Is Turkey Safe to Travel for Dental Tourism

Every country is known for something- whether it's for good or not-so-good reasons. That said, what pops into your mind when you think of Turkey? Ancient history? Rich culture? World-class delicacies? And many more, right?

Recently, Turkey has grown its reputation as one of the world's leading destinations for affordable and high-quality dental care. Year after year, thousands of international patients arrive in Turkey not just for sightseeing, but for the opportunity to receive advanced and dental treatments at clinics equipped with leading-edge technology and staffed by internationally certified professionals.

With its government-backed clinics, internationally accredited hospitals, and highly trained dental professionals- Turkey now rivals many Western countries in both its service quality and affordability. Among these trusted institutions is Denthouse, a government-approved clinic that stands out for its commitment to safety, patient satisfaction, as well as international best practices.

So, how safe is it to travel to Turkey for dental treatment? This piece will give you every little detail that makes Turkey a global attraction to dental tourism. Let's have it!

What is Dental Tourism?

To start with, have you ever come across the word “Dental Tourism”? Okay, It involves travelling abroad for dental procedures that are either too expensive or not readily available in one's home country. Sometimes, it might be readily available and affordable in one's country, but might just want to get it done in the best and safest way.  It combines the appeal of visiting a new place with the practicality of receiving professional dental treatment at a lower cost.

In the class of many advanced healthcare destinations, Turkey stands out. It offers:

  • Government-regulated clinics like Denthouse
  • World-class dental facilities 
  • Highly trained dentists with international credentials 
  • Affordable treatment costs without sacrificing quality and safety 
  • Short waiting times

How Safe is Turkey for Dental Tourism?

It's very Safe! Both as a tourist and as a patient. According to the Global Peace Mass Index, Turkey’s safety rating has improved significantly in recent years. The country maintains strong safety standards for tourists, with tourist police units in major destinations. Also, there are strict health regulations in its dental clinics, which are regularly inspected by the Ministry of Health.

Many clinics-  including Denthouse, adhere to both Turkish and EU safety standards. In fact, many clinics  hold ISO certifications and affiliations with global dental associations. Below are key safety guarantees offered by dental clinics in Turkey:

Sterilization protocols that meet international standards

Dental clinics in Turkey don't take safety measures with levity- and this is what sets them apart. They observe infection control protocols, which include sterilization procedures, single-use items, environmental sanitation, and staff regular training.

Use of FDA- and CE-approved dental equipment

This is another standout feature. Turkish dental clinics invest heavily in top-tier technology equipment such as Digital Dentistry (including CAD/CAM systems, 3D printing, digital smile, etc), Advanced imaging, and premium materials from reputable global manufacturers.

Licensed professional fluent in English and other languages 

To become a Dentist in Turkey is by no means an easy feat, due to the rigorous curriculum that matches with European standards. The journey begins with a five-year dental program, followed by specialization options which may last up to four years, and then continuing education programs to maintain their licenses.

Transparent patient rights and treatment policies

Studies have shown  that the effectiveness of dental treatment in Turkey is noteworthy. Here is the breakdown: Dental implants in Turkey have a high success rate that exceeds 95%, positive reviews from numerous independent review platforms ( satisfaction rate of 4.7/5), and low complication rates, which are less than 3% of cases.

Why Should Turkey Be Your Preferred Choice for Dental Tourism?

If you think people only choose Turkey for their dental tourism just for affordability, then you've got it wrong. There are a lot of factors that influence their decision which range from strategic geographic location to fast appointment scheduling. 

  • Strategic geographic location: Do you consider location a barrier? No, it isn't. Turkey's position as a bridge between Europe and Asia makes it easily accessible. As a matter of fact, the country has direct flights connecting to over 300 destinations across the globe. 
  • Tourist-friendly cities: Yes, Turkey offers exceptional opportunities for combining dental care with vacation experiences. You've got cities like Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir where you can get your treatment and also experience natural beauty in conjunction with shopping opportunities. Plus, you can't wait to experience the world-class accommodation options!
  • Fast appointment scheduling: procedures can often begin just a day after arrival. Sounds good, right?

