copy of the Western Mail.”
“But I’ve had worse experiences trying to get through to my GP.”
Mr Jenkins said he would happily return to the mobile surgery, although he was slightly concerned that Mr Davies had removed the wrong tooth.
“To be fair, the one he took out was a bit loose anyway.”
Police Discover Unusual Dental Equipment Officers investigating the operation reportedly discovered a collection of tools inside the van, including pliers, a cordless drill, a hoof rasp, several screwdrivers and a large bottle of mouthwash.
A handwritten notice above the treatment chair instructed patients to “KEEP STILL OR IT’LL HURT MORE.”
Police also found a small portable fridge containing sandwiches, milk, dental impression material and what appeared to be a set of false teeth.
Mr Davies insisted that the equipment was entirely appropriate for the services he offered.
“People are too fussy these days. Years ago you’d go to the local blacksmith if you had a bad tooth.”
“Now everybody wants fancy equipment, certificates and somebody who knows what they’re doing.”
He also defended the use of his cordless drill.
“It’s a Makita. One of the best makes you can buy.”
Business Booming Despite Investigation News of the police investigation has reportedly done little to discourage customers.
Witnesses say a queue of seven people formed outside the van on Thursday morning, including a man from Burry Port who had travelled specifically for the half-price extraction offer.
Mr Davies has also reportedly expanded his services to include teeth whitening, although the treatment involves a substance normally used to clean patio slabs.
He has recently introduced a new loyalty scheme called Dai’s Dental Club, offering members priority appointments, discounted fillings and a complimentary packet of Polos.
“People are struggling with the cost of living,” he explained.
“I’m providing an essential service at a price ordinary people can afford.”
He added that he was considering opening a second branch in a lay-by near Cross Hands, subject to finding another van and somebody willing to lend him a dental chair.
Authorities Urge Patients to Seek Proper Care Police have urged anyone who has received treatment from the unregistered operator to seek advice from a qualified dental professional, particularly if they are experiencing pain, swelling or other complications.
PC Evans said officers were continuing their investigation.
“We would strongly advise members of the public not to undergo dental treatment in a lay-by, regardless of the price or any promotional offers.”
“Being able to file a horse’s teeth on a Tuesday does not qualify somebody to perform root canal surgery on a human being.”
However, Mr Davies remains defiant.
“I’ve had hundreds of satisfied customers over the years.”
“Well, dozens anyway.”
“And most of them have still got some teeth left.”
At the time of going to press, Mr Davies had reportedly moved his mobile surgery to a different lay-by after receiving a tip-off that police were preparing to visit.
A handwritten sign left at the original location read:
“DAI THE TOOTH HAS MOVED. EMERGENCY EXTRACTIONS AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT. ASK AT THE CHIP SHOP.”
Police are now investigating reports that he has expanded into eye examinations after purchasing a second-hand pair of binoculars.
