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Dental Tourism: Good for Your Wallet, Bad for Your Smile?

Travel for Fun, Not Your Dental Health

By Thomas NovakPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
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Whether your dream vacation is an adventurous trip to Thailand, a sight-seeing excursion to Italy, or a beach-side resort in Mexico, picking out your destination is half the fun! But did you know that more and more people are planning their trips around dentistry? That’s right… dentistry! This phenomenon, also referred to as dental tourism, is when U.S. citizens undergo their dental and medical treatments abroad to save on the cost of care. Keep reading to learn more about the draws of dental tourism, the most popular destinations, and the rarely discussed downsides.

The Most Common Reasons for Dental Tourism

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, there has been a whopping 29% increase in U.S. citizens participating in dental tourism. The most popular reason? Low cost. Even after taking travel expenses and dental insurance into account, the cost of dental care in other countries is significantly lower than it is in America. In fact, studies suggest that patients can save up to 75% by traveling abroad for their treatment! Another draw of dental tourism is that you can visit a place you’ve always wanted to – from the pyramids in Egypt to the clear blue waters of the Caribbean – in the name of dentistry.

The Top Destinations for Dental Tourism

Dental tourism has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. In fact, travel agencies even have packages geared toward patients looking to get low-cost dental care while exploring the world! Currently, the most popular destinations include:

  • North America: Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica.
  • South America: Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile.
  • Asia: India, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Turkey.
  • Africa: Egypt and Morocco.
  • Europe: Hungary, Croatia, Italy, Iceland, Poland, Serbia, Spain, Ukraine, and The Czech Republic.

The Downsides of Traveling for Dentistry

All too often, the upsides of dental tourism steal the spotlight. However, it’s important to thoroughly consider the risks you take when traveling abroad for dentistry, such as:

  • Lower dental standards
  • Language barriers
  • Care continuity

Remember, there is no room for error when it comes to your smile. Plus, you’re not going to enjoy your travels if you develop an infection, aren’t happy with the results, are run into another complication. Therefore, it’s best to get your dental work done in the U.S. with a skilled dentist you can clearly communicate with, who follows CDC guidelines, and who understands your medical history.

How To: Save Money on US Dental Care

Whether you’re interested in enhancing your existing teeth with veneers or have missing teeth you’d like to replace with dental implants, it’s no secret that dental care can be expensive. The good news is that there are ways you can save money on your treatment in the U.S. Here are a few options available to you:

  • Dental schools: Future dentists provide discounted services on (supervised) treatments like root canals and orthodontics.
  • Low-to-no cost dental clinics: Dental care is a necessity, which is why most cities have dental clinics available to the public that operate with federal or state funding.
  • At-home oral healthcare: When it comes to dentistry, prevention is paramount. In fact, following good dental care best practices, like visiting your dentist every six months, can save you thousands on restorative and cosmetic care in the long run.
  • Promos and specials: All too often, patients forget that dental practices offer in-house membership plans, periodic special offers, and other cost-saving options. So, don’t hesitate to ask! The good news is that this information is often readily available on the dentist’s website.

If you’re interested in transforming your smile, it’s easy to be enticed by dental tourism. However, the risks don’t outweigh the benefits, especially when it comes to something as important as your oral health. Therefore, get your dental work done by a trusted dental practice in the U.S. Once your treatment is complete, you’ll have a vacation-ready smile!

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