going overseas for dental work?

[taramoon13]

so i have gotten two estimates now for about $10,000 worth of periodontic work (receding gums) that i need, $1500 of that is all our insurance will cover. we've been doing a little research on places in germany that cater to americans at a fraction of the cost, even figuring in airfare, hotel, etc.
just wondering if anyone knows of someone who has done anything like this and had positive or negative results.
of course i've read all of the horror stories of people going to mexico, etc. for plastic surgery, i feel this is not anywhere in the same ballpark.

[SimplyRochelle]

Wow. I have never heard of that before so I can't offer any advice. I don't have health insurance and I figured out that if I go to the next state over, Oklahoma, my dental care is a fraction of the cost. I have to get 12 teeth pulled and an upper partial and it was going to cost me about $8000 at a few of the local dentists, but I drive an hour and half away and I am now paying $2500. I don't know why it's so cheap, but you might want to check out stuff a little bit more local.

[taramoon13]

good point, i am about 30 miles from dc, so i may try to get a quote from a more rural dentist, i just don't want to lose quality in getting a cheaper price. it's going to be a big investment either way, that was part of the reason the whole german thing came in. i think their work is supposed to be very good.

[aikigypsy]

Another thing to look into is dental schools. I went to Tufts dental school in Boston for some complicated fillings and gum surgery a fwe years ago, and although each appointment took half a day, the cost was reasonable and I felt like I was getting a very good standard of care.

IMO some dentists are just in the business to make as much money as possible, and often recommend more expensive treatments than are really necessary.

[russsk]

My dad went to Thailand for dental work and had a good experience. His wife is Thai, though, so I'm not sure if he needed her to translate, or if they catered to medical "tourists." He saved a ton of money, though, and got a vacation to boot.

[patrickq]

Originally Posted by russsk 

My dad went to Thailand for dental work and had a good experience. His wife is Thai, though, so I'm not sure if he needed her to translate, or if they catered to medical "tourists." He saved a ton of money, though, and got a vacation to boot.

I'm in the UK now, but would much rather have dental work done in Thailand. The best places all speak perfect English. If anyone is considering this possibility do some research online and you'll find lots of recommendations of good dentists, check the expat forums like thaivisa. Also great for (private) hospitals, I'd be far happier there than in the UK.