ONE in 10 people have performed DIY dentistry, with poor access to dentists a major reason why, a shocking new poll published today reveals.

More than a fifth — 22 per cent — are not registered with a dentist, with a third of those saying they cannot find one on the NHS as the austerity-hit sector loses dentists to private services, the YouGov survey also found.

The poll, which consulted more than 2,100 adults across Britain, shows that nearly a quarter of those not registered think treatment will be too expensive for them.