Dentist Lucy Jaffa of Gentle Dental Care in Belfast offers advice for anyone thinking of going abroad for treatment
THE allure of cheaper dental treatment abroad can seem tempting; with cost being only one part of health care, what other aspects should be taken into consideration?
When undertaking any type of dental or medical treatment there's a certain element of risk. One way to reduce this risk when travelling abroad is to get as much information as possible so that you can make informed choices. Find out about the proposed dental clinic and check the dental team's qualifications and also ensure that they are registered with their country's equivalent of the General Dental Council (GDC).
Standards vary from country to country and finding out about qualifications and regulations can be a daunting task.
When discussing the treatment, ask lots of questions and give yourself plenty of time. You may be tempted to make a quick decision based on the promise of fantastic treatment at a great price.
Making a decision that will affect your health without fully considering the implications can be unwise. It's only worth saving money if you know you're not compromising your health and peace of mind. You must understand what the procedure involves in order to have realistic expectations about the outcome and to be aware of any potential complications. The GDC advises that you should always be assessed by a qualified dentist before being given a written treatment plan and cost estimate.
It can be a good idea to speak to your own dentist as they may be able to offer advice based on your dental history. Think about whether you will need further care when you return home. Work out who will provide this after care and whether it's included in the total price.
Ask what would happen if a problem were to arise once you'd returned to the UK. Would you be able to receive treatment in the UK or would you have to travel back to the clinic? It's important to find out who would pay for this. Most travel insurance policies will not cover you for elective treatment. This means they will not pay claims for anything that goes wrong as a result of planned treatment abroad.
It's helpful to have translated dental notes so that you have a record of the treatment to show your dentist back in Northern Ireland. After-care problems can arise several years after treatment.