The trend of getting dental treatment abroad has been gaining popularity on social media like TikTok, where the Turkey teeth hashtag has reached more than 130 million views. Reality TV influencers from popular shows like Love Island are also taking part in this practice and sharing their trips with us through videos they post online!
But it seems that some people are unaware of potential risks involved. Hundreds of British dentists have treated patients with serious complications after travelling abroad for cheap dental treatment.
The British Dental Association (BDA) provided a survey of 1,000 dentists and found that 597 dentists had treated patients with who went abroad for their dental care and had complications.
Within the UK, patients undergoing dental treatment are protected by strict regulations and patients going abroad may find that dental standards are less stringent. For example, there may be different qualification requirements, lower standards of product quality, and less robust infection control measures. Language difficulties and lack of regulation may mean that informed consent is lacking, and misleading advertising may be more common. When treatment is done during a brief trip abroad, additional concerns are shortened recovery periods (especially for dental implant treatment), continuity of care, and the potential need for costly ongoing maintenance care. Patients may not understand the long-term implications.
The best way to avoid problems with dental treatment abroad is to plan thoroughly in advance. Of course, you cannot be prepared for every eventuality, but you can reduce the risks. Check the reputation of the clinic, check their insurance, cross check their qualifications and registrations and always ask for testimonials and references from previous patients. None of this will guarantee trouble free treatment, but it will certainly stack the odds in your favour. The longer you spend planning, the less likely it is that something will go wrong and if dental work goes wrong and your teeth are damaged, they will never heal.
The only way to put right problems caused by mistakes or dental negligence will be further, expensive dental work so always think carefully and research thoroughly treatments available here in the UK and affordability before deciding to have dental work done in another country. Most dental practices can offer interest free finance or payment plans to help spread the cost.
Remember – The cheaper cost abroad might end up costing you much more in the long run.
