Technically, anywhere in the world could be a dental tourism destination. However, there are a number of countries who have established themselves as dental tourist destinations, providing patients with good quality, affordable dental care they can rely on.
Where to go for dental treatment abroad?
Traditionally, patients living close to an international border have formed the majority of dental travelers. This is still mostly true, but with the advent of cheap international airfares patients are no longer looking at the nearest destination. However, because most dental tourists are looking to save money, it makes sense not to have to waste money on unnecessary travel expenses.
So, Mexico attracts North American visitors, especially those from the southern states of California, Arizona and Texas who can cross the border easily. Similarly, Costa Rica is within touching distance of Miami, and is convenient for East Coast Americans and Canadians.
In Europe, Hungary is credited as being one of the very first dental and medical tourist destinations with visitors from surrounding countries making the trip for better and less expensive medical care. It is one of the world’s most popular medical tourist destinations and boasts more dentists per head than any other country.
Meanwhile, Thailand has positioned itself as one of the pioneers of modern medical and dental tourism, attracting Aussies and Kiwis, as well as travelers from Europe and The Americas.
Why go abroad for dental care?
The main reason is cost. Americans, Canadians, some Europeans, Aussies and Kiwis all pay a lot for dental care, and the simple fact is that for a lot of people even a modest-priced procedure (in terms of cost of dental procedures) is often out of reach.
Depending on the nature of the treatment dental tourism can save patients, on average, around 70% - more than enough to pay for a holiday.
What about the quality of dental tourism?
There is no reason why the standards of dental care abroad should be any less than what you would receive at home.
But like any other service, it is wise to do your research and check all the information available regarding your procedure, your destination of choice, the clinic and the dentist who will be performing your treatment.
If you don’t know where to start then Dental Departures is an online resource where you can search for a dentist from more than 2250 listed in 29 countries. Dental Departures also pre-checks its verified dentists and provides details of qualifications, clinic photos and real patient reviews to give you everything you need to feel confident about becoming a dental tourist.
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