Back in the UK everyone I know went for their six monthly check-ups for their teeth, something which none of my Chinese colleagues or friends ever do. I used to think this was a bit odd, they only go to the dentist when something is wrong, like a tooth cracks or has pain, they don’t take care of them like we do.

On Monday our entire office (with the exception of expats who aren’t on local contracts) go to hospital for their annual health checks, we typically lose half a day to this every year, particularly when the results come back and everyone runs around comparing what problems everyone has. Last year there was uproar, the whole office was in fits of giggles on results day, I came out of my office to find them passing one guy’s report from person to person, each of whom would roar with laughter as soon as they read the page. I asked the guy what they were laughing at, “it says something wrong with my dick” he replied! Anyway, nobody had anything serious.

Then it occurred me, I’ve never been for a health check, the only time I’ve been to the doctor was when I was sick or had a condition which needed attention, in fact I don’t know anyone in the UK who goes for regular health checks. It’s us that’s got it wrong, not the Chinese.

What went wrong? When did we decide as a nation that our teeth were more important than our health? Is it the same in other western countries or is the UK unusual in this?