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HEALTH TOURISM AND DENTISTRY

People around the world are increasingly communicating with one another, interacting more closely, and traveling far more frequently than before. The number of individuals traveling for various reasons continues to rise, with health being one of the leading motivations.

Traveling from one’s place of residence to another location for the purpose of regaining health and receiving medical treatment is referred to as health tourism. The reasons behind health-related travel vary considerably.

For example, some patients travel because they cannot benefit from health insurance in their own countries or are unable to afford the high costs of treatment. Others choose to travel abroad in search of more advanced technological infrastructure and medical facilities. There are also patients who, despite having insurance coverage in their home countries, prefer to seek treatment elsewhere due to long waiting times.

In this way, patients not only receive medical care but may also benefit from touristic facilities to meet their needs for rest and recovery.

Türkiye holds highly significant advantages in terms of tourism, with its natural and historical attractions, world-renowned holiday destinations, luxury hotels, as well as its thermal waters and spa resorts. When these assets are combined with accredited hospitals, well-equipped and modern clinics, and strong academic staff in both public and private healthcare institutions, the country becomes an attractive destination for patients from all over the world.

From a dental perspective, Türkiye is competitive with many of the world’s leading countries in terms of technological infrastructure, professional knowledge, clinical expertise, and experience. When the balance between cost and quality of service is considered, Türkiye justifiably stands out as a highly advantageous option compared to many other countries.

Many patients are open to receiving high-quality dental treatment abroad at more affordable prices, either because they lack health insurance in their home countries or because dental treatments are not covered by their insurance plans. One of the most frequently raised concerns relates to the pathway patients should follow in the event of a complication, particularly how they can reach their treating dentist. Patients often report difficulties when they seek follow-up treatment in their own countries after receiving care abroad. In this context, intergovernmental agreements gain increasing importance. As the volume of treatments rises, disputes may also increase, potentially leading to a higher number of cases brought before international legal systems. Therefore, treatment agreements signed between patients and healthcare providers must be prepared with great care, and the scope of guarantees must be clearly explained to patients.

For patients seeking treatment, the process generally proceeds as follows:

Patients are asked to send their panoramic radiographs or dental CT scans via email, depending on their complaints and the procedures being considered. Based on the radiological evaluation, if procedures such as extensive periodontal treatment, extractions, root canal treatments, or fillings are required, patients may be advised to have these treatments completed in their home countries to shorten the overall treatment duration. After treatment options are explained and cost information is provided, travel and accommodation details are discussed with the patient. If the patient accepts the treatment plan, they then travel to Türkiye to receive care.

The majority of patients traveling to Türkiye for dental treatment seek aesthetic dentistry or implant therapy. Aesthetic treatments are typically completed within approximately one week, while implant treatments may be completed in a single day or within one week, depending on the selected technique and the patient’s bone condition.

In light of all these considerations, it can be stated that health tourism represents a field with the potential to make a substantial contribution to Türkiye’s future. Maintaining stability, preserving treatments that meet international standards, and ensuring continued quality of service without unfair price increases are crucial.