Things to consider before going abroad for dental treatment

Over the past few years, we have seen a rapid rise in patients going abroad for dental treatment. This is often because of the cheaper prices and shorter waiting times, and this will only rise further due to the unavailability of many dentists in the UK. In 2022 the British Dental Association (BDA) conducted a survey of 1000 dentists where they reported that 94% of the dentists had examined patients who had travelled abroad for treatment. Consequently, 86% reported that they have treated cases that have developed problems following treatment abroad.

As a result of the rise in overseas dental treatment, dentists have raised their concerns regarding continuity of care, the quality of care, and how patients complain or seek redress. One of the most popular treatments patients are getting done abroad is porcelain crowns, and 87% of the dentists that took part identified that crowns are the treatment most likely to require follow up. This is an invasive procedure, which involves a dentist filing down the tooth which can result in the loss of perfectly healthy tissue. Dentists have reported concerns surrounding over-prepared teeth where more of a tooth is removed than necessary, therefore, this could not be an appropriate treatment for some patients that have healthy teeth.

Dr MJ Rowland-Warmann, a director of a dental clinic in Liverpool, emphasised how crowns can cause major complications.

“If I did 20 crowns on a 21-year-old for the purposes of improving the colour, I would have my licence revoked, I would be struck off,” she says.

In the BDA’s report it has stated that two-thirds (65%) of the dentist’s that took part have said that it costs patients at least £500 to repair the complications that have arisen. Over 50% said it costs more than £1000 and 1/5 have said it costs more than £5000. With 40% stating that remedial treatment is often provided on the NHS.

The General Dental Council (GDC) have produced some guidance ‘Going Abroad for your Dental Care’. It is recommended that before going abroad for your dental treatment you check:

1. Check regulation – does the country have a professional regulatory body? You can find out using this link healthregulation.org. Do your research, and find out the standards they enforce, professional qualifications needed and who you can contact if something goes wrong.
2. Initial Consultation – this is your chance to ask questions. You should always be assessed by a qualified dentist before any treatment and asked your full medical history. Make sure you understand the treatment that is before offered and know the risks this might entail.
3. Consult your own dentist – they can offer advice based on your dental history, and be aware of your plans in case any complications occur.

Some of the questions you may want to ask, as recommended by the GDC:

• Who will be carrying out my treatment and what qualifications do they have?
• Will the dental team speak English? If not, will you provide a translator on the day of the procedure?
• Do you have any references or testimonials from previous patients?
• How many times have you carried out the procedure I am having? What are the rates of success, complication, readmission, and infection?
• Are you regulated by a professional body, and do you have to be registered with them?
• Is the work guaranteed for a certain period of time?
• What aftercare do you provide?
• What happens if I am unhappy with the results? Who pays for the extra flights, hotel, and remedial work?
• If there are complications and I need further treatment, is this included in the initial cost?
• Do you have insurance to cover this procedure?
• Do you have a complaints system in place? Can I see a copy of it?
• Who can I contact for advice after the treatment?