Dental treatment problems

How to minimise the chance of dental treatment problems abroad

I get the impression that the NHS are pretty much against UK’s residents having their dental treatment abroad, as you can well understand. In response to the the exodus of people choosing to go abroad for their dental treatment instead of visiting a local NHS dentist, they published this article on their website. I’ve copied some of their valid arguments below, and my answers are in italics.

Do your homework

Anybody travelling outside the UK for treatment needs to do some research. Check the qualifications of the dentist who will treat you and make sure he or she is properly registered.

I’ve tried my best to provide you with all the research you’ll ever need to do on this very website. If not, please let me know what’s missing in the comments section below. Here you’ll find the extensive qualifications of our dentists abroad, bearing in mind that Dr. Marek was a former dentist and member of the GDC (General Dental Council) – all UK dentists have to be a member in order to practice in the UK) and is now a member of the Slovak chamber of dentists (the Slovak equivalent of the GDC) as well as an overseas member of both the American and British academy of cosmetic dentists.

Have a consultation with a qualified dentist

The General Dental Council (GDC) says that you should always be assessed by a qualified dentist before being given a treatment plan and cost estimate.

Once you arrive in our dental clinic you’ll have a free x-ray and consultation with the doctor who will be carrying out your dental treatment. You will not have a dental consultation that costs more and lasts as long as a speed dating session, or with a unqualified dentist. You’ll then be given a treatment plan including all the costs. This is a no-pressure friendly consultation and you are free to ask as many questions as you like, and you don’t have to go ahead with the treatment at all if you don’t want, it doesn’t matter, you won’t be charged a penny.“

Speak to your own dentist

The GDC also advises people to speak to their own dentist as they may be able to offer advice based on your dental history. Your dentist will also need to be aware of your plans in case of any complications.

“Please do. It’s always good to have a second opinion and a dentist close to home. However, don’t feel pressured into paying extortionate prices for multiple consultations and dental treatment that you could have whilst on holiday over a few days”

Think of your aftercare

Ensure you have proper documentation in English about your procedure for follow-up treatment in the UK.

“Each patient is given advice sheets between treatments and after treatment detailing any complications that may occur and how to deal with them, as well as advice on how to care for their new smile.

Don’t underestimate the communication difficulties

Consider how you would deal with a potential language barrier. There may also be cultural differences.
You could find that your expectations of how a doctor or dentist should communicate with a patient are not met. You may also feel more vulnerable in an environment that is unfamiliar, especially if you can’t easily ask questions.

“Our dental clinic is fully accredited to British and European dental standards, we have staff from the UK, and all other non-British staff are fluent in English.  Your questions will be answered in plain English and as dental-jargon free as possible.”

Have I missed anything? If so, please let us know in the comments below.