Cosmetic dentistry procedures and general dental treatments can cost thousands of dollars in the United States, and many patients turn to loans or patient financing to obtain the procedures or treatments they need. However, many people are finding that medical procedures abroad can help them save up to 70% off the average price of treatments in the United States, allowing them to get their often pricey porcelain veneers, tooth whitening or dental implants at a fraction of the standard cost.
Countries that offer the most attractive cosmetic dentistry procedure packages and pricing include India, Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia. Some countries In Europe also offer ‘cosmetic vacations’ specifically for U.S. residents who need extensive surgery but simply cannot afford their procedure from a cosmetic dentist in their area.
Costs Comparisons of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures Abroad
The Treatment Abroad PriceWatch survey collects information about medical tourism prices from several destinations around the world, making it easier for consumers to assess the average costs of different types of cosmetic procedures. The most recent survey was conducted in 2008, and provides information on some of the lowest priced procedures around the world:
Gold Crowns: US average = $1,000+ vs. $163 in Slovakia, $217 in Turkey and $261 in Malaysia
Full Acrylic Dentures: US average =$1,150 vs. $243 in Latvia, $270 in the Philippines and $287 in Slovakia
Inlays: US average = $900 vs. $189 in the Philippines, $210 in Slovakia and $222 in Thailand
Root Canal: US average = $600 vs. $86 in Bulgaria, $70 in Latvia and $47 in Serbia
Veneers: US average $1,150 = vs. $170 in Malaysia, $254 in India and $189 in the Philippines
Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures Abroad – Benefits and Drawbacks
While the substantial price difference in the above procedures offers plenty of incentives for patients to travel overseas to get the cosmetic procedure they need, medical tourism still has some risks and drawbacks.
Many countries do not have the same licensing and regulations for cosmetic dentists and general dentists as the United States; this means your dentist may not be as experienced or fully certified under typical American standards. However, most European countries and some venues in the Far East do have national licensing boards that require cosmetic dentists to have completed extensive training and passed national examinations; in some cases, these doctors have completed their training in the United States or the United Kingdom, and have set up a practice in a foreign country.
Learning about your host country’s licensing requirements and regulations and then doing extensive research about the dentist or practice can help you make the most informed decision when considering cosmetic dentistry abroad.
Published: 11/14/2008, Last Updated: 11/19/2008
By LocateADoc.com Medical Staff Writers
Our writers strive to present an objective, upfront and open view of the medical procedures you're interested in. We present you with both the good and bad, and work to represent both doctors' and patients' points of view. Our articles contain facts and statistics from medical associations, medical and surgical journals, and through doctor and patient interviews.