A recent article by the ABC in August 2024 shared an interesting insight into one Australian woman’s experience with overseas dental treatment. It’s a fascinating read, highlighting some of the pitfalls of travelling overseas for treatment. You can read more here
Some of the disappointing points raised in the article centred on this woman receiving a quote for around $4500 for dental treatment, only to find that when she arrived in India, the quote had ballooned to some $16,000. She mentioned this had happened to all of the patients she was talking to in the waiting room. Whilst sometimes changes to treatment plans can occur, this amount seems quite significant.
It also highlighted that there were over 650 fake reviews on this clinic’s website, misleading patients.
And lastly, this woman stated that ever since her dental treatment was done, she has been in pain, and still lives with this pain.
Dr David Vickers has seen numerous cases of “botched dental tourism” and recalls one particularly sheepish patient who came in with a lost crown. So much of the tooth structure had been cut away that the crown had nothing to sit on. He was embarrassed, and wouldn’t tell Dr Vickers where the treatment was done, and eventually confided that it had been done in Thailand. Once tooth structure is gone, it is gone forever. It took root canal treatment, significant build-up work and a new crown to get it to work properly - at a cost significantly greater than having the work done properly the first time. Unfortunately this is a mild example compared to other cases.
So we decided to write a blog post more generally about dental tourism. It’s overwhelming to read how many negative experiences have surfaced. An article in the SMH from 2009 suggests that these risks are not new. Examples of other stories documenting peoples experiences from Australia, to the UK to New Zealand can be found here, here, here, here, here, here and this is just skimming the surface. A particularly scary story of a dental implant piercing someone’s brain can be found here.
The Hidden Risks of Dental Tourism: What You Need to Know Before You Go
In recent years, dental tourism has gained popularity as more people seek affordable dental care abroad. The allure of lower costs, combined with the opportunity to travel, has led many to consider getting their dental work done in countries like Turkey, Thailand, India or the Middle East. While the savings can be substantial, it’s essential to understand the risks associated with dental tourism before making such a significant decision.
1. Quality of Care May Vary
One of the most significant risks of dental tourism is the potential variation in the quality of care. While many countries boast excellent dental professionals and facilities, standards can differ significantly from those in Australia. Some dental clinics may not adhere to the same rigorous standards of hygiene, sterilization, and overall care that are expected here. There is even a governing body - the TGA - who regulates which materials can be used in dentistry and blocks substandard materials. This variation in quality of care can lead to complications, infections, or even failed dental procedures that may require corrective work when you return home.
2. Limited Legal Recourse
If something goes wrong during your dental procedure abroad, you may have limited legal recourse. Unlike in Australia, where you can file a complaint with regulatory bodies or pursue legal action, dealing with a foreign healthcare system can be challenging. The laws protecting patients' rights may be different or less stringent, and language barriers can complicate communication. This lack of legal protection increases the risk of receiving substandard care without any way to seek compensation or remediation.
3. Post-Operative Care Challenges
Dental procedures often require follow-up visits to ensure proper healing and to address any issues that may arise. When you undergo treatment abroad, accessing follow-up care can be difficult or impossible once you return home. In the case of complications, you might need to travel back to the original clinic, incurring additional costs and stress. Not to mention time off work, away from family etc. It very quickly adds up. Furthermore, local dentists may be reluctant to treat complications arising from work done elsewhere, or they may charge more to correct someone else’s mistakes.
4. Hidden Costs
While the initial cost of dental procedures abroad may be lower, hidden costs can quickly add up. Travel expenses, accommodations, and the potential need for multiple trips can significantly reduce the savings. Additionally, if you encounter complications, the cost of corrective procedures at home can exceed what you would have paid for the original treatment locally. It's also important to consider the non-monetary costs, such as the time off work, time away from family and the stress of traveling for medical reasons.
5. Potential Health Risks
Traveling soon after a dental procedure can pose serious health risks. Air travel, for instance, can increase the risk of complications such as infections, blood clots, or issues related to anesthesia. Moreover, receiving dental treatment in a country where infectious diseases are more prevalent can expose you to additional health risks. It's crucial to consider the potential impact on your overall health, not just the immediate outcome of the dental procedure.
6. Language Barriers and Miscommunication
Effective communication is vital in healthcare, and language barriers can lead to misunderstandings about the procedure, risks, and post-operative care instructions. Even if the dental team speaks some English, nuances in medical terminology and cultural differences can result in miscommunication. This can increase the likelihood of errors or dissatisfaction with the outcome.
7. Lack of Continuity of Care
In many cases, dental tourism offers a one-and-done approach, where the procedure is completed during a short trip with no ongoing care. This lack of continuity can be problematic, as dental health often requires ongoing attention. Without a long-term relationship with a dental provider, it can be challenging to address future issues or maintain the work done abroad.
So Is Dental Tourism Worth the Risk?
While the prospect of saving money on dental care is tempting, it’s crucial to weigh the potential risks of dental tourism. The variability in quality, limited legal protection, challenges with post-operative care, and hidden costs can turn what seems like a good deal into a costly and stressful experience. Before deciding to seek dental care abroad, consider consulting with your local dentist to explore all your options, and carefully research the clinic and country you are considering. Your dental health is an investment that requires careful consideration, not just of the cost, but of the quality and safety of the care you will receive.