Oral health information Common questions I am thinking about getting treatment overseas. Is this a good idea? Before embarking on a trip abroad for dental treatment there are a number of factors to consider. It is important to do your research and familiarise yourself with the process in the country you are looking at having the treatment, as well as speaking about it with your dentist here first. The things you need to think about are: Complications Many people who are going abroad are wanting more advanced (higher cost) procedures which are more likely to result in complications. No matter how skilled the clinician, there is always a risk of treatment failure. If complications do arise once you are home, it will not always be easy to return to the clinic which provided the treatment, especially if there is an infection. Your insurance may not cover the travel costs involved in returning to the clinic, especially if you wish to return with a partner or friend. Fine-tuning Procedures such as crowns, bridges, veneers and implants are not easily carried out rapidly. Expertise and time are essential to achieving a good outcome. For instance, to achieve a perfect bite, the patient can require repeat visits and a series of adjustments. This may not be possible if the dentist is abroad. Language barriers It is always important that your clinician can communicate with you and explain the treatment provided and recommendations for post-surgical care. This is always more difficult when English is not the first language of your practitioner. He or she needs to know exactly what you want and you need to know exactly what you are getting. Problems and complaints often arise from communication issues. Varying standards and approaches Different countries have a different concept of aesthetic beauty. For example, in the USA very white and even teeth are thought attractive, whereas in the UK we prefer a more natural smile. There are also varying clinical standards and while in the UK, dentists are more likely to save a tooth, in some countries, dentists may be more ready to extract. Not all countries have the same high standards of cross-infection control, and in developing countries there can be a higher incidence of infectious diseases. In other countries, they may prefer to carry out invasive treatment such as crowns and veneers. If too much of the tooth is removed, this can cause pain and the death of the nerve inside the tooth, requiring expensive remedial work. Calculate costs Many of those considering travelling abroad believe that private dentistry in the UK is not affordable. However, sometimes this is based on an assumption. It is advisable to talk to a number of dental practices, check prices and ascertain if they have a payment plan in place. This can help spread treatment costs, making treatment both affordable and accessible. More information: Paying for dental treatment General Dental Council: Guide to dental treatment abroad Manage Cookie Preferences