Dental tourism is on the rise – but what is it, why does it exist, where do dental tourists go, and what are the risks? This article explains all.
What is dental tourism?
Dental tourism is a specific branch of medical tourism which involves travelling abroad to undergo some sort of dental treatment. There are many reasons why someone might engage with dental tourism. Treatment can be very expensive in certain countries like the UK and the USA – so people opt to travel abroad and have a holiday while getting their teeth treated. Another reason might be that the specific treatment they want or need is not actually available at home. Others travel to avoid long waiting lists, or because they believe clinicians abroad are more experienced in particular treatments.
Whatever the reason, dental tourism has grown rapidly over the past decade or so, helped by low-cost flights, social media and the rising cost of private dental care in countries such as the UK and the USA. In the UK, difficulties accessing NHS dental care have also pushed more people to seek treatment abroad.
Video: The rise of medical tourism
Where is the cheapest country for dental treatment?
So what is the cheapest country for dental tourism? This depends on where the patient is travelling from. Destinations such as Costa Rica, India and Thailand can offer very low treatment prices, but for patients from the UK, the overall trip (including flights and accommodation) may work out cheaper in European destinations such as Hungary, Turkey or Bulgaria. For patients from the USA, Mexico is often the most affordable option.
Where is the best country for dental work?
The best country for dental tourism depends on the treatment needed and the patient’s priorities. Rather than choosing a country, it is more important to choose a reputable clinic with properly qualified dentists, good reviews, clear pricing and a written treatment plan. Some international clinics are accredited by organisations such as Joint Commission International (JCI), which can provide extra reassurance about standards.
Dental tourism agents
There are many different travel agencies which specialise in dental tourism. They tend to be medical tourism agents, but they arrange for dental tourists to travel for specific treatments too. They typically help patients to find a clinic, book treatment, arrange flights, accommodation and airport transfers, and provide support throughout the trip.
When choosing a dental tourism agency or facilitator, it is important to check what is included in the price, how the clinic and dentists have been vetted, and what happens if something goes wrong after treatment.
Is dental tourism safe?
Dental treatment abroad can be safe, and many patients are happy with the results. However, it carries real risks. Standards and regulation vary between countries, and complex treatments such as implants, crowns and veneers are often carried out over a very short period to fit around a holiday, with little time for healing or follow-up. The British Dental Association has warned about the number of patients returning to the UK with problems after treatment abroad – particularly so-called ‘Turkey teeth’, where healthy teeth have been heavily filed down to fit crowns – which can lead to pain, infection, nerve damage and expensive corrective work.
It is therefore vitally important to do thorough research. The UK government and NHS advise patients to check the qualifications and registration of the dentist, the standards of the clinic, exactly what treatment is proposed and why, the full costs, and what aftercare and guarantees are offered. Patients should also consider how they would get follow-up care or corrective treatment if problems arise once they return home, and check whether their travel insurance covers medical treatment abroad.
One issue you may come across is language barriers. Many clinics that treat international patients have English-speaking staff, but misunderstandings can still occur. Agencies may offer a translator when you book with them if it’s deemed necessary. It is important to fully understand and agree the treatment plan before it begins.
Dental tourism destinations
There are many destinations where dental tourism occurs. People can even be dental tourists in their own country if they travel to another city for private or specialist dental treatment. Below you’ll see some of the most popular destinations for dental tourism, and why they are popular.
Dental tourism in India
India is one of the best-known destinations for dental and wider medical tourism. Treatment costs are much lower than in Europe or the USA, and many clinics in cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai cater for international patients. However, flights are more expensive and journeys longer for patients from Europe or the USA, and some combine treatment with a wider holiday.
Dental tourism in Hungary
Hungary is one of Europe’s top destinations for dental tourism. As such it sees many dental tourists from other European countries – patients from the USA or Asia are less likely to travel there, as there are closer options. Mosonmagyarovar, at the Western border of the country, is one of the most well-known destinations for affordable dental treatment with small waiting lists and professional clinicians.
Dental tourism in Thailand
Thailand is a major medical tourism destination, with many internationally accredited private hospitals and dental clinics, particularly in Bangkok and Phuket. Treatment is typically much cheaper than in Western countries, and many patients combine it with a holiday. Travel blogger Robert Schrader describes his experience of dental work in Thailand.
Dental tourism in Turkey
Turkey has become one of the world’s most popular dental tourism destinations, particularly for patients from the UK. It is best known for so-called ‘Turkey teeth’ – bright white crowns or veneers, often promoted by celebrities and influencers on social media. Turkey has many well-equipped clinics, but, as noted above, dental associations have warned that some patients have had healthy teeth unnecessarily filed down, so it is important to research clinics carefully and understand exactly what treatment involves. This site includes reviews from Americans who have had dental treatment in Turkey.
Dental tourism in Bulgaria
Another gem in Europe for dental tourism is Bulgaria – a generally affordable country to visit, with cheap dental treatment too. It’s one of the cheapest places in Europe for treatment: up to 70% cheaper than the UK in some cases! Popular destinations for treatment include the capital, Sofia, and coastal cities such as Varna.
Dental tourism in Vietnam
As with many Asian countries, Vietnam is very cheap to visit. It is popular with backpackers, digital nomads and gap year travellers for that reason – as well as the abundance of things to do and beautiful scenic views. There are many dental clinics across the country, offering affordable and good work. This is what makes it so popular with dental tourists. You can book packages which include your travel, accommodation, meals and treatment. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are the main centres for dental tourism.
Dental tourism in Mexico
Another destination popular with dental tourists, especially those coming from the nearby USA, is Mexico. For example, Los Algodones (known as Molar City!) is very near the borders of both California and Arizona – and patients can walk across the border to reach its many dental clinics. It is a very popular destination for all medical tourists, including dental tourists. Prices can be significantly lower than in the USA, and travel costs are low for patients living nearby. Clinics across Los Algodones offer dental implants, full mouth restorations, dentures, dental veneers, laser, dental crowns and more!
Dental tourism: FAQs
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about dental tourism.
What is dental tourism?
Dental tourism is a type of medical tourism in which people travel to another country (or another part of their own country) to have dental treatment, usually because it is cheaper, quicker or not available at home.
What are the most popular dental tourism destinations?
Popular dental tourism destinations include Turkey, Hungary, Bulgaria, Poland and the Czech Republic for European patients, Mexico for American patients, and Thailand, India and Vietnam in Asia.
Is dental tourism safe?
Dental tourism can be safe, but it carries risks. Standards vary between clinics and countries, treatment may be rushed, and follow-up care can be difficult to arrange, so patients should research clinics and dentists carefully.
What are ‘Turkey teeth’?
‘Turkey teeth’ is a nickname for the bright white crowns or veneers that many people have fitted in Turkey. Dentists have warned that some patients have had healthy teeth heavily filed down, which can cause long-term problems.
What should I check before having dental treatment abroad?
Check the dentist’s qualifications and registration, the clinic’s standards and reviews, the full treatment plan and costs, guarantees and aftercare, and whether your travel insurance covers treatment abroad.
Dental tourism: Further reading
If you found this article on dental tourism useful, these articles may also be of interest:
- Medical tourism: What, where and why
- What is health tourism and why is it growing?
- What is wellness tourism and why is it so popular?
- What is special interest tourism and why is it so popular?
