A dentist in London has come up with a novel idea of helping save his patients the time and extra effort in coming to his clinic by giving them online check-ups over the internet.

His new method, says Jerry Watson, involves examining his patients' teeth via webcam, advising them whether they have to see him personally or not.

However, after his online examination, his patients still have to visit a clinic for x-ray and have their teeth cleaned by hygienist for $100..

Watson says he plans to to add 20 more UK sites this summer for his Toothplace clinic to enable him to monitor patients at four clinics at any given time.

The dentist says he is optimistic that his new method might someday enable people of getting a total check-up at home.

"There's no reason people couldn't get seen from home if they've a high-quality camera," Watson said. "What we need for the future is cameras in electric toothbrushes. That would be fantastic."