As more and more people take dental vacations to get dental work done, the industry has had to change. What used to be a small, niche industry is now becoming more mainstream.
This has caused some dentists to worry that they will lose out on business, while others are seeing it as an opportunity to learn new techniques and improve their practice.
No matter which side of the fence you're on, it's important to understand how dental tourism is changing the industry.
What is dental tourism?
Dental tourism is the term used for people who travel to another country to receive dental care. This care can include anything from a cleaning to a full-mouth restoration.
People choose to travel for dental care for many reasons. Some people find that the cost of dental care in their home country is too high, while others may not have access to quality dental care in their area.
Others simply enjoy traveling and want to combine their trip with some dental work.
The dental tourism industry is expected to be worth $7.9 billion by 2023, according to a report from Mordor Intelligence.
The industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4% during the forecast period.
In the United States, dental tourism is on the rise, with patients seeking procedures such as dental implants and veneers at lower costs outside of the country.
Dental tourism is also popular in Europe, where patients can receive quality care at a fraction of the cost of care in their home countries.
To give patients the best options, several dental tourism businesses compete with one another.
For instance, a dental tourism company in Turkey, called DentalHubAntalya, uses a thorough quiz to assist tourists pick the best facility for them.
The bad effects of dental tourism on local dentists' businesses
The negative business effects of dental tourism for local dentists include lost revenue, lost jobs, and a decline in the quality of dental care.
Local dentists lose revenue when patients travel to other countries for dental care. This is because patients often have to pay out-of-pocket for dental procedures, which can be expensive.
Local dentists also lose jobs when patients travel to other countries for dental care. This is because the work that would have been done by local dentists is now being done by dentists in other countries.
The quality of dental care in the local area may decline as a result of dental tourism. This is because patients may seek out less qualified dentists when they travel to other countries.
The American Dental Association (ADA) does not have an official stance on dental tourism, but the general consensus among American dentists seems to be that it is not a good idea.
ADA believes, that dental tourism is often marketed as a cheaper alternative to dental care in the United States, but many American dentists argue that the quality of care may be lower in other countries and that there is a risk of getting sick or injured abroad.
Is it really a bad idea for dental tourists to travel for dental care?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the risks and rewards of dental tourism will vary depending on the country and clinic you choose to visit.
However, it is important to do your research before embarking on dental tourism, as some countries may be less safe or have lower quality standards than others.
There are a few things that local dentists can do to stop the bad things that come from dental tourism.
They can start by educating people about the risks of dental tourism, and informing them about the quality of care that they can receive at local dental clinics.
They can also promote the benefits of dental care in your own country, such as the high quality of care, the wide range of treatments available, and the fact that you can get all of your treatment done in one place.
Finally, local dentists can offer discounts and specials to patients who stay in their own country for dental care.
The good effects of dental tourism on global businesses
The positive business effects of dental tourism include an increase in jobs, an influx of cash into the local economy, and an improvement in the quality of dental care.
Dental tourism creates jobs in the dental industry, as well as in other industries such as tourism and hospitality.
Dental tourism also brings an infusion of cash into the local economy. This is because patients often have to pay for their dental procedures in cash, and they often spend money on other things while they are in the country, such as lodging, food, and souvenirs.
The quality of dental care in the country may also improve as a result of dental tourism. This is because patients often seek out high-quality dentists when they travel to other countries.
There are a few things that businesses can do to encourage dental tourism.
They can start by advertising the benefits of dental tourism, such as the high quality of care, the wide range of treatments available, and the fact that you can get all of your treatment done in one place.
They can also offer discounts and specials to patients who come to the country for dental care.
Finally, businesses can provide information about how to find a good dentist in the country, and how to make sure that you are getting quality care.
Conclusion
The dental tourism industry is growing, and it's changing the way dentists do business.
Whether you're for or against it, it's important to understand what's happening. Dentists who are willing to learn new techniques and embrace change will be more successful in the long run.