Dental Tourism and is it a viable option
Dental Tourism
The very thought of visiting a dentist for dental treatment gives a spine chilling experience to many. Experts have claimed that 4 out of 5 adults have fear of visiting a dentist even for regular check up. Apart from this 20 percent of us see dentists regularly (twice a year). It has been observed that people from different countries travel to different parts of the world to attain that beautiful smile and get their dental treatment done. This facility is called as Dental Tourism.
Dental Tourism and why it is viable
Travelers facilitating this for their destination country have just one aspect in mind – Money. Due to the high cost of dental treatment in US, UK and most of the European Countries, patients travel to countries in South East Asia. The cost of cosmetic dental treatment such as teeth whitening, dental implants, veneers and inlay/onlay is also way too much higher in these countries. As per reports it has been found that nearly 150 million people in US are without proper dental care because the health insurance plans in US do not cover every dental treatment. With such high cost and stringent rule on insurance plans patients have taken the route of getting treatment done in different countries hence facilitating dental tourism.
Dental Tourism is a viable option for many patients especially those living in countries where the cost is way too high. Apart from this the option becomes viable for destination countries because they get a boost to their tourism sector. Highly competent dentists who attended respected schools of dentistry and are certified by boards in Western countries often work “just across the border,” providing excellent services for a fraction of the cost.
Dental Treatment and Dental Tourism also attracts what is called as an Incident Traveler. These are patients who have come to a particular country for leisure/vacation and ended up getting their teeth treated. Such travelers have added not only to the tourism sector of the destination countries but also to the medical sector.
The most favorable countries for dental tourism at the present time are Mexico and Thailand. These two countries have stood out from the crowd and have placed their foot firmly on the grounds of medical field. The most important reason why Dental Tourism in Thailand is gaining popularity with every passing day is – Cost effective and efficient dentists. Dental treatments offered in Thailand range from cosmetic to surgical procedures.
Bangkok in Thailand is peppered with dental clinics but then you need to make sure that you have chosen the right dentist for the dental job. Make sure you check the reviews and also the qualification of the dentist.
Even with the best of dentists, bad things can happen after dental treatments. Fillings fall out. Crowns come loose. If something goes wrong after you return home from dental travel, you have only two options: get the problem fixed at home or travel again. Some overseas clinics will make repairs free of charge or at low cost, but you’ll still pay additional travel costs. Make sure you allow for possible return travel when you plan your dental travel budget, and be sure to keep your home town dental specialist informed of your medical travel decisions.