Why Turkey Is Popular Among UK Patients

Over the past decade Turkey has become one of the best-known destinations for UK patients seeking dental treatment abroad. Istanbul, Antalya and Izmir in particular attract visitors looking for implants, crowns and veneers. But why has dental treatment in Turkey become so popular with UK patients, and what should you weigh up before following the trend? This article looks at the main reasons, alongside the risks and practical questions that are just as important.

For the bigger picture, including how to check a clinic and plan aftercare back in the UK, see our guide to dental implants in Turkey.

Cost: the main driver

The most common reason UK patients look at Turkey is price. Private dental fees in the UK reflect the cost of running a practice here, including premises, staff, laboratory work and insurance. In Turkey, many of these costs are lower, and the exchange rate between the pound and the Turkish lira has often worked in UK patients’ favour. As a result, quoted fees for larger treatments such as implants or multiple crowns can be considerably lower than UK private prices.

That said, the saving depends on the treatment. For a single filling or crown, flights and accommodation can cancel out much of the difference. Savings are usually more noticeable for larger treatment plans, which also involve more planning, more time and sometimes more than one trip. Our guide Is it cheaper to get dental work abroad from the UK? explains how to compare costs properly.

Limited NHS access and long waits

Many people in the UK find it difficult to register with an NHS dentist or to get a timely appointment. In addition, several treatments that people want, such as dental implants in most cases and cosmetic veneers, are not available on the NHS at all. For patients facing private fees either way, comparing UK private care with treatment abroad can seem a natural step.

For background, see why NHS dental waiting times are so long and what NHS dental care covers.

Easy travel from the UK

Turkey is relatively easy to reach from the UK. There are frequent flights from London and many regional airports to Istanbul and to coastal cities, with a typical flight time of around four hours. Many UK travellers already know Turkey as a holiday destination, which makes the idea of travelling there for treatment feel less daunting.

Before booking, check the current entry requirements for UK passport holders on the UK government’s foreign travel advice pages, as these can change.

An established dental tourism sector

Turkey has a large private dental sector, and many clinics are set up specifically to treat international patients. They often offer English-speaking coordinators, help with travel arrangements and treatment schedules designed around short stays. For many UK patients, this level of organisation is part of the appeal.

It is worth remembering, though, that a polished service does not by itself tell you anything about clinical quality. Hotels and airport transfers are conveniences; what matters most is who carries out your treatment, how they plan it and how complications are handled.

The range of treatments on offer

UK patients travel to Turkey for a wide range of dental treatment, including:

• Dental implants, from single implants to full-arch options such as All-on-4 and All-on-6;
• Crowns and bridges, including zirconia and porcelain restorations;
• Veneers, in porcelain or composite;
• Smile makeovers combining several treatments.

Implant treatment in particular usually involves at least two visits a few months apart, so that the implants can bond with the bone before the final teeth are fitted. Our article How many visits are needed for implants? explains why.

The other side: risks and concerns

Turkey’s popularity has also brought publicity about treatment that has gone wrong. The term “Turkey teeth” is often used to describe heavily filed-down teeth covered with crowns or veneers, sometimes on teeth that were healthy beforehand. Crowns and veneers involve removing tooth structure, which cannot be reversed, and can lead to sensitivity, nerve damage or the need for root canal treatment later.

Other concerns include:

• Rushed treatment: very short stays can leave little time for healing or for correcting problems before you fly home;
• Overtreatment: plans that recommend more extensive work than is clinically needed;
• Aftercare: if problems arise once you are back in the UK, remedial work is likely to be at your own cost;
• Flying after surgery: your dentist should advise on how soon it is safe to fly after extractions or implant surgery;
• Complaints and redress: UK complaint routes and the General Dental Council do not cover clinics and dentists abroad.

Our articles What are “Turkey teeth”? and Is dental tourism safe for UK patients? look at these issues in more depth.

How to make a careful decision

If you are considering dental treatment in Turkey, a few steps can help you make a balanced choice:

1. Get a UK assessment first. A UK dentist can examine you, take X-rays and give you a baseline treatment plan to compare against quotes from abroad.
2. Check the dentist, not just the clinic. Ask who will carry out your treatment, what qualifications they hold and whether they are licensed to practise in Turkey.
3. Ask about accreditation and materials. Find out which implant systems and crown materials will be used, and ask for the details in writing.
4. Insist on a written treatment plan. It should list each procedure, the materials, the number of visits, the itemised cost and the main risks.
5. Understand the aftercare policy. Ask what happens if a crown fails or an implant does not integrate, and who pays for travel and remedial work.
6. Allow enough time. Avoid schedules that leave no room for healing or adjustments.
7. Plan follow-up at home. Arrange how you will have regular check-ups in the UK after treatment.

Our checklist of questions to ask before getting dental implants and our guide what UK patients should know before travelling for dental treatment may also help.

Frequently asked questions

Is dental treatment in Turkey always cheaper than in the UK?

Not always. Fees for larger treatments are often lower, but once travel, accommodation, time off work and possible extra visits are included, the difference can be smaller than it first appears, especially for minor treatments.

Can I get NHS help if something goes wrong after treatment abroad?

NHS services can provide urgent care, such as dealing with pain or infection, but correcting private treatment done abroad is generally not provided on the NHS and is likely to require private treatment.

How long should I plan to stay in Turkey?

It depends on the treatment. Crowns and veneers may need a stay of several days, while implants usually require two trips separated by a few months of healing. Your treatment plan should set this out clearly.

Turkey’s popularity with UK patients reflects real differences in cost and access, but every case is different. Before deciding, get an individual examination and treatment plan from a qualified, licensed dentist and make sure you understand both the benefits and the risks.

Sources

• Health – Turkey travel advice — GOV.UK (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
• Going abroad for dental treatment — General Dental Council
• I am thinking about getting treatment overseas. Is this a good idea? — Oral Health Foundation