Dental Treatment in Turkey: Is it Safe?

If you’re considering dental treatment abroad, you might be wondering if it’s safe to receive dental care in Turkey. While dental treatment in Turkey is often marketed as a cheaper alternative to UK dental care, there are important factors to consider before making your decision. In this article, we’ll explore the safety of dental treatment in Turkey and what you need to know before making your decision.

Why do people from the UK go to Turkey for dental treatment

Despite the potential risks and complications associated with dental treatment in Turkey, many people still choose to go abroad for their dental care, because it is much cheaper than in the UK.

The risks of dental treatment abroad

It is important to understand the risks of receiving dental treatment abroad. While dental tourism can be an affordable way to receive treatment, there are potential risks associated with receiving dental care in a foreign country. These risks can include:

• Differences in regulations: very few countries are as tightly regulated as the UK when it comes to dental treatment. These regulations protect patients. You may find that the same does not happen in other countries.
• Differences in dental standards: Dental standards can vary widely between countries. This means that the quality of care you receive abroad might not be up to the same standard as you would receive in the UK. 
• Language barriers: If you don’t speak the language of the country, you’re receiving treatment in, it can be difficult to communicate effectively with your dentist. This can lead to misunderstandings and mistakes in your treatment.
• If you have to travel far for complex dental treatment, it is likely that some corners will be cut, in order to save you from travelling there many times.
• Limited aftercare: If you experience complications or problems with your treatment after returning home, it can be difficult to receive aftercare from your dentist abroad. This can leave you in a difficult and potentially dangerous situation.

Is dental treatment in Turkey safe?

So, what about dental treatment in Turkey specifically? While there are many reputable dentists and dental clinics in Turkey, there are also risks associated with receiving dental care in this country.

One of the biggest risks is the lack of regulation in the Turkish dental industry. While there are regulations in place, they are not as strict as the regulations in the UK. This means that there is a higher risk of receiving substandard care or even dangerous treatments without consequences for the dentist.

There have also been cases of dental patients in Turkey being given incorrect diagnoses and unnecessary treatments. In some cases, patients have experienced serious complications as a result of their treatment.

How does the General Dental Council protect your safety

In the UK, dental care is highly regulated by the General Dental Council (GDC), which is responsible for setting standards and guidelines for dental professionals. The GDC ensures that all dental professionals meet certain standards of education, training, and conduct to maintain the safety and well-being of patients.

One of the keyways that the GDC maintains safety for UK patients is through its registration and licensing process. All dental professionals in the UK must be registered with the GDC and hold a valid license to practice. This ensures that dental professionals are properly trained, qualified, and regulated, and that patients receive high-quality, safe dental care.

In addition to registration and licensing, the GDC also provides guidance and support to dental professionals to ensure that they are providing safe, effective care to their patients. This includes setting standards for infection control, record-keeping, and communication with patients. 

By setting and enforcing high standards for dental care in the UK, the GDC plays a vital role in maintaining the safety and well-being of patients. Patients can trust that their dental professionals are properly trained and regulated, and that they will receive safe, effective care.

In contrast, the lack of similar regulatory bodies in some other countries, including Turkey, can lead to lower standards of care and a higher risk of complications and risks associated with dental treatment. This is why it’s important for UK patients to consider the potential risks and complications of receiving dental treatment abroad and to prioritise their safety by choosing reputable and regulated dental professionals.

What you need to know before making your decision

If you’re considering dental treatment in Turkey, there are important factors to consider before making your decision. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Consider the risks: Before making any decisions, it’s important to consider the potential risks associated with receiving dental treatment abroad. Make sure you’re fully informed before making your decision.
• Consider the cost: While dental treatment in Turkey may be cheaper than UK dental care, remember that you get what you pay for. The cost savings might not be worth the potential risks and complications.
• Consider your aftercare: If you do experience complications or problems with your treatment after returning home, it can be difficult to receive aftercare from your dentist abroad. Make sure you have a plan in place for aftercare before pursuing dental treatment in Turkey. Many dentists in the UK would be reluctant to become part of the problems.

Conclusion

While dental treatment in Turkey may be marketed as a cheaper alternative to UK dental care, there are important risks to consider before making your decision. The lack of regulation in the Turkish dental industry and the potential for language barriers and limited aftercare make receiving dental care in Turkey a risky proposition. Ultimately, the potential risks and complications may not be worth the cost savings. If you’re considering dental treatment abroad, make sure you’re fully informed and do your research before making your decision. For safe and reliable dental care, consider visiting Wimpole Street.