Dental Tourism in Turkey involves more than flights and choosing a clinic. Before you leave you should know exactly what treatment will take place, how much your trip will cost and who to contact if you have problems when you get back.
As a UK patient you may have already received a quote from your dentist at home and want to see how prices compare. Or perhaps you are researching how to replace missing teeth. Whatever your reason, it can be helpful to have these dentistry questions answered before you book flights.
Turkey is often promoted as one of the top destinations for dental travel, but that doesn’t tell you which dental clinic in Turkey is suitable for your case.
A treatment price package won’t always explain what happens if your treatment plan changes after your examination. That’s why we put together this handy guide to dental tourism for international patients.
Everything you need to know from making a price comparison to booking your hotel and storing your dental records for future treatment.
Table of Contents
What Does Dental Tourism in Turkey Involve?
When you replace the word ‘dentist’ with ‘abroad’ dental tourism is simply travelling to another country for dental treatment.
Dental tourism, like medical tourism, refers to the whole process. It isn’t used to define a type of treatment or level of care.
People choose Turkey for dental treatment for different reasons. A lower cost and competitive prices may be part of the attraction, but they shouldn’t decide what dentistry you actually need.
In your situation dental tourism may include visiting Turkey for cosmetic dentistry. Or having dental implants as an international patient if you’ve lost teeth.
For some people dental care in Turkey may involve only a few restorations. For others it can mean full-mouth dental implants or a more complicated restorative plan.
Let’s start with the dentistry plan. Review your options for dental treatment in Turkey and work out exactly what you want done.
Having a rough idea what you need will help when you see if clinics offer that specific treatment. A price given per tooth won’t tell you which teeth are included. Or what type of restorations you can expect.
Patients should also research exactly what teeth are being referred to when looking into prices for Turkey teeth. A Turkey teeth dental package doesn’t specify if you’ll receive dental veneers, crowns, dental implants or a mix.
The same applies when comparing Turkey teeth prices between clinics. Make sure the treatment behind the package name is actually the same.
Request further information when considering cosmetic dentistry treatments like smile makeovers or a Hollywood smile in Turkey.
Ask if other options like teeth whitening, orthodontics or a smaller treatment plan could meet your needs.
It can be worth visiting multiple dentists if you receive different recommendations. Have each dentist explain why they believe their suggested treatment is right for you.
Don’t automatically select the lowest quote because it gives you the biggest smile.
Is Dental Tourism Worth it?
It pays to look at the overall package when deciding if dental tourism is right for you. Compared to receiving dental work at home.
Dentistry comes first but weigh up the cost as well as what treatment you need. Consider the time away from home and getting follow up care when deciding where to go.
Compare like for like. Add the cost of flights and hotel when seeing if travelling is actually going to save you money.
A package can look affordable compared with treatment in the UK, but it is only cost-effective if you are comparing similar dentistry and the complete trip.
If you’re putting together a small treatment plan then accommodation and flights may take up most of the price difference between two quotes. Larger dental plans have lots of appointments and decisions to organise before you fly.
If your trip will require dental work on multiple teeth, implants or procedures then there is no magic number. Once you know that having treatment abroad is something you want to do get written quotations so you can compare prices.
Remember a lower price isn’t always better. Just because something costs less doesn’t mean the dentistry is right for you.
Operational costs or living costs may be why dentistry is cheaper in one country compared to the UK. Prices can also be lower than in some Western countries, but they do not determine if you need a tooth extracted or whether you should opt for veneers and save your natural teeth.
Similarly, don’t forget about your own situation. If there is a chance you may need two trips instead of one will you be able to take enough holiday from work?
If you need extra treatment would you feel comfortable going back? Would you prefer someone to accompany you to Turkey if you require that level of care?
Speak to your UK dentist about having dental treatment abroad. They can go over your oral health, recommend treatment and explain what may happen when you fly home.
Understanding Your Travel Budget
Instead of focusing on a price per tooth your travel budget should include everything you need to complete your dental treatment plan.
Whilst price per tooth allows you to compare quotes for individual teeth and restorations, that isn’t a budget. Package pricing can be more convenient but requires you to enquire further about what’s included.
