10 common misconceptions about dentistry abroad

This is the most common misconception about dentistry abroad in general. Although we can only speak for our clinics in Krakow, we can confirm that this is NOT TRUE. Dental treatments in Poland are cheaper because the labour and service costs are much lower when compared with richer countries such as the United Kingdom. Quality is not compromised at all. Our dentists use the same world class dental materials and equipment as their UK, French or Irish counterparts. For example, Swedish manufactured Procera porcelain crown (regarded as one of the best in the world) costs in Poland £370 but the UK cost is closer to £1000 per tooth (exactly the same crown).

This is another common misconception. Some foreign patients assume that dental treatments in countries such as Poland are cheaper because dentists lack qualifications and experience. Again, this is not true. Usually only the best, well established, reputable and full service clinics take on foreign patients and dentists employed in such practises often have superior qualification and experience. Additionally, dental studies in Poland are, in our opinion, more difficult than in majority of Western European countries. A dentist-to-be in Poland needs to study for 5 years at a medical school and then work as an apprentice for 2 years before they can commence employment as a general dentist. Some of dentists that work in Dentists in Poland clinics have degrees from other US universities. We also have dentists that have PhD degrees and are lecturers at the Medical University in Krakow.

The whole dental tourism model wouldn’t work if dentists abroad didn’t speak English. Dentists that work in our practises speak good and very good English and they explain reasons behind each treatment plan at their consultations.

Some UK based dental surgeries started using high travel costs in their marketing to discourage patients from going abroad to obtain a treatment (often saying that such trips costs thousands of pounds). In reality, travel costs are not even close to being so high. In the era of budget airlines flights to Krakow are cheap from most of the UK airports and prices start from as little as £25 one way. Other travel costs are not high either. Dentists in Poland offers 3 day dental packages that include 2 night accommodation in the hotel in Krakow, return taxi airport transfers, panoramic X-ray, consultation and the treatment plan from £95 per person. For more information please go to dental holiday packages section

Unlike some clinics in the UK, we provide the guarantee for all the treatments performed in our clinics in Krakow. Due to sophisticated diagnosis process it is highly unlikely that a patient would ever need to claim the guarantee. However, if they do, we will fix the problem free of charge.

The truth is that 80% of foreigners that had a smile makeover done in our clinics had done so in one or two short trips. Most of the trips were up to 4 days long. It is also the truth that patients that require complicated dental implant restorations with bone graft or sinus lift need at least 3 visits. However, costs savings made by patients who require such complicated restorations is often in several thousands of pounds so extra visits are certainly worth the effort. For more information about costs savings made by our patients please visit dental case studies section.

It is a myth that dentists in countries such as Poland have only access to tolls usually reserved for a locksmith. As mentioned earlier, dental equipment and materials used in Poland are of top quality, most with ISO accreditation. All surgeries in Poland comply with strict EU regulations. Clinics that do not comply will not get their license renewed.

It is the fact that a number of Polish dentists currently work in the UK and they have been widely recognised for their skills and professionalism by patients and the UK media. However, it is also the fact that most established dentists have not emigrated and they stayed in Poland to run their own practises.

There are no hidden costs at all. Prices on our website are the actual prices for dental procedures performed in our clinics in Krakow (subject to exchange rate - + 5%). Each case is different and the cost for the complete restoration might be higher or lower depending on the scale of the work required. If a patient provides us with the treatment plan from their local dentists, we’ll be able to match it accurately based on our charges.

There are no waiting lists in our clinics although we’d like to get 1-2 weeks’ notice so there is no disturbance to other patients’ appointments. Our clinics are open from Monday to Saturday from 9 AM till 7PM so we can provide flexible appointment times.