Dental clinics abroad: is it a good idea?

Attracted by low-cost, high-quality services, many people choose to perform their dental treatment in dental clinics abroad. The services offered by the latter, particularly those offered by dental clinics in Hungary, Spain or Turkey, seem to be highly appreciated by Europeans. Indeed, the number of French dental tourists was estimated at 25,000 in 2014 (latest figure available). However, there are many alternatives available to patients when it comes to dental treatment. So, how can you select the most suitable destination to treat your teeth? Should you really embark on dental tourism, or make do with the care offered in your home country?

Dentistry and dental tourism abroad: practical advice

There are good and bad doctors in every country. Whatever the destination, if the doctor who takes care of you is experienced, you'll be in good hands.

However, here are a few practical tips to help you avoid falling into the hands of charlatans:

• Choose intermediaries based in your home country or a neighboring country, so that you can visit them easily.
• Find out as much as you can about the clinic and its staff, and read patient reviews.
• Choose a clinic with bilingual staff or one that offers an interpreting service.
• Plan to stay at least a week after the operation, so that you can return to see the dentist if necessary.
• Don't be seduced by the speed of treatment: it's not always beneficial for the patient.
• Find out whether the procedure is covered by social security or your mutual insurance company.

How to organize a dental trip abroad?

There are many agencies specializing in medical tourism and, more specifically, dental tourism abroad. These organizations are in partnership with several dental clinics and offer to accompany patients from the preparation of their trip to their return. Once you've chosen your dental clinic abroad, the panoramic X-ray and the films will be sent to the foreign dental practice. The dental surgeon in the host country will then draw up an estimate based on the same principles as those used elsewhere. Once there, you'll receive your treatment, usually within a week. Some intermediaries offer treatment by bilingual dentists, while others will provide you with an interpreter. This is often the person who will meet you at the airport and guide you throughout your stay.

Once back in your home country, post-operative follow-up is ensured by telephone reminders or annual check-ups.

How to select a good dental clinic abroad?

To help you choose the right dental clinic abroad (outside your country's borders), here are a few tips:

Value for money

Low prices don't necessarily mean low quality, and vice versa. If the offer appeals to you, ask yourself a few questions before committing yourself:

• Are the technical details of the implants and the technology used highlighted?
• Does the price include just the procedure or the entire cost?
• Do you feel they're trying to sell you something, or are they interested in your dental health?

Source of dental materials

The cost of dental treatment (dental implants, dental crowns, veneers) is not greatly influenced by the price of the material used. This means it's possible to pay less for the same quality as what's offered in your country. Opt for a dental establishment that provides you with all the necessary details on the type of the materials used.

Dentistry skills

To choose a good dental surgeon with broad expertise, you'll need to know:

• Where he studied.
• How many years' experience he has.
• The opinions of his patients, if possible.

Communicating complications

Here's a tip for testing a clinic's honesty and transparency towards its patients: ask about possible complications following your operation. If specialists tell you that there won't be any, this indicates a lack of transparency on the part of the doctors. An honest answer will present the possible complications following the requested treatment, as well as the success rate.

Clinic reputation and experience in business

Now, it's possible to find out about a clinic's reputation by browsing the Internet. Rely on comments from actual patients in forums or on independent sites. A clinic's seniority is also a good sign.

Opt for international dental clinics

International clinics offer complementary services such as airport/hotel transfers, interpreting services, and sometimes even tourist activities.

Price comparison of the most popular oral care treatments abroad