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How To Choose the Right Clinic Abroad: The Ultimate Guide for Patients

If you’re considering travelling abroad for dental treatment, you’ve probably heard that Budapest has become one of the world’s most popular destinations international patients.

With modern technology, highly trained dentists, and the opportunity to explore a beautiful city, it’s no surprise that patients from all around the world choose Hungary for their dental care.

However, choosing the right dental clinic can be stressful considering the consequences if you make the wrong choice.

This guide saves you time and money and reveals what to look for and what to avoid when looking for dental clinics abroad. 

Plus, we have hand-picked the top 5 dental clinics in Budapest.

Before we dive in, let’s compare private clinics in the World and Budapest.

Dental Clinics: World vs. Budapest

Budapest is known as being one of the most advanced cities in dentistry and is home to top medical universities, such as the Semmelweis Medical University in Budapest.

No wonder dental clinics in Budapest offer excellent quality of care. Plus the cost of dental treatments is significantly lower.

While a standard dental implant in the Western countries can cost around £2,000, the same procedure in Budapest might only set you back £600. 

6 Reasons Why Patients Are Choosing Budapest for Dental Treatment

1. Cost Savings: Treatments (even with travel and accommodation) can be up to 70% cheaper than in many Western countries.

2. High-Quality Care: Budapest clinics use the latest technology and Hungarian dentists are some of the best in Europe. No wonder Budapest is known as the dental capital of Europe.

3. EU Healthcare Standards: As a member of the EU, Hungary meets the highest healthcare standards. In Budapest, the patient’s HEALTH comes first, then the price. This is important because some countries focus more on the great offer while patients’ health and well-being come after.

4. Convenient Travel: Budapest is well connected globally with frequent, affordable flights.

5. Tourist Attractions: Patients often combine dental visits with exploring Budapest’s rich cultural and historical sites.

6. Comprehensive Packages: Many clinics offer all-inclusive packages that cover treatment, accommodation, and even sightseeing tours.

How to Choose The Right Dental Clinic Abroad?

Look for These 8 Things ✅

Choosing a dental clinic isn’t like picking a restaurant. If you choose the wrong clinic, you could end up with a lot more than just a bad meal—you might face serious pain, expensive repairs, and a long road to fixing what went wrong. 

Use this Dental Clinic Checklist to check ANY dental clinic abroad:

1. Qualifications and Experience: Look for dentists who not only have the required certifications but also significant international experience. This kind of experience ensures that you’ll receive top-notch care, minimizing the risk of complications.

2. Technology and Equipment: Choose clinics equipped with modern technology like 3D imaging, CAD/CAM for designing crowns, and intraoral scanners. Imagine needing a crown and the clinic uses CAD/CAM technology to create a custom-fit crown in a single day, rather than waiting weeks for a lab to deliver it. This means fewer visits, less discomfort, and a more precise fit, leading to better long-term results.

3. Materials and Brands: Pay attention to the materials used. The All-On 4 dental implants can be made of various biomaterials, but titanium is most commonly used because it is the most compatible with human biology. Clinics that use Straumann implants are prioritizing your long-term health. Straumann implants are designed to integrate with your bone more effectively, reducing the risk of implant failure. Similarly, zirconium crowns are not only durable but also look like natural teeth, giving you confidence in your smile. It’s also worth checking whether the clinic has its own laboratory—this can speed up the process and ensure better quality control.

4. Patient Reviews and Testimonials: Look for clinics that have at least 50+ Google reviews and score 4.5+. 
   Another great place to look for reviews is Booking.dentist (it’s Booking.com but for dental clinics). Reading through patient stories and reviews can give you a real sense of the clinic’s strengths and any potential red flags.

5. Communication: The clinic’s staff, from receptionists to dentists, should speak English fluently. Picture this: you’re in the chair, nervous about an upcoming procedure, and the dentist explains every step in perfect English, reassuring you and making sure you fully understand the process. This clear communication reduces anxiety and ensures that your expectations are met.

