The UK ranks 6th for dental health, out of 26 European countries. But private treatment costs 70% more than – for example – in Turkey, Hungary and Slovakia.
Quality
In the UK
Dentists in the UK conduct a thorough examination of your teeth in person. This includes X-rays and 3D CT scans.
Your dentist will want to understand your complete medical history.
Your dentist will tell you why particular treatments are right for you, what the benefits and risks are, and how much the treatment will cost.
You will be referred to a specialist if your dentist believes it is necessary.
In countries such as Hungary, Turkey and Slovakia
Dentists make decisions about your treatment even before they see you. They use images sent via social media to diagnose your condition.
There is no guarantee as to the quality of the crowns or veneers etc that are used to treat you.
You may not be treated by an experienced dentists when you actually arrive. It ould be a junior.
Your treatment plan may have changed to a more expensive version once you are in the surgery and under pressure to accept this or go without help.
Costs
UK
In the UK, private dentistry prices are not regulated, so they can vary considerably. The following are some example prices ranges, but of course you should always find out what treatments will cost you before you agree to proceed:
Oral hygiene £30 – £90
White filling £45 – £270
Root canal £50 – £990
Crowns £250 – £1,200
Dentures £360 – £5,300
Bridges £360 – £5,300
Tooth removal £60 – £400
Abroad (Turkey, Hungary, Slovakia)
White filling £45
Tooth removal £25
Laser whitening £350
Implant £850
Root canal £44
Surely these lower prices are very tempting. But the risks are greater – inexperienced dentist, poor quality equipment and materials and compromised procedures. These could be the reason why 75% of patients who sought treatment in Turkey then needed corrective dental work when they came home to the UK
Convenience
In the UK, you can call on your dentist for help and have a same day appointment where it is needed.
Follow up checks are straightforward.
There are no language barriers.
You have the assurance that all UK dentists are regulated by the General Dental Council. You can therefore have legal help if you have reason to be unhappy with your treatment.
UK dentists can refuse to treat you after your treatment abroad, because they then make themselves legally responsible for the work of a dentist in another country.
The Long View
Yes, your treatment in the UK may well be more expensive, but it could save you a great deal in the long term, in a variety of ways
