Whether you call it a Dental Vacation, Dental Holiday, Dental Travel or Dental Tourism.. It may be a good way to save big money while enjoying a vacation. Or it can be your worst nightmare in a foreign dentist chair come true.
Here's how to avoid starring in your own dental vacation horror show..
1. Always get estimates from board certified dentists who are accredited for your procedures. Board certified dentists in most developing countries cost the same as less trained general dentists. And many general dentists would love to learn advanced dentistry at your expense. Certified Doctors & Dentists Internationale' Association will get estimates. referrals, 2nd opinions and check dentists credentials for you without any additional cost or obligation.
2. Choose dentists who speak your language. So you won't need to know how to say “Take it easy doc!” in Spanish, Thai or Mandarin. Most foreign board certified dentists speak English fairly well as they often use English language textbooks and many do graduate study in the US & UK.
3. Avoid commercial dental broker agencies like WhatEver Dentist, Flacid Way, Tooth Fairy A-GoGo etc. They list any dentists who pay their fees and who cannot possibly vet the 1,000’s of dentists they feature. 85% or more of their dentist listings are non-certified general dentists calling themselves 'specialists' soliciting foreign patients for complicated procedures they have no formal training in.
