In recent years, it has become increasingly common for dental patients to travel internationally for dental care. As costs have grown, some patients believe it is less expensive to travel internationally, seek dental care, and return home with a healthier smile and a vacation under their belt. However, this may be more costly than you anticipate. 

What many patients may not expect is the hidden costs associated with dental tourism, as well as the potential long-term complications that can arise from this type of care. Ultimately, the cheaper option may prove to be far more expensive in the long term. If you are considering going abroad for dental care, read on to learn more about why it may not be the best option for your smile. 

What is Dental Tourism, and Why Is It So Popular? 

Dental tourism refers to the practice of traveling to another country for dental care and treatment. This practice has become more popular because it is an inexpensive alternative to local care. Some popular destinations include Mexico, Colombia, Turkey, and Thailand. In these destinations, the cost of procedures such as root canals, implants, and cosmetic restorations can be significantly lower than in the United States. 

Patients are drawn to dental tourism for several reasons, including: 

• The potential for significant cost savings
• Quick turnaround times for major treatments
• The appeal of combining a vacation with medical care
• Online marketing emphasizes luxury and convenience

While some patients will report positive experiences, the growing number of negative outcomes raises some concerns among dental professionals across the United States. Although the online marketing makes these services appear affordable, there are a few additional costs associated with going overseas for dental care, including: 

• Airfare, hotels, meals, and transportation
• Visa fees and travel insurance
• Time off work for travel and recovery
• Return visits for follow-up care or corrections
• Emergency treatment if complications arise

In some cases, patients end up paying more than they would if they simply received care from a local dentist, especially if something goes wrong and needs to be repaired. 

Quality and Safety Standards May Vary Widely

One of the biggest risks of dental tourism is the lack of oversight in some countries. While many foreign dentists are well-trained, global standards for dental care, sterilization, and materials aren’t always consistent or enforceable. Some potential quality concerns associated with dental tourism include: 

• Low-quality or unregulated materials used in crowns or implants
• Improper sterilization of instruments, increasing infection risks 
• Clinics that cut corners to keep costs low
• Difficulty verifying credentials or licenses 

In the United States, dentists are held to strict safety, ethical, and legal standards. When you go abroad for dental care, you may lose access to those protections. Without these protections in place, you put your health in the hands of an unknown provider with little accountability. 

Lack of Follow-Up Care Can Cause Major Problems

Most dental procedures require post-treatment monitoring to ensure they heal correctly. With dental tourism, this crucial follow-up care is often overlooked or impossible to schedule once you return home. Additionally, if complications arise after you’ve left the country, it is in your hands to remedy the problem. Common follow-up challenges include: 

• No local office to contact for help or questions
• Unfamiliar materials that U.S. dentists can’t or won’t work with
• Limited access to dental records from overseas clinics 
• No legal recourse if the work is poorly done

Many local dentists report treating patients who returned from abroad with severe infections, broken restorations, or painful complications. These complications can cost patients far more to fix than if they’d stayed in the area for local care. While it may be appealing to reach out to a provider abroad, it may be best to work with someone nearby in the event of challenges. 

Language Barriers and Miscommunication Put You at Risk

Clear communication is crucial when discussing dental treatments, particularly those involving surgery, implants, or sedation. Unfortunately, dental tourism can make this difficult, especially if you choose to undergo care in a place where you don’t speak the native language fluently. Even if clinics advertise translation services, some important details may be lost in translation, including: 

• Pre-procedure instructions
• Risks, benefits, and alternatives
• Medication guidance
• Post-treatment care steps

Even the more moderate miscommunications can lead to dangerous errors, unnecessary procedures, or failure to recognize early signs of complications. You don’t want to be halfway around the world trying to figure out why your mouth doesn’t feel right. Even more frustrating is the inability to explain it to the dentist. 

When you choose to forgo dental tourism and instead work with a local dentist, you don’t have to worry about these miscommunications. Their pre- and post-operative materials often come in English and Spanish to ensure everyone who visits the office knows exactly what to do to achieve the best outcome from their care. 

Avoid Dental Tourism, Visit Jenson Dental Instead

While dental tourism may initially seem like a good idea, it can significantly compromise your oral health. Instead of traveling abroad for dental care, it’s always best to work with a team that is nearby in case of complications. If you’re looking for a trustworthy dental team in Brigham City, Utah, turn to Jenson Dental for your care. 

Our team is committed to providing patients with the most reliable dental care in the city, and has been since 1964. Whether you’re planning a dental cleaning or you want to tackle oral health complications, we’re always here to help. With our team nearby, you can trust that you’ll get through this process with ease.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with our Brigham City-based team, don’t hesitate to contact us today.