The popularity of travelling abroad for dental treatment is on the rise, a new survey by the British Dental Association (BDA) suggests. The evidence highlights the problems this has caused for patients and practices, with so many appointments unavailable during the last two years and the inevitable backlog that this has caused.
According to a survey from the British Dental Association of 1000 UK dentists, the appeal of travelling abroad for dental treatment appears to be widespread. 94 per cent reported that they had examined patients who had gone on such trips. However, the findings indicate that the lure of a quick fix may carry considerable risks. Of these dentists:
- 86 per cent reported having treated cases that developed problems following treatment abroad. 87 per cent identified crowns as the treatment most likely to require follow-up work, closely followed by implants at 85 per cent.
- The highest single risk factor identified was failing or failed treatment (86 per cent), closely followed by pain (76 per cent), and poorly executed treatment (72 per cent).
- Fixing the damage can be costly for patients and some dentists questioned whether the NHS should provide this care. Two-thirds of respondents (65 per cent) said that it cost patients at least £500 to repair the damage done to their teeth, while over half (51 per cent) reported that it was more than £1,000. One in five of these dentists said the cost exceeded £5,000. Over 40 per cent (346 dentists) said the remedial treatment was provided by the NHS.
- Over half (56 per cent) reported seeing cases in the past three years, with a fifth (20 per cent) seeing cases during the pandemic.
The survey also recorded 84.6 per cent noting dental tourism as a growing trend. Cheaper costs were identified by 98 per cent of all respondents as the lead factor influencing patients’ decisions to seek dental care abroad, while almost a third (31 per cent) of those surveyed said that a perception of shorter waiting times was responsible. Many dentists highlighted the ubiquity of social media promotions touting the “perfect” smile.
Of the responding dentists 93 per cent identified concerns around continuity of care, 79 per cent were unhappy with the quality of care, 77 per cent mentioned the difficulties associated with seeking redress or making a complaint, while 66 per cent flagged concerns over communications between patients and practitioners.
Several dentists reported concerns about over-prepared teeth – where more of a tooth is removed than necessary – as well as ill-fitting crowns and implants that fell out. Others were worried that treatment proceeded despite having untreated gum disease, which was likely to increase the risk of crowns and implants failing, as well as being a major contributor to infection and pain.
Some dentists expressed alarm that patients had extensive work done to previously healthy teeth in “smile makeovers”, which would require a lifetime of costly maintenance, or could even lead to the loss of teeth and a need for dentures. One reported that a young man had 21 full crowns inappropriately placed to manage “what was clearly an orthodontic case to correct misaligned teeth.” Another said that they saw a patient with dental phobia who had 14 crowns placed under sedation, and who now needs four root canal treatments.
The NHS advises people to think carefully before booking any treatment abroad, and issues a list of warning signs, many of which have been echoed by the dentists who participated in the study. The dental regulator also advises people to be fully aware of what to expect and what risks are involved. BDA is calling on the authorities to provide genuinely proactive campaigns to ensure patients are aware of the potential risks.
Eddie Crouch, British Dental Association chair said, “Dentists are aware that many people are struggling to access care and may be tempted to go overseas for cut-price treatment. Patients need to provide informed consent for any treatment they have and be wary of a hard-sell, as the reality is rarely as simple as it appears on Instagram. Sadly, many UK dentists are now picking up the pieces when things go wrong.
“Complex courses of treatment typically require detailed preparation and a number of follow-up visits. Patients should be aware of the risks and alternatives to the treatment desired, and get advice on what they should do in the event of problems occurring when they return.
“The cost of follow-up treatment needs to be factored in. If there are complications, the initial price may not be such a bargain. We strongly advise people considering this to check a dentist’s qualifications and experience and whether they are insured if things go wrong.”