When comparing Turkey prices with your UK quote, check that the materials and number of teeth match.
Veneers may use porcelain veneers, laminate veneers or even a different material. Request a list from the clinic showing how many teeth are included. Ask about materials, lab fees and if any temporary veneers will be provided.
Some clinics may also use names such as Empress veneers. Ask exactly what material and type of restoration they mean rather than relying on the name alone.
You can read more about veneers in Turkey before comparing different materials and treatment plans.
Request a breakdown showing 3 costs if you plan on receiving dental implants. You should be given the implant cost, abutment fee and final restoration. Every stage of treatment should be listed before you compare prices with another clinic.
Check if all inclusive dental implants covers both arches or just one if a quote includes All-on-4 or All-on-6 implants.
Will you receive temporary teeth as well as the final teeth or just the final restorations?
If a clinic mentions immediate implants, full-mouth dental implants or a zygomatic implant, ask why that implant procedure is suitable for you and how many stages the implant treatment requires.
Cost Example – How Much Should I Budget For Travel?
This example shows why £4,200 worth of dentistry does not equal £4,200 worth of travel.
These prices aren’t based on Bella Teeth prices or what we think the average tourist spends. We hope your travel expenses are far lower than this example. You will only know how much your trip will cost when you receive written quotes from a clinic.
| Item | Illustrative Cost |
|---|---|
| Illustrative Treatment Package | £4,200 |
| Booked Flights | £700 |
| Return Hotel Stay | £400 |
| Estimated Spending | £200 |
| Total | £5,500 |
Add an optional £300 into the budget for contingency costs and you now have £5,800 to budget towards your dental travel expenses.
Insurance, additional treatment or loss of earnings from work would all push this number higher.
Swap our estimates for your own quotation or expected costs. Adding everything together helps show why a £4,200 dental package doesn’t equal a £4,200 complete trip.
The NHS recommend tourists budget for extra costs if your exchange rate changes, you need to stay longer in the country or pay for transport home.
Compare apples to apples and include everything you need to complete your dentistry when seeing if treatment abroad is right for you.
That is the only sensible way to compare costs in Turkey with the costs you would pay at home.
Compare the Exact Treatment You Need
Have your quote from the UK dentist open next to your dental prices for Turkey. Compare each item on both lists instead of assuming both are suitable.
20 porcelain veneers is not the same as ten dental crowns just because both options change your smile.
Including temporary teeth in your quote is very different from including permanent teeth.
Asking the clinic about their payment terms can also prevent you from overspending too much.
Do they fix their prices to GBP? When would you pay the price? How long is their quote valid for?
Once you have verified the actual treatments and level of care you need, you can then begin comparing prices.
Savings aren’t useful if you don’t know that two quotes include similar dental work.
If your treatment will involve dental implants abroad make sure you know which teeth. Including itinerary items like flights and hotel helps highlight when a quote actually is cheaper than your dentist in the UK.
What Does a Dental Treatment Package Include?
All inclusive, comprehensive or complete dentistry packages should come with a requested list.
Ask the clinic to break down and itemise the clinical and travel services included.
Knowing what you are paying for also stops you from counting hotel costs twice. Seeing costs for everything you need does help you understand how much you will pay abroad.
| Service | Details to request |
|---|---|
| Dental treatment | Performed on each tooth, what materials are used and if there are lab fees. Request all stages of treatment you believe are needed to complete your dentistry. |
| Imaging and examinations | Any consultations covered in the price. Are there any exams the dentist will do for free? X-Rays or other imaging costs. |
| Extra teeth | Will you get temporary teeth? If you do receive temporary teeth are they counted in the price of your final teeth? Most dentists refer to them as ‘trial teeth’, make sure you know which. |
| Hotel | Where is your hotel? What room type is included and for how many nights? Do they have en-suite bathrooms? Are any meals included as part of the package? |
| Airport transfers | Who picks you up from the airport? Clinic to hotel journeys may be included. But do your follow up appointments have transfers too? |
| Patient Coordinator | Who will coordinate appointments, any communication and language support if needed. What happens if something changes in your schedule while you’re in Turkey? |
| Aftercare | What does aftercare include? How do you contact the clinic when you return to the UK? Are follow up checks included or will these cost extra? |
For international patients, the patient coordinator can be useful for the logistics of the trip. They should not replace direct communication with the dentist about your personalised treatment.
