18 Apr

Saudi Arabia emerges as appealing destination for dental tourists

shutterstock_1012656667Saudi Arabia is emerging as an increasingly appealing destination for dental tourists, it has been revealed.
Research suggests that there has been an increase in visitor numbers in recent years, with many looking to access dental services at lower costs. Currently, Saudi Arabia ranks third in the list of the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries for the ratio of dentists to patients. Most dentists are based in Riyadh, Al Khobar and Jeddah.
The affordability of treatment in comparison to Western countries has marked Saudi Arabia as a potential location for tourists looking to save money on the latest dental treatments. The tourism boom has contributed to expansion within the market and an increase in students choosing to study dentistry at university. The number of dentists in the country has risen from 8,100 in 2011 to 16,887 in 2016.
Experts believe that the growth of the dental market is linked to tourism, but also to improved oral health awareness and an increase in aesthetic treatments, which are focused on making the smile look more attractive. There is also a suggestion that an increase in disposable income has led to the rising popularity of non-essential treatments, such as invisible braces and veneers.