Dental tourism refers to traveling to another country for dental treatment. It is a subset of the medical tourism industry.
The ability to pay for treatment is one of the main reasons patients travel to another country for dental care. Reasons why dental care is cheaper in some countries than in others include: lower fixed costs, lower labor costs, lower insurance costs and less intervention by more government.
according to Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) Magazine. some of the top advertised destinations for both medical and dental tourists are: Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, Malaysia and Thailand.
According to ORALUX DENTAL, people will travel long distances for various dental procedures such as cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, bridges, crowns, teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. Some dental clinics may also offer free shuttle service for international patients from the airport and hotel to the clinic.
The reason why people travel abroad for dental procedures
- Cut the cost
- Some procedures may be only available abroad
- Privacy
- A chance to explore another country
The risks of dental tourism
There are certain risks associated with going abroad for dental treatment.
According to Colgate, some of the potential risks include:
- Dental standards – infection control standards may vary by country.
- Language barrier – there is a higher risk of misinterpretation if the patient travels to a country where they do not speak the same language.
- Continuity of care
Alberto Meza, DDS, dentist and director of Meza Dental in San José, Costa Rica, provided some tips for patients considering traveling for dental care.
- Look at expenses – this includes expenses like airline tickets and hotel rooms.
- Find a reputable dentist – research their training, experience and credentials.
- Connect your dentist.
- Plan your post-appointment care.
- Bring a companion to go with you in case of trouble.
