It is quite common now to see references to ‘cosmetic dentistry tourism’ in the media. This is where someone visits another country to have dental work done to save money. It may seem like a good idea at first but there are lots of potential issues.
A good cosmetic dentist understands that, while some treatments seem purely cosmetic, a patient can often foresee such a positive impact from treatment that they feel it is essential for their quality of life. This is something that commonly drives people to seek out cosmetic treatment. It is always worth people visiting their local cosmetic dentist in Manchester, such as Smylife, to discuss options when it comes to treatment. They can usually put together a plan for someone that meets their needs and avoids the pitfalls.
The cost of visiting a cosmetic dentist in Manchester is coming down all the time. Weighing up any costs against possible issues soon puts things in perspective.
No accountability
A cosmetic dentist in Manchester and elsewhere in the UK must be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). This is the governing body for dentistry and it is the organisation that ensures that patient’s rights are addressed and that dentists are held to account for their actions. A practitioner in another country may not be held to the same high standards. Even if they are, any recourse in the event of difficulty may not be available to a non-national.
No finance
Even dental treatment abroad can cost quite a bit of money. Many practices that have a cosmetic dentist in the UK also have finance plans available to help patients spread the cost. These are not available to people who are having their work done abroad which means they have to find the money upfront.
Expensive trips for check-ups
Aftercare is an important part of any dental treatment, including cosmetic dentistry. In order to get their follow-up appointments, someone might have to pay for another trip to the country where they had their work done.
The only alternative is to get check-ups from a UK dentist. This means that the patient does not have continuity of care. This decreases the chances of them getting individually tailored support.
