Dental Tourism: Should I Go Overseas for Dental Work?

Should I go overseas for dental work?  

Flying overseas for medical treatment is now a big business. The medical tourism industry is worth about $USD24.1bn worldwide but, it’s not just plastic surgery that patients are travelling overseas for. Dental tourism is also booming and even New Zealanders are getting in on the trend.  

Why are New Zealanders choosing dental tourism? 

The simple and most obvious answer is the price. Dental treatments for treatments such as implants, veneers and crowns are more expensive in New Zealand than places like Thailand or the Philippines. Plus, getting to relax on a beach post-treatment is pretty appealing!  

But, price isn’t (and shouldn’t) be the deciding factor when it comes to getting dental care. Quality, safety, follow-up care and language barriers are all important things to consider before you head overseas. 

Here are just some of the risks involved with seeking dental treatment overseas: 

Qualifications 

While some clinics overseas have stellar reputations, many aren’t up to the standards the Dental Council of New Zealand (DCNZ) sets and enforces. What’s more, some clinics use fake reviews to make it look like they are more popular than they really are. Don’t rely on the word of your dentist or booking agent for a quality check. Instead, look for real reviews, international accreditations and ask for proof of qualification from your clinic. 

Follow up care 

While getting a dental implant overseas might be cheaper, a major problem with seeking treatment overseas is that you can’t just pop into your dentist if you have a concern or if something doesn’t feel right. Factor in the cost of post-surgery care and have a long-term plan for what to do if something goes wrong.  

Communication and language barriers 

Communication between you and your dentist is important for the success of your treatment. Language barriers can lead to miscommunications and are difficult to deal with is something goes wrong. Make sure that you can effectively communicated your dental history and concerns with your dentist before booking treatment.  

Timelines 

Some treatments take time and require multiple visits over a series of months. For example, dental implants require at least two appointments, the first to install the titanium post and the second, several months later, to attach the crown. Know the number of visits you’ll need to make before you commit.  

Safety 

New Zealand has rigorous guidelines when it comes to hygiene and safety, but overseas clinics aren’t held to the same standards. Ask about how instrument sterilisation, hygiene protocols and patient safety are implemented at your chosen clinic. 

Hygiene 

Travelling overseas increases your risk of sickness. Even if the clinic you’re visiting does meet New Zealand’s rigorous safety standards, you might be exposed to bacteria in the local water. You should have a plan for staying healthy during your trip. Things that can help include avoiding drinking the local water (if it’s unsafe), washing your hands before eating, using hand sanitizer regularly and eating cooked food.  

Quality work 

Some overseas clinics are in such high demand that they’re more focused on quantity of work rather than the quality of their care. ‘Turkey teeth’ is a term used to describe poorly done dental work. Patients have had their teeth excessively filed down and have been fitted with crowns instead of veneers. Others had cosmetic work completed even though they were showing clear signs of gum disease.  

Bad work can lead to a lifetime of maintenance that far exceeds the cost of getting treatment at home. 

What’s the alternative to dental care overseas? 

Dental care will always be cheaper in countries with a lower cost of living than New Zealand. But it’s important to note that the quality of care offered locally, our high safety standards, and the qualifications of our dentists are all built into the price of treatment. If affordability is your main concern, there are a few things that can help: 

Health insurance 

Private health insurance can make the cost of treatments a lot more affordable. Health insurance packages that cover dental work start from around $95/month - a similar price to many gym memberships. This small monthly cost can make a big difference if you require a dental implant. At Gentle Dental we accept Southern Cross Insurance and are an affiliated dental clinic. 

Payment cards plans 

At Gentle Dental we provide a variety of payment methods that make it easier pay for treatment. With Afterpay, you can spread your payments out across four interest-free, equal fortnightly payments. We also accept Q Mastercard which allows patients to enjoy a minimum of 3-months zero interest and zero payments on dental bills.    

Prioritising preventative care 

Expensive dental treatments are often avoidable. In New Zealand, the leading cause of tooth loss (and the reason you might need a dental implant) is tooth decay. By brushing and flossing every day, visiting the dentist every year and avoiding sugar where possible, you can greatly reduce your chances of getting a cavity. 

Prevent the need for overseas treatment with a regular checkup 

The best way to avoid the need for overseas treatment is by keeping up with annual checkups. At Gentle Dental we prioritise gentle care and judgement free advice. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while that's okay. Get your oral health back on track by booking in a check-up today.