The pros and cons of dental tourism
Over the last 10 years the relatively new industry of dental tourism has boomed. Whether it's Central America, Eastern Europe or the Far East; low cost countries have seen affluent western patients flock to their shores in search of elusive quality affordable dental treatment. Dental treatment is traditionally very expensive in countries like Ireland, UK, America and Australia. And unlike other health problems it's not always covered by insurance. That is what has led so many people to see cheaper dental treatment abroad. In fact its estimated about forty million people annually seek medical treatment abroad. So, what are the pros and cons of dental tourism?
Pros
Cost savings: The biggest pro (and main reason for the exponential growth) is the cost savings. Dental treatment in places like England and Ireland can be very expensive. Implants can cost upwards of 1000. If you multiply that by 4 or 5 teeth you are soon up to very large quotes. Substantial savings can be made by travelling to countries in Eastern Europe. Places like Poland, Romania, and Slovakia all have lower costs of living, lower wages and lower dental rates than Western countries. These lower costs are passed onto patients. It's not possible to give an exact figure but comparing like for like treatment you could save between 50% - 70% on the cost of your treatment. And if your treatment in your home country runs to thousands of pounds/dollars then that adds up to substantial savings.
Easy to organise: With the huge growth in this area many companies have sprung up to help you organise your treatment and trip. This range from individual dentists in the host country, to full service travel agencies who book the treatment, arrange your flights, arrange accommodation and take care of everything in between. No matter what level of service you are looking for there will be a company who can meet your needs.
Explore and travel: Most people like to travel and explore new places. Depending on the type of treatment you need, you may need to spend a few days in the host country while moulds are made or crowns cast. This gives you a perfect opportunity to travel and enjoy a holiday where you are having treatment. You can choose relaxing or cultural experiences or go wild and have yourself an adventure holiday - just be sure to be careful with your teeth! And the best thing is, if you go there for low costs on dental treatment, chances are that your holiday activities will work out pretty cheap too.
Cons
Distance: one of the main cons is the distance you have to travel for treatment. This isn't a problem if you are a "proper" dental tourist and you have integrated a holiday into your treatment plans. The problem arises if something goes wrong or you need a check up. You can't just take an hour out and pop into your local dentist. It requires planning and organising and usually a flight.
Perceived risk: the "risk" associated with dental treatment abroad is often referred to. However it's not so much the risk as it is the perceived risk that's the problem. Statistically it's no more dangerous to have dental treatment abroad than it is at home. Standards are just as high in places like Eastern Europe and practising dentists must be registered with the National registrar responsible for dentists in that country. Sometimes you will even find the treatment of a higher standard that at home. However, the negative connotations that treatment abroad has in some parts of the media is still hard to dispel.
Relationships: Some people like to have a personal relationship. They like to go to the same dentist who they know and who knows them. While this is possible with dental tourism it's not always practical.
Over the last 10 years the relatively new industry of dental tourism has boomed. Whether it's Central America, Eastern Europe or the Far East; low cost countries have seen affluent western patients flock to their shores in search of elusive quality affordable dental treatment. Dental treatment is traditionally very expensive in countries like Ireland, UK, America and Australia. And unlike other health problems it's not always covered by insurance. That is what has led so many people to see cheaper dental treatment abroad. In fact its estimated about forty million people annually seek medical treatment abroad. So, what are the pros and cons of dental tourism?
Pros
Cost savings: The biggest pro (and main reason for the exponential growth) is the cost savings. Dental treatment in places like England and Ireland can be very expensive. Implants can cost upwards of 1000. If you multiply that by 4 or 5 teeth you are soon up to very large quotes. Substantial savings can be made by travelling to countries in Eastern Europe. Places like Poland, Romania, and Slovakia all have lower costs of living, lower wages and lower dental rates than Western countries. These lower costs are passed onto patients. It's not possible to give an exact figure but comparing like for like treatment you could save between 50% - 70% on the cost of your treatment. And if your treatment in your home country runs to thousands of pounds/dollars then that adds up to substantial savings.
Easy to organise: With the huge growth in this area many companies have sprung up to help you organise your treatment and trip. This range from individual dentists in the host country, to full service travel agencies who book the treatment, arrange your flights, arrange accommodation and take care of everything in between. No matter what level of service you are looking for there will be a company who can meet your needs.
Explore and travel: Most people like to travel and explore new places. Depending on the type of treatment you need, you may need to spend a few days in the host country while moulds are made or crowns cast. This gives you a perfect opportunity to travel and enjoy a holiday where you are having treatment. You can choose relaxing or cultural experiences or go wild and have yourself an adventure holiday - just be sure to be careful with your teeth! And the best thing is, if you go there for low costs on dental treatment, chances are that your holiday activities will work out pretty cheap too.
Cons
Distance: one of the main cons is the distance you have to travel for treatment. This isn't a problem if you are a "proper" dental tourist and you have integrated a holiday into your treatment plans. The problem arises if something goes wrong or you need a check up. You can't just take an hour out and pop into your local dentist. It requires planning and organising and usually a flight.
Perceived risk: the "risk" associated with dental treatment abroad is often referred to. However it's not so much the risk as it is the perceived risk that's the problem. Statistically it's no more dangerous to have dental treatment abroad than it is at home. Standards are just as high in places like Eastern Europe and practising dentists must be registered with the National registrar responsible for dentists in that country. Sometimes you will even find the treatment of a higher standard that at home. However, the negative connotations that treatment abroad has in some parts of the media is still hard to dispel.
Relationships: Some people like to have a personal relationship. They like to go to the same dentist who they know and who knows them. While this is possible with dental tourism it's not always practical.