Dental tourism, particularly to Turkey, is experiencing a surge in popularity among British patients seeking more affordable and accessible dental care. Dentakay, a chain of clinics founded by Dr. Gulay Akay and her husband Onur 17 years ago, reports that British patients constitute 40% of its clientele, accounting for nearly half of its revenue. Last year, the company's revenues grew by 37% to $66 million.
Dr. Akay notes that a significant portion of British patients, approximately two-thirds, are seeking clinical treatment rather than purely cosmetic procedures. Many cite long waiting times for appointments on the NHS as a primary reason for seeking care abroad. The clinic is even opening a new location on London's Harley Street to offer pre-treatment consultations and follow-up care for its UK patients.
While Dr. Akay is tactful about comparing dental health across nations, she observes a potential lack of preventative care and a prevalence of bone loss among her British patients, suggesting factors like high sugar intake and Vitamin D deficiency due to the climate may contribute. The cost difference is substantial: Dentakay charges approximately £300 for an E.max crown and £740 for a Straumann implant, significantly less than the £1,200 to £3,000 and £3,000 respectively, quoted privately in the UK. Patients typically purchase a package that includes flights, accommodation, transport, and treatment, with an average spend of £4,500.
Paul Birch, a 60-year-old IT worker from Wigan, shared his experience of being unable to find an NHS dentist and facing exorbitant private costs in the UK, opting instead for four crowns and six extractions in Turkey for a fraction of the price.
Dentakay emphasizes its state-of-the-art facilities, including a high-tech dental laboratory opened in 2023, where digital scans are used to design and produce crowns, veneers, and bridges with advanced computer-controlled machinery and hand-finishing by artists. The clinic also notes a shift in patient preference away from stereotypical overly white, uniform smiles towards more natural-looking results. Dr. Akay's own laminate veneers, for instance, are described as discreet and natural.
The Turkish government supports medical and dental tourism, with a patient protection regime established in 2017 and mandatory insurance for complications recently introduced. Dr. Akay reports a complication rate of about 2% at Dentakay, manageable through remote support or partner clinics in the UK.
Despite economic challenges in Turkey, including high inflation and interest rates, Dentakay's reliance on revenue in sterling, euros, and dollars provides a buffer. The company is planning further global expansion, with new clinics in Turkey, Mexico, Eastern Europe, and Vietnam, and is considering capital injections from international banks and private equity firms, with a potential London stock market listing in the future.
For individuals considering dental treatment overseas, resources such as the General Dental Council website, the NHS, and the Foreign Office offer guidance on dental care and medical treatment abroad.