If you are planning on travelling internationally to receive dental care, we have some tips and things you should be aware of.
- Understand your treatment needs. Clearly understand what dental treatment you need before you leave home. Get a cost estimate from your dentist and a clear description of the work that is recommended – and why.
- Compare treatment plans. Compare your diagnosis and treatment plan from your dentist with the one you get from the dentist in the international country. If the international dentist recommends more or different work, ask why.
- Ask for referrals. Ask your friends for referrals for international dentists or if their Canadian dentist has commented that the international work was of good quality.
- Know your health history and medications. This includes knowing the names of all prescription medications you take. Make sure the international dentist considers your health history before proceeding.
- Retain copies of your records. Ask the international dentist for English copies of your dental chart notes, any X-rays, or other tests taken so that you can provide this information to your Dentist when you return. Continuity of your dental records is important.
- Understand any post-operative complications. Before leaving, consult with your dentist to understand any post-operative complications that could arise, including infection or bleeding, and what you should do while you’re away, and when you get home.
- Be wary of promises and the latest technology. Be wary of promises or claims made regarding success rates, advanced technologies, and accreditation. Good dentistry does not always come from the latest high-tech equipment.
- Know what recourse is available. Understand your recourse if things go wrong before you consent to the procedure. As a non-resident, promises or guarantees may be meaningless.
- Ask your dentist about treatment options. If your decision to have dental work done in an international country is purely based on costs in Canada, ask your dentist if your recommended treatment can be staged over time, or if you can go on a payment plan to lessen the impact of the treatment costs.
Adapted from information provided by the BCDA.