Dental tourism means traveling abroad for dental treatment.
Typically, dental tourists are from developed countries like the US seeking more affordable dental care in developing countries like Mexico and India. Lower living costs in these destinations usually translate to lower medical bills.
Now, who would pass up the opportunity to save a few bucks? Except in this case, it’s not just a few.
Dental tourists can expect cost savings to reach a staggering 70%.
A dental implant of $5,000 in the US can cost as low as $600 in India or $1,200 in Mexico. These cost savings are the primary reason people seek dental services abroad.
Another reason individuals go for dental or health care overseas is because the procedure isn’t available in their home country.
The Growing Popularity of Dental Tourism
Dental tourism has become popular because many people lack dental insurance amid the rising healthcare costs. The US health spending increased by 4.1% in 2022 to $4.4 trillion. It also grew by 4.1% in 2021.
Unwilling to spend hefty amounts on expensive treatments like dental surgery and implants, individuals are seeking more affordable yet quality dental care abroad.
According to Adroit Market Research, the global dental tourism industry is expected to grow by 12% CAGR to reach $5.83 billion by 2025.
Benefits of Dental Tourism
Cost Savings
Dental care in the US is pretty expensive. Dental tourism solves this challenge.
A review by the Washington Post noted an 18% savings that included the dental treatment and entire travel expenses. The procedure alone can save you anything from 40-75%, according to an Ontario Academy of General Dentistry report.
Access to High-Quality Dental Care
That a service is priced lower doesn’t necessarily mean it’s inferior quality. Foreign countries like India and Mexico offer low-cost dental care because:
- Their cost of living is lower (lower overhead expenses and taxes mean dentists can charge relatively smaller fees and still make enough profit)
- Foreign dentists carry little or no student loan debt, unlike US graduates
- There’s more affordable medical malpractice insurance (not required in some countries)
Wealthy citizens of developing nations may also travel abroad for quality dental procedures unavailable in their country.
Opportunity for a Vacation or Travel Experience
You can combine dental care with a vacation, which is a brilliant way to kill two birds with one stone. Explore the Mayan ruins of Mexico as you recover from your treatment before heading home. Perfect if there are follow-up visits.
Risks and Considerations of Dental Tourism
Now, dental tourism isn’t all rosy. You’ll want to know the potential challenges before booking your flight.
Quality and Safety Standards
The safety standards and quality of dental care in foreign countries may differ from those in the United States.
For instance, there are strict sterilization rules in the US governed by OSHA to minimize the risk of infections from dental implants. The FDA also regulates the quality of materials used. This mitigates complications from dental care in the US.
Follow-up Care and Complications
If you require follow-up visits after the treatment, you’d have to remain in the country until it’s over.
This incurs more lodging and feeding expenses. But that’s even the least worrying part.
What happens when complications arise only after you’ve returned home?
Every medical procedure carries risks, and dental treatments are no exception. Bacteria may get into the dental implant prior to insertion, or the implant may fail after the fact.
However, the symptoms may not manifest immediately.
Of course, complications arising from dental treatments are treatable. The problem is the cost and inconvenience.
You’ll either need to travel back (extra expenses) or spend thousands of dollars at a local dental office. That will inevitably defeat the purpose of your dental vacation.
And because the same high standards of care mandated in the US may not exist in less developed countries, the risk of complications can be pretty significant. But this is more reason to do your research before committing. Notwithstanding, many dental clinics in the top destinations offer dental treatments with the highest safety standards.
Language Barrier
If your chosen dentist speaks little or no English and you can’t speak their language, you may have trouble communicating your needs. Any slight misunderstanding may significantly impact the treatment outcome.
To avoid that, check out various reputable dentists and their English proficiency before committing.
Top Destinations for Dental Tourism
Mexico, Thailand, Hungary, Costa Rica, and India are some of the best countries for dental tourism. A single dental implant costing $5,000 in the US ranges from $600 to $1,200 in these destinations.
1. Mexico
When looking for a dental tourism destination, you ideally want to choose one with budget-friendly prices and industry-standard services. An abundance of tourist attractions is a plus. Mexico meets all of these criteria.
The cost of dental work in Mexico is around 70% less than in the United States.
However, the main reason many Americans choose Mexico as their dental destination is its proximity to the US. Those near the border can save more by driving rather than flying.
2. Thailand
Thailand is one of the best dental tourism countries. It’s also the most visited tourist country in Southeast Asia. Aside from the tropical beaches and rich culture, you can save 60-70% of what you’d pay in the US.
The best city to visit for dental tourism in Thailand is Bangkok. The city has world-class dental facilities, plus a vibrant culture and bustling nightlife.
3. Hungary
Hungary is a top dental tourist destination for Europeans who don’t wish to travel far. Due to the lower cost of living, you can get quality dental treatment for one-third of what you’ll pay in the US or other wealthy European nations.
Hungary might not be the best choice for Americans due to distance. But if you’ve been yearning to explore the ancient architecture of Budapest, it might be worth it.
4. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a medical tourism hotspot for Americans and Canadians. Considering its proximity to these countries, it’s easy to see why.
Dental treatments are 60-80% lower in Costa Rica compared to the US. What’s more, tourists get the chance to explore tropical rainforests, active volcanoes, and pristine beaches after the procedure.
5. India
India was named the best destination for dental tourism in 2020.
Americans can save about 70-80% on dental care by visiting India. But cost isn’t the only reason India is arguably the best place for dental travel.
