Dental care overseas, especially in the EU member states is regarded as safe, with most of the clinics that take foreign patients offering superior medical and safety standards. Dental service outlets abroad promise low cost and high quality work and they pitch their services to relatively affluent but cost-conscious consumers of predominantly Western Europe. It is hard to establish how many Britons seek a dental treatment overseas each year. The Sun newspaper tried to answer that and published the article “Pearly Flights” in October 2011 about the rise in dental tourism over the years. The paper states in the article that up to 100,000 of Britons go to Eastern Europe each year to seek a cheaper treatment. The main reason of such an exodus is the high price of dentistry in the UK. Although the trends are changing, dental fees in private surgeries in the UK are amongst the highest in Europe. For example, a porcelain fused on metal crown costs on average £500 in the UK, while it costs under £200 in countries like Poland. Other popular treatments such us implant placements or cosmetic teeth restorations are up to 60% more expensive in the UK than in other EU countries like Poland, Hungary, Slovenia and even Holland.

Whether patients choose to seek a dental specialist abroad or at home, there are a few considerations that need to be taken into account. Before deciding on a particular dentist or a clinic, it is recommended to search for more information about them, either by asking friends, ex-patients or by doing a research online. In this day and age, finding information about particular organisation is easier than ever before. Prospective patients should also try to find out how long the practise has been in operation as well as the length of practice of the dentist. Good dentists usually do not hesitate to inform their patients about the training they have obtained as well as their clinical experience.  Reputable dentists at home and abroad will also demonstrate the examples of the dental work performed. Therefore, do not hesitate to ask for the “before and after dental pictures” of their previous patients. Most passionate specialists are proud of their work and will easily demonstrate the evidence.  At the consultation, good dentists will clearly present the pros and cons of each treatment option. All alternatives should be considered in relation to the individual assessment made, taking into account things such as overall oral health, bone structure, gum state and the final objective of the patient.