6. Warranty: Look for clinics that offer strong warranties—at least 10 years for implants, 5 years for crowns, and 2 years for veneers. For instance, if you get an implant and something goes wrong a few years later, a 10-year warranty would cover the cost of fixing it, saving you from unexpected expenses and giving you peace of mind that the clinic stands by its work.

7. Aftercare Services: The quality of aftercare can make a significant difference in your recovery and overall experience. Some clinics may offer only limited aftercare, leaving patients to manage complications on their own. Always look for clinics that are always available for follow-up appointments and support, to ensure a smooth recovery process.

8. Value for Money: While it might be tempting to choose the cheapest option, focus on clinics that offer quality care with excellent materials, skilled dentists, and strong warranties. For example, spending a bit more on a clinic that uses premium implants and offers comprehensive aftercare could save you from costly repairs down the road. Quality care ensures you get the best possible results, making it a smarter investment in your health and well-being. 

What to Avoid 🔴

1. Unrealistically Low Prices: Yes, prices in Budapest are much lower than in the Western countries, but extremely low prices can signal potential problems. 
   In December last year, a patient chose a clinic with the cheapest All-on-4 option and ended up with shoddy implants that required expensive corrective treatment. Low prices usually mean the clinic is cutting corners and this could lead to severe complications and additional costs. Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
   

2. Language Barriers: If the staff at a clinic is not fluent in English, that could lead to significant issues because the treatment plan is not clearly explained. A clinic with a solid track record of handling international patients will usually have staff fluent in multiple languages.
   

3. Fraudulent Practices ❗
   Believe it or not, there have been cases where clinics promised high-quality materials but used cheaper alternatives. The result – the patients ended up with pain, failed treatment and expensive correction. 
   To avoid this, choose a clinic that offers guarantees on their products and services. Check the clinic’s credentials and avoid clinics that can’t provide clear information about their products and practices.
   

4. Negative Reviews and Unresolved Complaints: Consistently negative reviews or unresolved complaints are red flags. Pay attention to issues mentioned by previous patients, such as poor hygiene standards, rushed procedures, or unprofessional behavior. These issues can lead to serious consequences, including infections, poorly executed treatments, or the need for corrective procedures.

Thorough Research: Your Best Defence

Extensive research is the best way to find a reliable dental clinic abroad. Investigate thoroughly by reading reviews, checking credentials, and comparing clinics. Don’t rely solely on recommendations or marketing materials. The more research you do, the better prepared you’ll be to choose a clinic that meets your needs and ensures a successful treatment experience.

Consequences of Choosing the Wrong Clinic

The consequences of choosing the wrong dental clinic can be severe and they can cost you a lot of money.

Here’s what happened to Sarah* from Manchester

*The real name has been withheld at the person’s request to ensure anonymity.

Sarah decided to go for a dental clinic abroad because they offered an unbelievably low price for a full-mouth restoration with All-on-4 implants and zirconium crowns. The price was too tempting, so she didn’t bother to look up reviews on Google or check independent websites.

The trip was great but when she got back home, everything went pear-shaped. She felt constant pain in her jaw and had throbbing headaches. It turned out that the implants weren’t made of durable titanium as promised, but rather a cheaper, less stable alloy that left the implants loose! On top of that, the crowns weren’t zirconium but a lower-quality ceramic that didn’t fit properly. Even simple things, like chewing food, became a struggle. 

To make matters worse, the clinic offered no warranty. Sarah ended up needing frequent, expensive visits to her local dentist to fix what had gone wrong. In the end, she spent far more than she would have if she had chosen a reputable clinic from the start.
Hope this will serve as a reminder to ALWAYS do thorough research and pick a trustworthy clinic to avoid painful and costly surprises.

To help you avoid the wrong clinic we have analyzed over 100 clinics in Budapest using our Dental Clinic Checklist, along with Google and Booking.dentist reviews, and here are the Top 5 dental clinics you should definitely check.