Many dental professionals in India have international accreditation and affiliation with US hospitals. Also, you’ll have almost no trouble finding an English-speaking dentist in India. That’s because India has the largest English-speaking population after the USA.
Dental Procedures Commonly Sought Through Dental Tourism
Dental tourism can involve major work, including the following:
- Dental implants: Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth with natural-looking results. They’re costly in the US, prompting residents to travel abroad.
- Cosmetic dentistry: Most dental work abroad is focused on cosmetic dentistry. Treatments include teeth whitening, veneers, or smile makeovers.
- Orthodontic treatments: Orthodontic treatments like braces and aligners are also a common reason for medical tourism as they’re cheaper abroad.
- Oral surgeries: If you’ve been diagnosed with a condition requiring procedures like wisdom teeth removal, root canals, or gum surgeries but face financial challenges, dental treatment abroad can be an excellent solution.
How to Plan a Dental Tourism Trip
Research and Choose a Destination
Curate a shortlist of popular destinations for dental tourists. Consider the distance, flight cost, and quality of infrastructure in your shortlisted countries.
If you live in the United States, Mexico and Costa Rica may be more convenient. But a UK resident may prefer Hungary.
The CDC advises thoroughly researching medications, infection control, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria before traveling for dental care. You also want to identify the standards by which clinics in the country are held before healthcare organizations accredit them.
If something goes wrong, you’ll want to know what options are available to obtain restitution, retreatment, or refunds.
Find a Reputable Dental Clinic Abroad
While seeking affordable dental care abroad, don’t be too obsessed with cost savings to the point of choosing the cheapest clinic. The top clinics in a country like Mexico or Colombia will still be far more affordable than an average one in America.
Cost aside, don’t trust whatever you find on a clinic’s website.
Check reviews on Google, not the clinic’s website. It’s also best to consult with the dentist and request their résumé.
This can allow you to personally evaluate their educational background and experience. Plus, you get the chance to gauge the dentist’s English proficiency.
Working with a dentist who’s an American Dental Association (ADA) member can give you some sense of safety. Some dental practices in Mexico and Costa Rica have US licenses and are on par with ADA and CDA standards.
That said, patients going for dental and medical tourism are generally advised to work with consultants like Patients Beyond Borders. These consultants will do the background check on your behalf. Based on their industry experience, they can also help recommend the best clinics.
Make Travel Arrangements and Accommodations
Once you’ve chosen a destination and a dentist, you can go ahead and book your flight. You’ll want to find comfortable accommodation close to the clinic.
While no country is 100% safe, research what security risks and diseases may be expected in that environment.
A dental tourism company can help make arrangements for accommodation and transportation.
Preparing for the Dental Procedure and Post-Treatment Care
Follow all pre-treatment instructions provided by the dentist. These may include fasting or abstaining from some activities before the procedure.
Your dentist will also provide post-treatment instructions. It’s wise to adhere strictly to every instruction, as it will facilitate your healing process.
While recovering, you can use the time to explore the tourist attractions in the location. And watch out for symptoms of complications.
It’s worth stating that scheduling your post-treatment care with your local dentist is fine. Just be sure to forward them your foreign dental records. By so doing, they’ll be abreast of your dental history.
After all’s said and done, ongoing oral hygiene is key to lasting dental health.
Tips for a Successful Dental Tourism Experience
Understand the Local Culture and Customs
Simple gestures like greeting the locals in the local language can enhance your interactions with them. Moreover, there may be cultural norms such as clothing items or phrases deemed inappropriate. Awareness of these norms makes your stay much smoother, enhancing your dental tourism experience.
So, again, do your research.
Communicate Effectively with the Dental Clinic
Ensure clarity regarding your concerns, treatment plan, and appointment scheduling before having your dental work done.
Know how long the treatment and follow-ups are expected to take so you can plan accordingly.
Know What to Expect During the Dental Procedure
Research the process, the downtime required, whether it’s painful, and potential outcomes. With this awareness, there’s less risk of unpleasant surprises down the road.
Seek Assistance from Dental Tourism Agencies
One way to enhance your dental tourism experience is to leave the planning to a reputable dental tourism agency or facilitator.
These professionals specialize in coordinating dental treatment abroad. They’ll organize travel arrangements, accommodation bookings, and a list of trusted dentists in the country.
They do the hard work so you don’t have to.
Conclusion
As you can see, dental tourism is an excellent option for anyone looking to save costs on expensive dental treatments. However, the country and clinic you choose can significantly impact your experience.
So, research thoroughly.
Ask yourself: do the cost savings outweigh the potential inconveniences?
It’s also helpful to discuss with your local dentist to know the options available to save costs in your country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it worth traveling abroad for dental work?
Yes, the lower cost makes receiving dental care in another country worth considering. The procedure plus entire travel expenses may cost 18% less than the same procedure alone in the US. But you also need to consider the drawbacks.
Which country is the cheapest for dental implants?
Mexico, Costa Rica, and India offer the lowest prices for dental implants. The best destination is usually the one that saves you time and money. Due to its proximity, Mexico can be ideal for Americans.
What are the pros and cons of dental tourism?
The major benefit of dental tourism is cost savings. The drawback is the potential risks, such as travel inconveniences and complications arising after arriving in your home country.
What payment methods do foreign dental clinics accept?
Most reputable dental clinics abroad accept major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard. Some also accept debit cards. This allows you to pay for your dental treatments using your preferred option.
