'Dental tourists' seek treatment abroad

EU dentistry: Irish consumers have long been slipping over the border for cheaper dental treatment in Northern Ireland. But, with a less favourable exchange rate, the price-conscious are looking further afield.

New EU states with lower wages and overheads are cashing in on a new breed of "dental tourists" - patients who require extensive dental treatment and are prepared to travel if the price is right.

Kreativ Dental Tours Ireland offers packages combining treatment at its clinic in Budapest, Hungary, with hotel booking.

The packages, according to the tour operator, are a fraction of the cost of similar Irish treatments.

Patients requiring minor procedures, such as extractions and fillings, will not see much difference in price. However, for more extensive work, the savings could be considerable.

On its website - kreativdent.ie - the company quotes root canal treatment at €100 and porcelain crowns from €265 to €350.

It also offers a number of combined treatments at a reduced price and says most procedures can be completed within a week, at the most.

The Irish Dental Association (IDA) says it cannot vouch for the standards of treatment in other countries, but encourages consumers to consider whether they are comparing "like with like".

"I am not in a position to comment on standards of dentistry in Budapest but I can say that standards in the 26 counties are recognised as second to none in Europe," IDA secretary general, Mr Donal Atkins, said.

The IDA was aware that some Irish consumers were seeking treatment outside the State but, he said, it was not a major worry for the profession.

"The IDA's experience indicates that patients return to their local family dentist for a variety of reasons. Consequently, the IDA is not unduly concerned."

While patients are free to consult any dentist in any country, the IDA would prefer people to see Irish dentists, he said.

"This makes it easier to check out some important issues such as hygiene in the surgery, cross- infection control procedures, emergency services available and where the surgery is easy to access."