New Zealand Patients Opting for Dental Tourism
More and more patients hailing from New Zealand are heading over to Thailand in order to receive cheaper dental treatments.
According to the New Zealand Dental Association, Kiwis are willing to purchase travel packages abroad in order to receive cosmetic dental treatments at the same time. However, the dental association warns of the risks they could be taking. Potential health risks include exposure to AIDS and Hepatitis for example.
Roy Watson, director of Absolutely Thailand, offers tourists accommodation, travel and dental treatments as a package. He states that since the 5 years he’s been open he’s accumulated over 400 patients and offers them reliable and certified treatments.
He went on to say that typically, $20,000 worth of dental treatments in New Zealand would only cost the patient $6,000 in Thailand. This inspired him to open up his own business which catered for dental tourists.
However, Hamilton dentist, Dr Steven Pawley discussed potential mishaps relating to dental tourism. Dr Pawley stated that he had heard a few horror stories from colleagues’ patients who travelled to Thailand in a bid to receive treatment. He then suggested that receiving treatments abroad is definitely hit and miss. He said that receiving emergency treatment in Thailand, typically only applies to natives.
Collin Williams, a patient from New Zealand, stated that carrying out vast amounts of research before travelling can really influence the results of the dental treatment. He and his wife travelled to Samui Dental Home Clinic, where he spent $6,000 on the treatment, the accommodation and the travel. Mr Williams required a lot of extensive work which would have cost at least triple that if he had stayed in New Zealand.
Mr Williams stated it was a lovely place to recuperate and would recommend the clinic to locals in his area.
It is very important to undergo research before travelling abroad to receive dental treatments. It is advisable that patients look into the costs, dentists experience, aftercare and accommodation for example.
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