Is Dental Tourism Safe in 2025? 5 Questions You Must Ask Before Booking Abroad

By Dr. Madina Gulverdiyeva

You’ve been dreaming of that perfect smile. Maybe it’s straighter teeth, a brighter grin, or finally fixing that chipped tooth from years ago. And now you’re hearing about friends, coworkers, even your neighbour flying overseas for dental work at half the cost. Tempting, right? But is Dental Tourism safe?

It’s easy to see why. Dental tourism can offer top-notch care for less, but here’s the thing. Not all clinics or experiences are created equal. Some patients return with stunning results, while others face complications because they didn’t ask the right questions before hopping on that plane.

So, let’s dive into the real deal about dental tourism. What makes it appealing? Is it safe? And what should you know before booking that appointment abroad? This guide walks through everything, with your health and your smile in mind.

Benefits of Dental Tourism

Let’s start with why so many people are even considering getting on a plane for dental care. The biggest draw? Cost savings. Dental procedures can be significantly cheaper abroad, sometimes 50 to 70 percent less than in the US, UK, or Australia.

For example, a full set of veneers that might cost 20,000 dollars at home could run around 6,000 dollars in places like Turkey or Mexico. And often, the quality is just as high.

But it’s not just about saving money. Many clinics abroad offer shorter wait times and more personalized care. Some even package treatments with hotel stays and sightseeing. It’s like going on a mini vacation and getting a smile makeover at the same time.

That’s why it’s no surprise that the dental tourism industry is booming. In fact, according to Global Market Insights, the dental tourism industry is worth over $7.7 billion, and is projected to reach $24 billion by 2032.

The appeal is real, but as you’ll soon see, you must do your homework before jumping in.

5 Questions You Need to Ask Before Booking

Some patients come back from dental tourism trips thrilled with their results. But others return home with infections, poor fitting crowns, or worse. The difference often comes down to what they did or didn’t ask before booking. Here are your dental tourism safety tips!

1. Is the dentist qualified and licensed?

This might sound basic, but don’t just assume. Every country has its own standards for dental training and licensure. Some are excellent. Others are not. Always ask for the dentist’s credentials. Where did they study? Are they part of any international dental associations?

Look for clinics that showcase their team’s qualifications and are transparent about sharing them. If you’re unsure, verify those credentials through professional bodies like the World Dental Federation.

Also, ask whether the dentist or oral surgeon has done the specific procedure you’re seeking many times before. For example, someone doing ten veneer placements a week likely has better technique than someone doing one or two a month. Ask about case studies or even before-and-after photos.

2. What materials and technology do they use?

Not all crowns, implants, or veneers are created equal. Some clinics offer lower prices because they’re using cheaper materials that won’t last. There are cases of patients needing to replace restorations that cracked within months.

Always ask about the materials. Are they FDA-approved or CE-marked? What brands of implants or veneers do they use? Do they give you paperwork for the implant or product placed?

Also ask what technology is used. Do they offer digital smile design? 3D scanning? In-house labs? Clinics using modern tools tend to have better treatment planning, accuracy, and fit. These things make a big difference in results and how long your dental work lasts.

3. What are the infection control and sterilization standards?

Infection control standards vary from country to country. A spotless waiting room doesn’t mean everything behind the scenes is sterile.

Ask detailed questions. Do they use single-use instruments when needed? Are reusable tools autoclaved between patients? Is the water used in procedures filtered or distilled? Are gloves and masks changed between every appointment?

Look for clinics that follow international sterilization guidelines and are accredited by organizations like Joint Commission International (JCI) or equivalent bodies.

It’s not rude to ask about these things. Any professional clinic should be happy to explain their safety protocols.

4. What happens if something goes wrong?

Even in the best clinics, complications can happen. So what’s the plan if you’re not satisfied or something goes wrong after you return home? You should think about the dental tourism risks before you go abroad.

Ask whether the clinic offers any warranty on their work. How long does it last? What happens if a crown breaks, or your gum becomes inflamed weeks later?

Some of the better clinics offer a two to five-year guarantee and even include a free fix if you return. Others partner with local dentists in your country to help with follow-up care.

And here’s a pro tip. Get everything in writing. It’s one thing for a clinic to say, “Don’t worry, we’ll take care of it,” but you want that care policy clearly explained in advance.

5. Can you speak to past patients or read reviews?

Nothing beats hearing from people who’ve already been there. Ask the clinic if they can connect you with past patients or direct you to review sites that aren’t just their own.

Search for reviews on Google, Facebook, and forums like RealSelf or in Facebook groups where people share uncensored stories about dental tourism experiences. You’ll likely come across both glowing testimonials and honest warnings.

If you can, reach out directly to someone who had the same treatment you’re planning. Ask what the recovery was like, how they felt about the service, and if they’d go back again. These real stories can help you feel confident or steer you clear of clinics that just look good online.

The Best Place for Dental Tourism: Why Turkey is a Top Destination

If you’ve been looking into dental tourism, then chances are you’ve come across Turkey. No surprise there. After all, Turkey has become a global hotspot for dental work, attracting thousands of patients each year with its affordable dental work, high-quality care, and world-class hospitality.

Clinics in Turkey often boast state-of-the-art technology, internationally trained dentists, and beautiful, modern facilities. Plus, the cost savings are significant. For example, veneers that might cost $1,000 per tooth in the US can be as low as $200-$300 in Turkey.

But it’s not just about the dentistry. You get to experience rich culture, stunning architecture, and world-famous cuisine while you’re there. This is even more true if your dental work is to be done in popular cities like Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir.

That said, even in Turkey, not all dental clinics are the same. For an enjoyable and successful dental tourism in Turkey, you need to select the best clinic. Speaking of which, DentSpa is one great option when choosing a dental clinic in Turkey.

You won’t find many clinics quite like this one. With its base in the heart of Turkey, it’s where some of Europe’s most respected dental experts come together. Each has a PhD, years of hands-on experience, and a love for what they do.

What sets them apart from other dental clinics abroad isn’t the shiny awards or the ‘Best Dental Clinic in Europe‘ title (though yes, they’ve earned that too). It’s the way they combine skill and cutting-edge tech to give people life-changing smiles.

You can reach out to DentSpa right here and now!

For those who are inspired by this MedClinics Blog, “Is Dental Tourism Safe in 2025? 5 Questions You Must Ask Before Booking Abroad”, remember that your path to a new smile is just a phone call away. Anyone interested in finding out more about dental implants in Istanbul, Turkey can contact MedClinics. There you will be in the best hands.

Get a free consultation and a no-obligation quote now!