Turkey Dental Package Prices: The Final Costs
Request prices for any additional service you aren’t sure about. It’s okay to pay a deposit but you shouldn’t pay full price until you know what treatment you need.
Ask for clarification on any acronyms or treatments you do not fully understand.
This includes tooth extraction, root canal treatments, periodontal therapy, gum contouring, gum grafting, bone grafts or sinus lifts if you think you may need these at some point.
Some clinics list one price for “teeth”. Ask if this includes the implant, the abutment and your final restoration. Do not accept offers for dental implants until you know what is included.
If titanium implants or zirconia implants are an option ask them why. Both implants have different characteristics but you deserve to know why they recommended that option for your jawbone and treatment plan.
Zirconium crowns refer to the crown portion of your restoration. Ask about material if you wish to know what your final teeth will be made from.
If zirconia crowns, porcelain crowns or E-max crowns are listed in the quote, ask which teeth each material is intended for.
Hospital or Hotel Stay During Treatment
You won’t be having any of your dental treatment in your hotel. Don’t research hotel rooms in comparison to dentists when looking into your treatment.
Book whatever hotel you feel most comfortable at. But we recommend you spend more time understanding the dentistry you need done first.
Accommodation can make your trip easier. But doesn’t indicate anything about the clinical quality of care you will receive.
Organising Your Trip To Turkey for Dental Tourism
Book an online consultation with the dentist carrying out your dental treatment. Some clinics will offer you a free consultation but does it include an examination or will panoramic X-rays and other scans cost extra?
Discuss what issues you would like fixed. Don’t be afraid to tell them what dental work you’ve already had done as well.
Send across any records, X-Rays or even tell them about your medical history during this initial phone call.
Existing teeth? You could always send photos and see if they want to receive you in person before providing a quote.
If they do require you to visit the clinic beforehand ask how much they charge for consultation appointments. Fees may affect your overall cost.
The GDC recommend patients are examined by a dentist before your treatment plan and costs are decided.
Will your old panoramic X-Ray be sufficient? If not, can they use your existing scans? Dentists can also advise if you need any extra 3D imaging done prior to receiving dental treatment.
Questions about Cosmetic Dentistry
If your concerns are limited to cosmetic dentistry abroad then ask.
Cosmetic dentists can offer composite bonding to improve smiles as well as dental veneers.
Hopefully you feel that the recommended personalised treatment is something you want. Something that not only fits with your dental needs but also your dental health.
Ask why they recommended this particular plan over others they might have considered.
Cancellation policies are worth checking too.
What happens if you decide not to go? Will you lose your deposit if you cancel after your examination appointment?
What if Your Prices Change?
It’s good to ask about price changes should something in your treatment plan change and is no longer required.
Ideally you will know this before you travel. But what if during your examination they realise you need extra treatment done?
If you were quoted a full mouth restoration ask exactly what teeth and restorations are included in that quote.
They may recommend extracting a tooth or two. Who will cover that additional fee?
You should be provided with a reason. When you pay for additional treatment and if your original quote includes the remaining restorations on your other teeth.
Again, request this information in writing before you decide if you want to continue with the treatment recommended by the dentist.
Flights should also be questioned before you book them. Ask how your treatment plan affects your flights and hotel stay.
“What’ll I Need?” Five Nights?
That doesn’t mean a lot without something else to compare it to.
Dental veneers take time to prep your teeth if needed and make your permanent teeth. So ask about each stage of the process.
When will you receive temporary teeth? How long does the dentist allocate for veneers? Will you get them done on your first visit?
Ask if any surgeries will be completed on your first visit. Do dental implants in Turkey require you to make multiple visits to the dentist? How many?
What will you leave the clinic with at the end of each stage of implant treatment?
Many clinics will tell you “You can receive same day teeth”. Check with the dentist if they are permanent teeth or if you will receive temporary teeth instead.
