The allure of affordable dental procedures abroad, known as dental tourism, continues to tempt many Americans. However, according to Dr. Rich Dawson, a dentist with many years of experience, the short-term savings could very well lead to long-term regrets.
“I often get disaster cases. It's one thing if a patient travels abroad to get a simple tooth extraction or a cleaning. However, the consequences are far-reaching when it's more complex," Dr. Dawson said.
Dr. Dawson recently dealt with a particularly distressing case where a patient was talked into a major procedure abroad.
"I had a patient who went down to Mexico for what she thought was a simple procedure, to get two teeth pulled. Instead, the dentist there performed a full mouth restoration. By the time she drove back home, two of her crowns had fallen out. The gray of the metal showed through all her teeth. She showed me pictures - her teeth looked absolutely fabulous before the procedure," Dr. Dawson shared.
For this patient, the procedure didn't just lead to cosmetic issues, but also long-term issues to oral and overall health.
"Her jaws are misaligned now, leading to horrible migraines. Talking to her is tough because she's in so much pain. There's always a risk with dental procedures, even here, but at least I'm right down the road, ready to help. Plus, we're held accountable by our local dental board. In her case, there's no recourse, nothing she can do. She's trapped and will now spend way more money rectifying the situation than if she'd simply had the procedure done in the US," Dr. Dawson explained.
The dangers of dental tourism is not only a matter of distance but also of expertise, as some procedures take many years to perfect such as fixed implants.
“Fixed implant overdentures are especially technique-sensitive. Many are jumping in to perform these without the requisite qualification. How do you ensure you’re picking the right dentist? What are the alternatives if something goes wrong?” Dr. Dawson questioned.
Many patients consider dental tourism out of frustration with the high costs of dentistry in the US, says Dr. Dawson.
“For instance, the exact same dental implant that comes from Brazil costs a Brazilian dentist $94, while I have to pay $200 – that’s more than twice. Our lab fees are significantly higher, too. A lab technician in Brazil might charge much less than their US counterpart, and these costs inevitably get passed along to the patient.”
It's not just about the initial cost. "Having your procedure done locally means the doctor is down the road. There's security in knowing that if something breaks or goes wrong, they're on the hook to fix it. It's like an insurance policy," Dr. Dawson remarked.
The worst example of this he’d seen was a patient who received a full-mouth restoration abroad.
"I recall a patient who had a full-mouth restoration in Bosnia. It was a spectacular failure, a zygomatic case. She was faced with a $70,000 bill. She could've saved that money by having the procedure done here in the US," Dr. Dawson said.
There’s a misconception surrounding dental costs Dr. Dawson believes that arises due to a lack of information.
"Patients are often in sticker shock because they’re not aware of the risks of undergoing major procedures abroad,” Dr. Dawson said. “I used to visit Peru often. In my 20s, when funds were tight, I'd think, why spend $150 on teeth cleaning in the US when it's $20 there? So, I empathize. But patients must understand the risks."
It's important to note that the issue isn't solely about the quality of dentistry.
“Many overseas dentists are excellent at their craft, just as some here might not be up to par. It's not about quality – it's about accountability. If a procedure done locally goes awry, I always say, ‘Let them fix it.’ But you can’t hold an overseas dentist to that same standard,” he said.
Dr. Dawson believes that more patients haven’t spoken out because there is an emotional toll.
"Patients are often too embarrassed to speak out. They fear the shame of being labeled a ‘dental tourist’, in addition to dealing with complications. One patient told me, 'Had I known it'd be like this, I'd never have done it.' But they remain silent, fearing judgment,” Dr. Dawson concluded.
In an era where medical tourism is on the rise, Dr. Dawson’s insights provide a necessary counterpoint, urging patients to weigh the true costs and risks before venturing abroad for dental procedures.
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Source: Tan social PR
Release ID: 785561