Cost Comparison of Dental Tourism in Turkey With Western Countries 

Choosing Turkey for your dental tourism offers you substantial savings of up to 60% and above without compromising quality. This is not even an exaggeration - below is the breakdown:

Procedure Average cost in USA ($) Average cost in the UK ($) Average cost in Turkey ($) Savings (%)
Single Dental Implant 3,000-4,500 2,000-2,800 600-1,200 70-80%
Porcelain Veneer (per tooth) 800-2,500 600-1,000 200-400 60-75%
Full Mouth Rehabilitation 25,000-45,000 15,000-25,000 6,000-10,000 70-80%
All-on-4 Implants 20,000-30,000 14,000-20,000 5,000-8,000 70-75%

So, what are the forces behind the lower costs? There are many, but let's share some:

Government incentives: Thanks to the Turkish government, there is the provision of tax benefits and subsidies to clinics serving international patients.

The economy of scale: when there is a high patient volume, clinics are given a chance to negotiate better prices for materials and equipment.

Direct service model: many dental clinics in Turkey operate with intermediaries, thus eliminating markup costs.

Lower operational costs: last but not least are the reduced overhead expenses for clinic space, utilities, and staff expenses.

Guess what? There are also many value-added services you'll enjoy if you decide to make Turkey your dental tourism location. Services like;

  • Complimentary consultations: Initial assessment and treatment planning are often provided free of charge. Yes, you read that correctly.
  • Free transportation: You won't spend a dime on your transportation to clinic appointments and airport transfers.
  • Accommodation assistance: patients will enjoy discounted rates at partner hotels or even free accommodation for extensive treatment plans.
  • Translational services: language is not a barrier- because there are multilingual staff and dedicated interpreters to ensure clear communication.

How to Choose The Right Dental Clinic in Turkey?

Knowing the right dental clinic to patronize in Turkey might be challenging, but worry less- we will give you every tip that will make your journey worth it. Here are things to Do/watch for:

Research & Due Diligence

You shouldn't joke with this at all. Make sure you verify the quality certification of the clinic of your choice both nationally and internationally. In addition, ask for statistics on procedure success and complication rates. You may as well check the independent review platforms for authentic patient feedback.

Red Flags to Watch for

warning signs that may indicate lower standards include extremely low prices, vague treatment plans, poor communication, limited information, etc. Take good note of these things so as not to fall victim. At Denthouse, NO SCAM ZONE!

Emphasis on credentials verification - verify the clinic's registration with the Turkish Ministry of Health. Check their membership in the Turkish Dental Association. And lastly, confirm any claimed international certifications like JCI or ISO.

World-Class Accommodation Options 

Turkey, being a highly developed country, provides you with many awesome accommodation options to choose from. Whether you're looking to live it up in a fancy inn or you just want a comfortable place to stay for the meantime- worry less, you're covered.

Top of the options are the luxury hotels. These are five-star spots that will make you feel like a VIP. Imagine yourself on plush beds enjoying top-notch service- no doubt, these places are perfect for a special occasion or if you just want to treat yourself.

Meanwhile if you're to save yourself a few bucks but still want a cozy place, then consider the mid-range options. What do we mean by mid-range options? These are three and four-star hostels at reasonable prices where you can as well get all the essentials without the exorbitant price tag.

Lastly, for those staying a while, the Extended stay apartments are your perfect options. These fully-equipped apartments are just like having your own little home away from home. Hence, they are perfect for dental tourism. 

No matter your pocket size, Turkey’s got an accommodation option flawlessly aligned with your budget.

Spotlight: Denthouse, Turkey 

Since you're on this page, you don't have to stress about finding the right dental clinic in Turkey- Denthouse is the perfect place for your dental tourism. It's a government-recognized dental clinic known for high treatment standards, English-speaking staff, and ethical business practices. The location is safe and tourist-friendly, plus it offers a comprehensive patient experience including airport transfers, accommodation coordination, as well as aftercare support. 

