The overseas dental treatment market has been booming in recent years. Patients can often benefit from significantly lower prices – sometimes as much as 50 per cent – on both cosmetic and essential treatment. In the UK, NHS dental treatment is so stretched that households are forced into excessively expensive private healthcare, causing a real dental health crisis.
Seeking urgent help in a warm and welcoming environment can seem enticing, but it is important to weigh up the pros and cons to make sure that the decision and choice you are making is the right one for you. Being fitted for Invisalign in Birmingham or Bodrum can be the start of two very different journeys with very different outcomes. Arming yourself with as much knowledge as possible will ultimately minimise any risk.
What are the benefits of seeking overseas dental treatment?
You can make considerable savings on the cost of treatments as dental treatment in some countries can be significantly cheaper than in others. While this will not help if you need immediate urgent care, it can be an important factor when seeking a more permanent solution to a recurring issue.
The quality of care can also seem perceptibly better overseas. Some countries have highly skilled and trained dental professionals who offer quality services at lower costs. With a cost of living that is significantly lower than the UK, a workforce to carry out this additional care in more widely available.
Many people like to combine their dental treatment with a holiday, giving them the excuse to visit a country they have always been keen to visit. Private dental treatments can be located across eastern Europe, and Turkey, and as far afield as Thailand and Mexico. Coming home with teeth and a tan will lift the spirits of many an individual.
Some of these countries may also offer specialized dental procedures or technologies that are not readily available in one’s home country. Traveling overseas can provide access to these treatments.
What are the risks of seeking overseas dental treatment?
You need to dig below the glossy websites to really be sure that a particular clinic is as good as it professes to be. Standards of dental care may vary between countries, and there may be differences in regulations and oversight. Ensuring the qualifications and reputation of the dental clinic and dentist is crucial to avoid substandard care. Do you homework and make sure that you seek out third party endorsements, as well as acquainting yourself with a specific territory’s regulations.
There could be significant communication barriers which risk causing you stress and anxiety about what is going on. Language barriers can sometimes complicate communication between the patient and the dental provider, leading to misunderstandings or misinterpretations of treatment options and expectations.
Have you considered what might happen if you experience post treatment complications. After receiving dental treatment overseas, a domestic dentist may be unwilling to perform any reparative work – or would charge a significant amount of money. Considerations for post-operative care and follow-up appointments should be addressed before undergoing treatment abroad.
If complications do arise from dental treatment received overseas are you covered by insurance? Equally, if you feel that you have been a victim of gross misconduct or negligence, seeking legal recourse may be difficult or limited due to differences in legal systems and regulations between countries.
The proliferation of overseas dental clinics highlight the overwhelming demand there is for cut price dental treatment, and when carried out in a controlled, regulated way, it can be exceptionally successful. It is essential to carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits and thoroughly research the dental clinic and provider before making a decision. Consulting with a local dentist or dental professional for advice and recommendations can also be helpful in making an informed choice.