Dentists issue dental tourism warning as more Brits travel abroad
Dentists have issued a warning over dental tourism, as more Brits choose to travel abroad.
Experts are encouraging people who are thinking about going overseas for dental treatment to research extensively and compare prices with UK practices before taking the plunge. Surveys suggest that over 60% of adults in the UK are currently considering having dental treatment, with many interested in travelling overseas to save money.
Destinations such as Turkey have become increasingly popular among dental patients. The main draw is the price, which can be up to 70% lower than UK costs. People also like the idea of combining having dental treatment with taking a break and enjoying a holiday.
Although prices are significantly lower in many countries than in the UK, dentists have warned that patients could end up paying more due to an elevated risk of botched treatment. A representative from Harley Street Smile Clinic confirmed that there had been an influx of patients seeking advice after undergoing treatment in cheap destinations like Turkey in the last year. Patients, particularly young people, are often lured in by bargain prices, but they end up paying more to undergo corrective work back at home.
Dentists are worried that patients are being misled by marketing campaigns and let down by dental clinics that are not offering high-quality care. Some UK dentists have also reported that patients are coming to clinics without even realising what treatment they have had abroad.
Dental tourism can be beneficial, but dental experts want patients to be 100% sure that they are making the right decision before travelling and paying money to clinics. Patients are advised to undertake extensive research, check that clinics and dentists are approved and accredited and ensure that they know what kind of treatment they are having and how much it will cost. One common problem that dentists have noticed is patients thinking that they are having veneers, when in reality, they have paid for crowns. The two procedures are not the same and require different levels of preparation.
The Foreign Office recently updated travel advice for Turkey, encouraging people to carry out independent research to find reputable clinics for health and dental treatment.
