Recent findings by Which confirm that cheap dental holidays pose serious risks.  

Dr Sunita Verma from Sparkle Dental Boutique, Hanwell says `Everyone would like a beautiful smile and in order to get the smile of their dreams, people seem more prepared to risk damaging their teeth and smile by having cheap treatments abroad. Only a few weeks ago we saw a patient who went to India for a `smile makeover’. On landing back in the UK, one veneer had fallen off and another had cracked.

Broken veneers two days after being fitted!

Sunita says “The attractions of overseas dentistry are obvious – why not combine an enjoyable trip with cut price treatment? The problem of course, is what to do when things go wrong. To carry out cosmetic dental treatments requires skill, experience and an artistic eye. We need time to prepare and plan the treatment and rushing the dental treatment within a week long holiday is not in the interest of the patient. The other problem is the aftercare - travelling back for a post procedural check up is not an option for most people and then having to put right treatment that has gone wrong can also be expensive.”   

Currently any qualified dentist can offer cosmetic dentistry in the UK, but finding an appropriately skilled cosmetic dentist is essential to ensure treatments are beautiful, natural looking and long term. The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) (www.bacd.com) is the largest and most active cosmetic dental academy in Europe promoting advancement and ethical delivery of cosmetic dentistry.  

“I’ve been a full member of the BACD for a number of years and my patients can be safe in the knowledge that my team and I keep up to date with the latest techniques and technologies. We are committed to training and undertake continuous professional development activities”.  

Sunita concludes, “If the volume of health tourism increases, I am sure we will see greater numbers of disappointed patients booking once again.”