Dental tourism is on the rise in recent years, with Turkey being one of the most popular destinations for dental treatments. Patients travel to Turkey to receive dental care for several reasons, namely:
-
Cost - The cost of dental treatment in Turkey is often much lower compared to other countries, making it an attractive option for those who are looking to save money.
-
Tourist destinations - Turkey is a popular tourist destination, known for its historical sites, natural beauty, and cultural richness. Many people choose to combine a holiday with dental treatment, making the most of their time and money.
-
Convenience - Some dental clinics in Turkey offer packages that include transportation, accommodation, and treatment, making the entire process more convenient for patients. This is especially attractive for patients who live far from major dental centres or for those who are unable to travel frequently.
What is dental tourism?
Dental tourism refers to the practice of traveling to another country for dental treatment. Patients typically travel to countries where dental care is less expensive, more accessible, or of a higher quality than in their home country. Some of the most popular destinations for dental tourism include Mexico, Hungary, Thailand, and Turkey.
However, before you decide to undergo dental treatment in Turkey, it's important to be aware of some of the potential dangers that come with it. In this article, we will highlight some of the main risks associated with dental treatment in Turkey and why you should think twice before making this decision.
Dental regulation
IN TURKEY
One of the biggest concerns with dental treatment in Turkey is the absence of regulation. There is no governing body that oversees the standards of care provided by dental clinics, meaning that there is no guarantee that the treatment you receive will meet your expectations.
IN UNITED KINGDOM
In the United Kingdom, dentistry is regulated by the General Dental Council (GDC). The GDC is an independent statutory body established by Parliament to regulate dental professionals in the UK.
The main purpose of the GDC is to protect the public by ensuring that dental professionals meet certain standards and provide safe and effective care. The GDC sets standards for education, training, and conduct, and maintains a register of dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, and clinical dental technicians.
Quality of dental care
IN TURKEY
Many dental clinics in Turkey are not up to date with the latest dental technology and equipment, which can lead to poor treatment. In addition, some dentists in Turkey may not have received adequate training or experience, leading to poorer outcomes.
IN UNITED KINGDOM
The National Health Service (NHS) provides dental care to most of the population, and private dental care is also widely available. Dental professionals in the UK are required to meet rigorous standards, and the General Dental Council (GDC) has the power to investigate complaints and take disciplinary action against those who have failed to meet these standards.
In terms of technology and equipment, dental clinics in the UK have access to some of the latest and most advanced equipment, allowing them to provide a range of treatments, from routine procedures to complex treatments.
Post-treatment complications
IN TURKEY
Another risk associated with dental treatment in Turkey is the possibility of post-treatment complications. Due to the lack of regulation and the quality of care provided by some dental clinics, there is a higher chance that you will experience complications after your treatment. This can include pain, infection, and even the loss of teeth. Sometimes, it is not even possible to go back to the same dentist as they may be travelling from elsewhere to deliver dental treatments to the patients visiting Turkey.
IN UNITED KINGDOM
We’ve already covered the great levels and efforts that dentists are enforced to go through via the GDC to protect their patient’s health. In addition to this, your local dentist practice is just that – local. If there is an issue, you can easily contact the practice for another appointment to address any complications. Dental tourists however would have to pay great expense to travel back to Turkey for a potential resolution with the dentist that undertook the original treatment.
Insurance and legal problems
IN TURKEY
It's important to think about insurance and legal implications of dental treatment in Turkey. In the event of a complication, seeking compensation or receiving adequate medical care could be difficult. Additionally, insurance may not cover dental treatment abroad, which can lead to a large bill.
Your travel and health insurance policies are unlikely to cover dental treatment abroad. Any issues that you might face abroad could cost you a substantial amount of money to rectify.
IN UNITED KINGDOM
As already mentioned, dentists undergo rigorous levels of training and are closely regulated not just by the GDC but also by the NHS. Your dental practice is legally obliged to respond to any complaints and will generally be useful in helping you navigate any potential insurance/legal queries.
In conclusion
Dental treatment in Turkey may seem like a cost-effective option, but it's important to weigh the potential risks and dangers before you make your final decision. To ensure that you receive safe and effective dental care, it's recommended to seek treatment in your home country, where regulations and standards of care are well-established. By taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure that you receive the best possible dental care and avoid any potential complications.