Questions to ask a dental clinic before treatment abroad

There is no single right set of answers to the questions below. Different clinics organise their work in different ways, and what matters most will depend on your treatment and your circumstances. The point is to understand what you are agreeing to before you travel, and to have it in writing.

It can help to send your questions by email so that you have a record, and to ask the same questions of every clinic you are considering. If you have a coordinator, they can help you keep track of the replies.

In Romania, dentists must be registered with the national professional body for dentists to practise. You are entitled to know who will carry out each part of your treatment and to ask about their experience with it.

• Who will carry out my treatment, and are they registered to practise dentistry in Romania?
• How often does that dentist carry out this kind of treatment?
• Will the same dentist see me at every visit? If not, who else will be involved, and how is my care handed over?
• Does the clinic have a dental technician or laboratory on site, or does it work with an external laboratory?
• What language will my consultations be held in, and will someone be available to explain things if I do not understand?

A treatment plan is only as good as the information behind it. Ask what the clinic needs from you before writing a plan, and what it will check when you arrive.

• What information do you need from me before you can suggest a plan — recent X-rays, a scan, photographs or a summary from my dentist?
• Will you take your own X-rays or a CT scan when I arrive, and could that change the plan?
• What alternatives are there to the treatment you are proposing, including more conservative options?
• Is there anything about my medical history or medication that might affect treatment or healing?
• What are the main risks and limitations of this treatment for someone in my situation?

You should never feel rushed into agreeing to treatment. Consent is something you give once you understand the plan, the alternatives and the risks — and you can ask questions at any point.

• Will I receive a written, itemised treatment plan before I commit to anything?
• Which costs are fixed once the plan is confirmed, and which might change?
• What deposit is required, when, and in what circumstances is it refundable?
• If the dentist recommends additional work once I am in the chair, how will that be discussed with me, and can I decline it?
• Will I have time to read and ask questions about the consent form before treatment starts?

Practical questions about timing are easy to overlook but make a big difference to how a trip feels. Plan with some flexibility; dentists may want to adjust timings depending on how you heal.

• How many visits do you expect, how long will each one be, and how much time is needed between them?
• How many days after a procedure should I wait before flying home?
• What will I be able to eat, and how might I feel, in the days after each appointment?
• Will I have temporary teeth between visits, and how should I look after them?
• What should I bring with me — current medication, previous X-rays or anything else?

This is often the area where clinics differ most, and it matters most once you are home. A clear answer here is a good sign.

• How can I contact you after I return home, and how quickly would you usually reply?
• What would happen if I had pain, swelling or a loose restoration once I am back home?
• Do you offer a written guarantee? What does it cover, what are the conditions, and does it include travel costs for any return visit?
• Can you provide notes, X-rays and details of the materials used, so that my dentist at home can continue my care?
• What regular check-ups do you recommend, and can they be carried out by a dentist near me?

Read the replies side by side. Clear, specific, written answers are reassuring. Vague answers, reluctance to put things in writing or pressure to decide quickly are reasons to pause and ask more.

It is also sensible to talk your plans through with your own dentist or GP, especially if you have a medical condition or take regular medication. This guide is general information, not clinical advice; only a dentist who has examined you can advise on your treatment. DentCarta's coordinators can help you send questions and keep track of replies, but the clinical answers always come from the clinic's dentists.