Don’t assume the entire implant procedure is complete just because you were told ‘you get teeth the same day.’
Final Teeth vs Temporary Teeth for Dental Implants
This is why we recommend getting all your treatment plans in writing. Want to know how many appointments you need for All-on-4? Or want to create a dental checklist?
Your dental trip checklist should include every stage you need to visit Turkey for. Not just what you need to do on your first trip.
Skip turning flights back home a few hours after your last appointment. Allow yourself buffer days for check-ups or adjustments.
As well as putting everything you need to do in Turkey on your dental checklist, include aftercare once you return home to the UK.
Allow yourself enough time to recover before scheduling your flight home. The NHS recommends patients take this into consideration.
Turkey Hotel for Dental Tourism
How long does it take to get from your hotel to the clinic? We don’t mean that you can get there. Ask how long the journey takes and whether you should allow extra travel time when scheduling appointments.
If your clinic includes airport transfers check if this helps you get to every single appointment. Journeys from the clinic to your hotel and vice versa.
Did we mention extra appointments? What about if they need to see you again? Will you still be covered for clinic to hotel transfers if you need more treatment?
The clinic may offer VIP transfers but will these take you to the correct hotel? Your dental holiday starts with the dentistry you receive.
Eat food you know won’t interfere with any medication or dental work while you recover. Ask your dentist if there is anything you should avoid while you have new restorations.
Any dental tourist returning to Turkey for a second appointment should verify hotel bookings and transfers are included.
Will they offer you a free hotel upgrade when you return? Or does the clinic partner with hotels that can provide better rates for you when you book multiple trips?
Checking Dental Clinics in Turkey for Tourism
Get the official name of the dental clinic you’ll be visiting in Turkey.
Whether the provider calls itself a dental clinic, dental centre or dental center, request the registered name and primary dentist.
Will an actual dental clinic be performing your dental treatment? Or are you talking to a travel agency who books with Turkish dental clinics?
For many tourists that dental clinic in Turkey may have very little relation to the company based in the UK selling you treatment.
The Dental Tourism in Turkey industry includes clinics, travel agencies and other companies. Make sure you know which organisation is providing the dental care in Turkey and which one is only arranging the trip.
Turkey travel advice published by the UK government tells patients to visit the official Turkish public health body when verifying healthcare providers.
Head past the shiny logo until you can identify who will actually be operating on you.
It’s also important you research the credentials of the dentist that’s looking after you in Turkey.
Clinic documentation tells you about the clinic facilities. Having a quick call with your dentist allows you to ask about their background.
You can also use the Turkish Dental Association to find the local dental chamber based in Turkey and ask how you can verify if the dentist you’ll receive treatment from is registered.
What about the oral surgeon who will perform your surgery? Or the cosmetic dentist looking after your dental cosmetic needs?
Ask who is involved in your treatment and how long they have been performing implantology or the procedure you need done.
Do they understand English or will you require translators?
Get answers to who you will actually spend your time with while you’re in Turkey.
Many Turkish dental clinics boast about experienced dentists, advanced technologies and high-quality dental care.
You may also see phrases such as “state-of-the-art facility”, “premium dental care” or “affordable high-quality dentistry”.
Those are marketing descriptions. They do not personally explain your teeth or prove that a particular treatment is suitable.
Will your dentist be using Digital Smile Design? CAD/CAM technology to design your teeth?
Premium ceramics were mentioned during your consultation. Ask what teeth that terminology is referring to.
They mentioned using Nobel Biocare implants? Request the implant model numbers or specific components they plan on using during your implant journey.
There is no way of knowing what you are or aren’t getting until you ask the right questions.
You should know the risks before you travel and hand over money for dental work in Turkey.
Dangers of Dental Work and Recovery
Ask about recovery time and what you should avoid if you receive dental implants.
Just like every other dental procedure there are risks.
Clinics may offer money back guarantees or promise you the best dentistry money can buy. Guarantees don’t guarantee your dental treatment will be 100% successful or completely safe.
Learn about what could happen before you sign your treatment plan and agree to fly to Turkey for treatment.
Reading Up on Dental Tourism Patient Experiences in Turkey
Research and read testimonials from patients before you book anywhere.
