If you’ve looked at getting cosmetic dentistry services in the UK, then you’ll know the story. Go private and pay high and ever-escalating costs or go state and be faced with an ever-dwindling list of NHS options and long waiting lists. So, it’s no surprise that thousands of Britons are looking abroad for affordable and quality dental care. Turkey, with its combination of world-class care, state-of-the-art clinics and supremely competitive costs has emerged as a go-to destination for dental tourism. But if you’re thinking about taking the trip to Turkey, you need to prepare well in advance, and very thoroughly to get the smoothest experience and best results. Here’s what you need to know.
Finding A Clinic
Cosmetic dentistry is a huge industry in Turkey, and there are many clinics to choose from. And the good news is that the country boasts truly world-class options, offering the same comprehensive range of treatments and procedures as you’d find in the best UK clinics, with no compromise in quality. But you need to find the right clinic for you.
Research
Any sort of medical or surgical procedure is not something to be taken lightly; and that is true of any country in the world. While some procedures involve comparatively light work, others can be far heavier, and some should be treated as major surgery. So, you need to do deep research and look at a good range of clinics before you begin the selection process. Their website should be professional, packed with information and written in good English. You should also research the treatment you are planning. Clearly understanding potential risks and side effects as well as the benefits is critical. You also need to be 100% clear about the recovery process and how long that might take.
Accreditation and Qualifications
An especially important part of the research process is checking the clinic has the required qualifications and accreditation. The chosen clinic being a member of the Turkish Dental Association is a non-negotiable for a dental tourist. Membership means that the dentist and clinic meet the strict international standards set out by the association. Dentists must have the relevant recognised qualifications, and being part of the association means they have met the educational and training requirements. In the unlikely event of disputes, the association can also offer help and mediation if required. Also ensure they have a Health Tourism Certificate as this provides an extra layer of security that the clinic meets all the stringent requirements. The dentists must have plenty of experience, and fluency in English is a must.
Reviews
Before you pick up the phone or send that email, then check out reviews. Reading reviews and testimonials is vital and pay particularly close attention to those from the UK, and those who had the same procedure you are considering. Reviews are a priceless resource which will give insights into the standard of care (both before and after the procedure) and the end results. Good clinics will have reviews on site – and they should be findable on online platforms like TrustPilot with plenty of reviews available to view.
Consultation & Pricing
When you contact your chosen clinic, be sure they offer online consultations at first to discuss your needs and to share records like x-rays. The best Turkish dental clinics like Smile Dental Turkey will refund the cost of x-rays taken in the UK if you book a procedure with them. Costs of treatments should be clearly displayed on the site, and you should get a comprehensive and transparent treatment plan (including follow-up care) with no hidden extras. Information on the procedure, the technology and materials used, and the expected outcomes, should be provided as part of the plan.
Insurance
British dental tourists need to make sure they have their insurance ducks sorted before booking. Existing health, dental and travel insurance plans need to be checked to ensure they provide the coverage you need for a procedure in another country. If your plan doesn’t include (or you don’t have an existing plan) coverage for what you need, then make sure you purchase the correct insurance cover. Make sure you understand the extent of the coverage through the procedure and follow-up care timeline.
Travel & Accommodation
Think about the best time to go and make sure you allow enough time for the treatment, but also the recovery element. Airports and flying can be stressful enough without feeling under the weather. Make sure travel documents are in order and book a comfortable hotel near the clinic. Speak to your clinic for recommendations – many of them will offer airport transfers and even accommodation as part of the package.
Budget Carefully
Price everything up before booking anything – the price of the procedure and after-care, the travel and the accommodation. You’ll also need to think about spending money while you’re out there. Always build in a little extra to cover anything that might come up.
Legal and Medical Preparation
Over and above insurance, familiarise yourself with the Health Tourist Certificate and the information available online so you know your rights as a patient in Turkey. Take all relevant dental and medical records with you so your chosen clinic understands your dental history thoroughly. And bring a list of emergency contacts – the clinic, local emergency services and the UK embassy.
Post-Treatment
Make sure you understand everything concerning post-treatment care. Will further visits to the chosen clinic be required? Often check-ups can be handled by your dentist in the UK. If that’s the case, then don’t forget to take all the relevant documentation to your dentist in Britain. And build in plenty of time to recover – listen closely to the advice of your chosen Turkish dental clinic. By following this checklist, your cosmetic dental trip to Turkey will be a smooth experience with fantastic results.