• Dental Implants Abroad: What are the Risks?

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    Dental tourism is a growing trend in the UK, but is it all it’s cracked up to be? Initial price tags can seem cheaper, but there are hidden costs that dentists abroad may not tell you about.

    Plus, different standards, codes of conduct and ethics are commonplace, so the treatment you get could be of poorer quality.

    While many people will tell you there’s nothing wrong with getting dental implants abroad, what’s suitable for one person can be different for another. Scams, unsafe practices and other problems exist, and it can be tricky to get your money back if something goes wrong.

    To help weigh up your options, we’ll cover the benefits and risks of dental tourism in this article to help you decide the right path for you.

    What is Dental Tourism?

    Dental tourism means travelling abroad to receive cheaper dental treatment. Some of the most popular destinations for Brits to experience dental tourism are Turkey, Poland, Germany and Hungary.

    Are Dental Implants Abroad the Same Quality as the UK?

    The quality of dental implants abroad can differ depending on the regulations in the country you’re thinking of visiting.

    Getting dental implants, and any other dental treatment, in the UK is regulated by the General Dental Council, also known as GDC. All UK professionals must be registered with the GDC, which means they’re held to high standards of practice, conduct and ethics.

    However, these regulations don’t always exist abroad. Or different regulations exist that may not be up to the same standards as in the UK.

    What Happens If Something Goes Wrong When Getting Dental Implants Abroad?

    Things can go wrong when getting dental implants abroad and the risks are often much higher. It’s important to check you’re happy with the standards of care you’ll receive before you agree to treatment.

    You should also be conscious of getting scammed or receiving poor, unsafe treatment by checking you’re using a vetted professional. Depending on the country, you may be able to check this online.

    If something goes wrong when getting dental implants abroad, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to get your money back. Some countries may have complaints procedures in place, but you may not qualify for them if you’re not a citizen.

    Make sure you thoroughly research the dental practice you want to use and what regulations the country has before you proceed.

    If something has gone wrong with your dental implants abroad, contact a UK dental professional for help fixing the issue with your teeth.

    What are the Hidden Costs of Getting Implants Abroad?

    Getting dental implants abroad can often seem like the cheaper option, but it isn’t always the case. While the actual treatment may be cheaper, there are many other hidden costs to consider, including:

    • Return flights
    • Time off work
    • Hotel accommodation
    • Food and other expenses
    • Travel costs, like car hire, taxi fares, fuel and/or train costs
    • Airport parking charges

    Remember, if you need to return for check-ups or follow-up treatments in-person, you’ll have to pay these additional expenses every time you travel.

    Pros and Cons of Getting Dental Implants Abroad

    Pros of Dental Tourism

    Even though the risks are higher, there are certain benefits to getting your dental implants abroad when everything goes smoothly. Including:

    • Treatment costs can be cheaper –Prices can be significantly cheaper abroad, usually because of the different standards of care or because of differences in cost of living and exchange rates.
    • Different expertise & specialisms – The UK has a varied portfolio of specialist dentists, but you can find more choice abroad in terms of expertise.
    • Can combine treatments with holidays – When travelling abroad for dental care, you can have a holiday with family or friends at the same time, which can make flights and accommodation costs better value.

    Cons of Dental Tourism

    You shouldn’t get dental treatments abroad if you aren’t prepared to accept the risks. There are negatives to dental tourism which can be clouded by the “cheaper” treatment prices, including:

    • Can be unsafe or a scam – Dentists aren’t regulated in the same way abroad as they are in the UK, so you may receive poor quality or unsafe care from a cheaper professional. You could also be scammed if the company isn’t legit.
    • There are hidden costs – The treatment isn’t the only thing you’ll need to pay for when getting dental implants abroad. Costs of accommodation, flights, travel, parking, etc. can add up, especially if you need to make return visits.
    • Complications can cause significant inconvenience – Careful planning is needed for dental tourism, but cancellations or delays from your dentist can happen. This can cause significant disruption if you’ve booked flights and time off work.

    Should You Get Dental Implants Abroad?

    If you’re considering dental tourism, it’s worth speaking to a UK professional for advice before you proceed.

    Getting dental implants abroad may seem like the cheaper option, but there can be lots of hidden costs. It can also be risky and very expensive if something goes wrong.

    Because the standards of practice can vary so significantly, we don’t recommend getting dental implants abroad.

    If you’re unsure what to do, our friendly team at Saving Faces can help. We can discuss your options and determine the best treatment for you and your budget. Book a consultation with us today to learn more.