DENTAL DILEMMAS – Dr Ansar Mahmood from Synergy Dental Clinics helps with advice on dental problems

Q. Will I get the same standard of dental treatment if I go abroad?

A. This is something I get asked quite regularly and it can seem like a good idea at first because the treatment is usually cheaper than in the UK.

Countries like Poland or Hungary are among the many that provide dental services cheaper than those offered in the UK and it is tempting. The standards are quite high – I graduated in Poland and practised dentistry there, too.

The UK has great standards of dentistry in general and some of its dentists are regarded as the best in the world, so if you are thinking of going abroad for treatment, there are a few things you should consider.

The UK has some of the strictest regulations regarding dental treatment which is enforced by the General Dental Council and the Care Quality Commission. You will also be required to spend a lot of time researching a dentist and when you find one, I’d recommend calling them and speaking to them a few times regarding the treatment. Finding out if there is a language barrier is a crucial factor.

Find out about their aftercare processes, how easy will it be to contact them in case you have any questions? What if you don’t understand their instructions clearly, or what if the final restoration doesn’t turn out as you expected it to?

Consider other factors, too, like flight costs, accommodation and time off work as well as understanding that complex dental treatment doesn’t happen overnight or in one visit. You may have to go back a few times.

* For more information about dental issues, contact Synergy Dental Clinics Bury, email bury@synergydental.org.uk or go to synergydental.org.uk/dentist-in-bury