These real patient experiences from dental tourists who visited Turkish dental clinics can help you understand communication, organisation and what happened after the treatment.
Allow the dentistry stories to help you research, but don’t use them to substitute reading up on your actual clinical needs.
Take note of how the dentist explains things to each patient. Did what they promised match your final bill?
How simple was it to contact the clinic after you paid and went back to the UK?
A review telling you how much they loved ‘the hotel’ should be taken in context. Don’t choose a dentist based on their hotel amenities.
Hotel information may make your trip more enjoyable. It does not promise you understood everything your dentist said or you got the dental work you paid for.
Do the patients providing testimonials upload before and after photos? What about testimonial videos or a smile gallery?
Just because you see perfect smiles or a beautiful smile in a photo doesn’t mean they will offer you the same dentistry.
Smile makeovers are very different from repairing teeth. Everyone starts off with different teeth and requires unique treatment.
Perhaps you like the idea of getting some dental work done and can go from there. Write down any questions you have as you research.
Take your questions into your consultation rather than trying to diagnose your smile on your own.
Travel Insurance. Does Your Clinic Offer Guarantees?
Once you have everything you need from your dentist look over your travel insurance policy. Double check your policy will cover your trip.
Tell your insurer you’re planning on travelling abroad for dental treatment. The NHS recommend doing this before you leave.
Remember, UK Citizens cannot use GHIC or EHIC as payment when visiting Turkey.
Rather than relying on them read your clinic guarantee too.
Does your dental clinic offer guarantees should you need any of your dental work corrected?
Does it cover remedial work if a restoration needs adjustment, repair or replacement?
Will they pay for flights and hotel if you need to travel back to Turkey for more treatment?
Don’t be afraid to ask who you contact if you need to make a complaint. Request the clinic’s complaints procedure and read it before treatment starts.
All these questions can be answered by contacting the clinic yourself. Then comparing what they tell you with independent dental advice for tourists.
Write it down. A time limit on your clinic guarantee isn’t useful if you don’t read the terms hidden within the paragraph.
Returning Home After Dental Treatment in Turkey
When you leave Turkey request copies of any treatment records. Keeping a digital copy is always better than trying to remember a detail from a WhatsApp conversation.
Which teeth were worked on? What type of restorations did you receive?
Request as much information as possible if you got dental implants in Turkey. Including the implant brand and component details.
With dental bridges ask about the supporting teeth or implants.
Do you remember what your dentist told you could and could not do with your restorations during recovery and aftercare?
Retrieve contact details should you need future follow up or aftercare. Learn who to ask for when you contact the clinic later on.
Will they provide written responses to emails or will you need to call the clinic? When you call can you send photos if they aren’t responsive over WhatsApp?
Talk to your dentist back home before you book any treatment. Your UK dentist should know what dental work you receive while you’re in Turkey.
If possible, keep them updated with any treatment you receive. The GDC recommends you let your dentist know if you’re getting dental treatment abroad.
Find out who to contact in Turkey if you need urgent dental care when you return home.
Waiting weeks for a reply from your dentist in Turkey isn’t ideal when you require emergency care.
Anyone can guarantee success. Dentistry and dental work abroad always come with risks.
What Happens After You Book?
Researching dental tourism packages to Turkey starts with your dental treatment plan. Not blindly booking with the first clinic to offer you lower prices than your UK dentist.
Educate yourself on exactly what will happen during your trip to Turkey for dental work.
What treatment you need, how your treatment is split into stages and how many appointments you need.
You should now also know what questions to ask if something in your treatment plan changes. Or if you suddenly need more time in Turkey due to complications.
What support is available if you need dental help when you return to the UK?
Contact Bella Teeth About Turkey Dental Tourism
If you’re researching dental tourism in Turkey or dental tourism packages then you can always contact Bella Teeth.
Send us your existing quotation along with any available dental records.
We can go over that information together. Determine what dental treatment you’ve been offered and go from there.
Bella Teeth is part of Bella Clinic.
Researching your dental treatment doesn’t need to be done in one go. There is no rush to book your flights until you feel confident and know what questions to ask.