Private dental costs continue to rise in the UK, which ultimately account for the great success of dental travel.
British dental patients and even other Western European nationals are flocking abroad to countries like Hungary, where private dental care is not as expensive as in the UK, and many dental clinics are at the forefront of technological advancements in cosmetic dentistry.
While travel is indeed an issue for some, the lower costs of dental treatment and low cost flights coupled with the short duration of the flights are enough reasons for patients to give Hungarian dental clinics a try.
Pros and cons of Hungarian dental treatments in UK as opposed to Hungary
The dental treatment in UK vs Hungary debate is ultimately settled by the budget and preferences of each patient. Flexibility is another important factor as a dental treatment in Hungary implies travelling, finding accommodation for the duration of the treatment period, and the whole fuss that goes with organising such a trip. However, Hungarian dental tourism has been streamlined, in the sense that Hungarian dentists and dental clinics started offering consultation in the UK by opening dental offices for this purpose. With time, it also became natural to open clinics for Hungarian dentists.
Dental treatment in the UK – Hungarian dental praxis overview
These clinics now have dental practices both in the UK and in Hungary, and while Hungarian dentists will offer both consultation and treatment in UK, the costs of treatments are still higher in the UK compared to the costs in Hungary. These Hungarian clinics with offices in the UK now streamline the process of dental tourism by offering consultation in the UK, and organising patients’ trips to Budapest for the actual treatment. Some dental treatment packages created by these clinics will include free airport shuttle, free consultation and treatment plan, sometimes free accommodation and flight ticket reimbursement.
Dental treatment abroad – Budapest, Hungary
Dental treatment in Hungary is 20-30% cheaper, and while the lower price may be well worth the travel, aftercare is sometimes an issue, as it means a second journey for patients. This would not be a problem if patients would opt for the services of dental clinics based in the UK, where aftercare would not be an issue. However, this gap is, in some cases, filled in by Hungarian dental clinics that have subsidiaries in the UK, and patients can go there for aftercare treatments, thus, saving both the costs and time of a second trip.
Why Hungary if larger dentistry work is to be done?
Another argument for dental treatment in Hungary is that although prices are lower, dental equipment, materials, and devices used are not limited, meaning that Hungarian dental clinics use the latest devices and technologies that have emerged in the field of dentistry (e.g. AlphaBio implants, SGS, Cortex, Prowital, Fullplant/Symplant, etc). Not only that, but patients have the opportunity to experience a 5-star treatment, recognised at a European level (many clinics in Hungary hold prestigious European awards in dentistry), at a lower price than what a UK clinic would usually charge.
Who travels to Hungary for dental implant surgery?
Whether it’s actually worth travelling to Hungary for dental services, it depends on each particular case and the kind of treatment one needs. It is clear, however, that each year several hundreds of British patients do decide to travel to Hungary instead of opting for the services of UK clinics.
How to Get Your Teeth Fixed Cheaply Outside the UK or Ireland
As finding an NHS dentist becomes increasingly difficult, many people are opting to travel abroad for dental treatments like implants, fillings, and teeth-whitening at a fraction of the UK cost. Popular destinations include Hungary and Poland, where patients can save up to 70%.
Selecting a dentist can be challenging, and finding a reputable dental clinic abroad can be even more difficult due to the numerous factors to consider. Many people are now opting to travel overseas for dental treatment because of reduced prices and shorter treatment times. Traveling abroad can result in savings of up to 70% compared to dental prices in the UK or Ireland.
While it’s necessary to factor in the costs of flights and accommodation, the total expense, including treatment, often remains lower than the cost of treatment alone at home, making it an attractive option.
However, despite the allure of cost savings, it’s crucial to ensure that lower prices do not come at the expense of quality.
Booming dental tourism out of emergency
In recent years, dental tourism has surged, with figures showing a significant increase in UK residents seeking treatment overseas. One Hungarian clinic reports that 95% of its patients are from the UK, treating around 200 Brits monthly. Cost concerns are driving this trend, with many avoiding UK dental visits due to high prices.
Cost savings are substantial: treatments that might cost thousands in the UK can be done for a fraction of the price abroad. For instance, dental implants and crowns costing £2,200 in the UK might only be £750 in Hungary or Poland. Patients who travel to Budapest, save thousands on extensive dental work.
Consultation online or in-person?
However, while the financial benefits are clear, potential patients must exercise caution. Online consultations and sending photos cannot replace a thorough in-person dental examination, which is essential for diagnosing underlying issues. Dental experts stress the importance of physical examinations, X-rays, and CAT scans to develop an accurate treatment plan.
There is a rising trend in some clinics abroad arranging patient consultations online, which people should be cautious of. Nowadays, it’s so easy to do things without leaving the house—we can make video calls or send photos online without meeting in person. The pandemic likely played a big part in this shift.
People often ask if they can send photos of their teeth to the clinic or do a consultation online, instead of traveling to Budapest, because they’ve heard about some places that do that.
Reputable dental clinics conduct consultations in person, rather than online
However, neither Zoom nor photographs can accurately determine someone’s dental needs. Dental treatment is much more than appearance—someone could have an underlying issue they’re unaware of, such as gum disease, tooth sensitivity, or a mouth ulcer. A photo cannot detect these conditions. Dental experts emphasize that the only way to determine any underlying dental problems, and to get a personalized plan based on this, is by physically meeting the experts.
A dentist needs to check the teeth in a medical setting, with access to X-rays and CAT scans. It’s similar to how a doctor needs to check a broken arm—they can’t tell if it’s broken through a phone screen! In-person visits allow dental specialists to conduct a thorough physical examination and provide more opportunities to discuss your treatment plan and any underlying issues.
Do your homework before you decide
Patients are advised to research thoroughly before committing to treatment abroad. It’s crucial to understand the legal protections and guarantees provided by foreign clinics. There are risks involved, including dealing with different legal systems and ensuring follow-up care.
Although UK dentists are required to be highly trained and registered, this is not always guaranteed abroad. Ensuring the qualifications and reputations of overseas dentists is essential. The British Dental Health Foundation and other experts urge caution, highlighting the potential costs and complications of correcting substandard treatment upon returning home.
In conclusion, while traveling abroad for dental treatment can result in significant savings, careful planning and thorough research are crucial to ensure a successful and safe experience.
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