It is not uncommon for dental work in smaller countries to cost a fraction of what it would cost in Western countries. In Albania, there has been an explosion in dentistry tourism as a result of the proliferation of medical clinics. Traveling for dental work can be quite tempting and a very wise choice. An overview of the pros and cons can be found below.
Perhaps you haven’t traveled much in the past. It is common for people to travel to change their environment, relax and relieve stress. Most people run away just so they can see a completely different country and take a break from their daily routine. Whatever the case might be they would like their future destination to be a fun and memorable place. You have undoubtedly heard of people traveling with the sole purpose of having a holiday while getting orthodontic work done. Things were kind of paused during the COVID explosion. However, now they are back on track and the dental tourism market has reopened. This is thanks to hotels and airlines helping with lower prices. This was taken as a sign for people to start looking again for global health deals. While no one wants to go to the beach swollen up and feeling numb, the prices of the away dental procedure have many people interested. For a simple fact, prices in countries like Albania are 90% lower when compared to other Eastern and Western European countries. Some people are even able to pay for their hotel and flight with the money they save from the dental procedure. There is no wonder why dental tourism has become such a big deal.
Money isn’t as significant as the dental care you are offered. To become a dental tourist, we recommend planning everything carefully. First, do your research. Before planning on rolling the dice, and ending up ruining your trip, remember to read every review you can, every article about the clinic you plan to visit. Check the accreditations.
Probably the most frequently asked question is “What are the pros?”, but we think the answer is pretty obvious. Who would say no to flying to a whole different country? Then you can enjoy the views, the culture, and the food, all while getting your teeth done at the same time. As a bonus, the prices are still lower than in any Western country. Undoubtedly, one of the two main reasons why people choose dental holidays is the fact that they can get a holiday that is close to free.
As previously mentioned, using dental holidays as a way to get your dental services saves you hundreds or thousands of dollars. While a procedure might cost you $10.000 back home in whatever country you are from, it costs $1000 in Albania, flights, and accommodation included.
Patients have called this one of the most relevant details, even more, significant than the cost savings. Why put off your dental treatment? If you fly abroad for your dental care, the appointment schedule will be in accordance with your staying schedule. There will be no need to wait for months for an immediate procedure. You can indeed book an appointment as soon as possible and communicate with your dentist via telephone or e-mail.
The whole old idea of getting what you pay for quickly becomes a misconception when you go abroad for dental treatment. You will notice just how dental work costs a fraction of what it costs in other countries but has the same premium service.
By flying abroad you will most likely get even better service. We noticed an increase in quality in Albania before noticing it in Western countries. It is like choosing a 5-star clinic for the price of 3 stars. You will have to experience this to fully understand what we are talking about.
Though a major stumbling block in communication can be the language barrier, in Albania you do not have to worry about it. Most clinics have staff that is bilingual or multilingual, speaking languages such as English, Italian, Spanish, French, German, or/and Greek. This serves as a means to prevent issues from arising.
Some of the downsides of dental tourism are security and safety risks. Of course, traveling abroad comes with its hazards. For example, one of the biggest problems nowadays has been COVID-19 and the risk of contracting it. Though most countries, if not all, allow flying and using masks, the risk still looms. The further you travel, the higher the risks. Good thing Albania is no more than three hours away from your country if you live in Western Europe. Other cons include:
Most dental procedures’ success is largely determined by the health of your gums. If you have a present disease or infection in your gums, this should be addressed before starting the procedure. Dental tourism would be difficult because it involves multiple trips. However, if you can fly more than once, or spend some time in Albania, this wouldn’t be a problem as the country offers you everything- from culture to beaches and shopping centers.
Another problem, though not as critical as the treatment itself. As a first step, you should know that most clinics in Albania offer packages, but these are usually either individual or double packages. Meaning, you can either go to Albania on your own or only take one person with you. There is no space for other family members. The prices of tickets to Albania range from $30 to $100, which means a ticket is easily reachable and affordable.
Though we mentioned that Albanian dental services are most wanted because of their cost-effectiveness, the prices aren’t as cheap as in Malaysia. But if you are traveling within Europe, Albania might be the safest choice. Because even if Malaysia provides cheaper dental treatments, the flights do tend to have a high cost.
Now, one of the most critical issues with patients deciding to see dentists overseas, or just abroad, comes from the patients themselves. The thing is, most patients require focused dental work, and as patients ourselves, we are concerned about the way their teeth have deteriorated the way they have.
A lot of deterioration is attributed to the way patients look after their teeth, their eating habits, and oral hygiene, or rather a lack of it all. There are many, many other factors. If these risk factors aren’t controlled continuously and fixed within a few days, what are the chances of long-term success?
Despite the cons of it all, the pros seem to win, as many people decide to have dental work done in another, nearby country. There are, however, some steps that will help minimize your risks:
Make sure to read every article, review, and official website information of whichever clinic you are choosing to attend. Check to see if they have malpractice insurance as well. Furthermore, you can contact them via phone or e-mail to get answers to questions or demands you might have.
Before the beginning of the procedure, you and your dentist must be on the same page. You should know everything about how long the procedure will take, how much the procedure will cost, and what the results will be like. You should be open and honest about everything so there are no surprises afterward.
We know you have searched a lot of clinics and decided on the one that you like most. However, you must get a second opinion from another dentist. This will fully make sure that you are in need of that procedure and that your current dentist isn’t upselling you.
The most affordable and exciting way to receive dental services is to travel abroad. But not only that, it is of exceptional quality. When it comes to this, the saying “you get what you pay for” does not apply. Because having your dental treatments done in Albania will give you the security and peace of mind you will need. It will also allow you to visit new places and enjoy a holiday. Having a price that reflects the quality of dental treatments is essential so that you do not have to pay twice for the same treatment. This isn’t valid only regarding the monetary cost but also the potential remedial work on top of your initial treatment. Those looking for comprehensive treatment won’t have to go very far because Albanian clinics are here to help. Go have some fun and get your teeth fixed, so you can get your confidence back.