Check out some of the clinic highlights:

  1. Government-certified and licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health 
  2. Advanced diagnostic technology (3D imaging, digital impressions)
  3. Biocompatible materials sourced from Germany and Switzerland 
  4. Comfortable patient lounges and treatment rooms

Turkey is widely known and approved for dental tourism all over the world- Yes! There are proofs for that. Let's share with you some of the positive reviews from international clients;

  • Sarah from the UK: “My dental implant treatment at Denthouse exceeded my expectations. The quality was outstanding, and I saved over £10,000 compared to prices in London. The entire team was professional and caring.”
  • Michael from Canada: “Initially hesitant high-security live abroad for dental work, I'm now recommending Turkey to everyone. The technology was more advanced than my local clinic, and the dentists were exceptionally skilled.”
  • Elena from Germany: “ Beyond the excellent dental care, I was impressed by how westernized everything was. From airport pickup to hotel arrangements, every detail was handled perfectly.”

With these, you should have been convinced that Turkey is certainly the perfect destination for your dental tourism. So, are you considering doing your dental treatment in Turkey? Denthouse offers the perfect balance of affordability, safety and excellence. Our priority is that every one of our clients receives world-class care in a clean, accredited, and fully regulated environment.

Don't miss out, contact Denthouse today to schedule a free consultation- who knows? Your new smile might start here.

FAQs about Dental Tourism in Turkey 

Q1: Is it safe to travel to Turkey for dental tourism?

Yes, Turkey is generally a safe country for dental tourists. The country maintains high-security standards in tourist areas, and also their dental clinics follow strict healthcare regulations. 

Q2: How does the quality of dental care in Turkey compare to Western Countries?

Dental clinics in the major cities of Turkey offer quality comparable to western standards because their dentists are trained internationally. Moreover, They make use of the same advanced technologies and materials, and follow identical protocols as their western counterparts.

Q3: Will I face a language barrier?

No. The reason why you won't encounter any form of language barrier is because most dental professionals in Turkey's international clinics speak fluent English. In addition, Denthouse offer interpreter services for 8 languages to ensure there is clear communication throughout the client's period of stay.

Q4: How long do I need to stay in Turkey 

The duration of your stay depends on the specific procedure you're in for. Take for instance, basic implant placement may require 3-7 days, while more complex treatments like full-mouth reconstructions might necessitate 1-2 weeks or multiple visits.

Q5: What if something goes wrong after returning home?

A reputable Turkish dental clinic will offer guarantees on their work and provide protocols for addressing complications. This may include coordination with local dentists or covering costs for returning to Turkey if necessary. ,Denthouse patients also have the option of receiving postoperative support at our own clinic in the Netherlands, providing extra reassurance and convenience for follow-up care closer to home.

Q6: Is Turkey dental technology up-to-date?

Yes. Respectable dental clinics in Turkey like Denthouse invest heavily in state-of-the-art equipment and they follow the latest dental techniques and protocols.

Q7: Can I combine dental treatment with vacation activities in Turkey?

Absolutely. Many of the dental tourism packages give room for sightseeing and relaxation. Treatment schedules are normally designed to accommodate tourist activities between appointments.

Q8: How much can I save by getting dental treatment in Turkey?

Patients generally save up to 50-70% on dental procedures in Turkey compared to prices in US, UK, and western European countries, even after accounting for travel expenses.

Q9: How do I verify a Turkey dental clinic’s credentials?

Start by checking for ministry of Health registration, their membership in the Turkish dental association, international accreditations, and verified patient reviews. You can also request information about the dentist’s qualifications and specializations. 

Q10: Is it safe to travel alone?

Sure! Major cities like Istanbul and Antalya are safe for solo travellers, with their good public infrastructure and police presence- you won't encounter any problem throughout your stay.

Resources and References

  1. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://files.tuseb.gov.tr/tuska/files/akreditasyon/2024-12-02-14-33-10.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiD_42d48mMAxU_EFkFHdLPMPoQFnoECCUQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0TRiG3bgRSnSS8ndT2syxa
  2. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/04/07/2643184/0/en/Global-Dental-Tourism-Market-Report-2023-High-Insurance-Premiums-Drive-Growth.html
  3. https://www.fdiworlddental.org/turkish-dental-association
  4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39161058/
  5. https://cecdo.org/oral-healthcare/publications/
  6. Image by Alp Cem from Pixabay
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