References
Polish dentistry
Dominic Littlewood headed to the Polish city of Krakow, not for a romantic weekend or to sight-see, but to have his teeth polished!
British dentists too busy
It's no secret that the dental system in Britain is under pressure, with only one NHS dentist for every two-and-a-half thousand people. Two million of us can't even register with an NHS dentist, and if you want to go private - it costs. Dentists here are flat out and 40 per cent of them are refusing to take on new patients because they're too busy. They already extract three million teeth a year, fill 1,000 teeth every hour and see a different patient every ten minutes. So some British, struggling to get the work they need done on the NHS, are turning their back on the British private system and travelling to Poland to get dental work done at a fraction of the price.
It's such big business that companies have set up and are doing a full dental travel service. They'll pick you up from the airport, provide an apartment, and even fix you up with a dentist. It's not that the dentists are second rate, far from it, it's that on average, salaries there are a third what they are in the UK.
Compare the cost
If you can get an appointment on the NHS, a relatively simple procedure like a crown will cost you about L60. Privately in the UK, it will cost about four times that, at L250, but in Poland, it'll cost you around L100. And the more treatment you're having, the more you can save. Gilly Beckett had eight root canal fillings, three crowns, two plates, one month's accommodation, plus sightseeing in Krakow - all for L1,800.
But you can't just turn up anywhere and the British Dental Association (BDA) has a few points of advice:
Make sure your dentist is fully qualified. Before you get anything done, make sure you get their PWZ number, which is basically their right to practice number and check it on the internet, or send an email to the Polish Chamber of Physicians and Dentists.
Have a check-up. Make sure that you have a full check-up before you undertake any treatment. Your dentist should suggest you go back for check-ups after the work, so factor this into your budget. And also check that there aren't any potential knock-on costs from your treatment.
Dominic arranged to have his teeth whitened. Back home it would have cost him L500, but in Krakow, it was only L350. Having your teeth whitened takes about an hour and you can't get it done on the NHS. But it does last up to three years. Because Dominic took the BDA's advice and got checked out before he went, he did discover that he would have to go back and have three fillings re-done. But it was still cheaper than back home and he also got to have a look around Krakow...
Thanks for all your excellent work. I feel your services as dentists is excellent and would recommend anyone considering a lot of dental work to use your practice. My sister was very nervous and anxious and our dentist could not have been more patient. We have yet to finish all the work my mother is at the second stage of the implantation process but so far so good. We have already told friends and family about you and that says a lot. A great team of people at the practice.
Maria de Chiara (United Kingdom)
I felt very comfortable in your consulting room. Everyone was very nice to me. At first I was quite afraid, for I did not know what to expect. Now I am very satisfied with your treatment and thus would like to continue it and will tell about you to my friends.
Brenda Waits (United Kingdom)
Your consulting room is much very well equipped than those from the area I live in. Thanks to my new caps I can smile a wide smile again. I will surely advertise your services.
Camila Sanders (United Kingdom)
This was a really affordable and pleasant experience. At first I was sceptical about getting my wisdom teeth pulled in Krakow (while on holiday none the less) but I saved so much money, had a good vacation (after a short recovery from the surgery), and the dental clinic was very clean and professional, up to UK standards without the costs. I would recommend this option to my friends, especially those interested in traveling to this beautiful city.
Jamie (United Kingdom)
The service provided was brilliant, they were very helpful and honest, I wanted first to get treated for implants, but then I decided only to have a consultation and they did not push me or insisted to do this. The clinic itself was very clean and the staff professional and friendly, all in all my general impression was very good.
Tanya Morrissey (Ireland)
A very good service, nice people, the experience was a very good one.
Alison Mc Namara (Ireland)
The treatment was great. I was treated with courtesy, especially by the English speaking agent in Poland who set everything up for me hassle free. Excellent service. I have recommended the clinic to friends and family. I will return for treatment. Staff were able to communicate very well. The price varied. The results are very good.
Neil (Ireland)
I have been to the first of my four visits, I am quite happy with my treatment so far. The arrangement with taxi picking up and drives you to your accommodation and the clinic works well. The staff are very friendly and I had no problems making myself understood.
Geoff (United Kingdom)
The clinic was modern, tidy and clean, the staff were professional and friendly. The result is better than I expected. The clinic is good located in Krakow.
Alex Mitchell (United Kingdom)
I wanted veneers but instead i got braces because my teeth were to crooked, I have recommended the clinic to friends and am returning for further treatment, Kalina the ortho is really nice and talks to you and reassures you as she is working on the teeth.
Elizabeth Gaffney (Ireland)
I was very satisfied with the treatment I received, the staff at the clinic was very friendly and they worked efficiently.
Linda Martin (Canada)
After 20 years of neglecting my teeth following a bad dental experience, I decided to get a dental 'overhaul'. I visited my local dentist who advised me of the work required and the cost of the treatment needed. I soon realized that my neglect was going to cost me a pretty penny. After doing research on the net and talking to other 'dental tourists' I soon realized that my treatment costs could be slashed by looking abroad. I cannot recommend this practice highly enough, from arranging hotels, taxis waiting at the airport and the overall professionalism of all members of the clinics team, nothing is overlooked. I do not doubt that the same level of attention to detail is available in Ireland but if like me you are looking at value for money, then give Simon and his team a call. The savings are staggering plus you get to stay in one of the most historic cities in Europe and don't forget your MED 2 form to claim tax back on your treatment costs!!
Gerry Brown (Ireland)
I have just returned from my second visit to Krakow after completing the restoration of my teeth. I had just seventeen teeth of my own with many gaps including one of my front teeth after an old crown broke down. I now have twenty eight teeth, a balanced jaw and I can smile without again with new bridges. The consultation process that allowed me to make up my mind what to do was professional, in good English and quite transparent. I never felt that the advice given had anything in mind other than my dental health. The surgery is equipped to hospital standards, staffed by highly qualified specialists and nurses and every procedure is completed with the greatest attention to detail by friendly people. The trip was easy to arrange and the city is full of history, fascinating and lively with good cafes and restaurants. The local trains can take you all over Southern Poland, or arrangements can be made for you by the agency. English is spoken everywhere and tourists are offered information written in their own language everywhere they go.
Hilary Kay (United Kingdom)
I have recently returned from Poland after having extensive dental treatment. I would just like to say that the service was second to none right from the beginning. My trip was well organized and a great success. The cost of the treatment I required was very reasonable (about one third of the price quoted to me in the UK) the dental hospital itself was the most modern and clean I have ever encountered. The staff were friendly and spoke perfect English so could understand and assist with any query. This dental hospital is perfect for people who are scared or apprehensive of dental treatment as all of the highly qualified dentists put you at ease and make it as comfortable as possible. All this plus the added bonus of being in such a beautiful country with so much to see and do.
Eleanor Gilmour (United Kingdom)
After my initial enquiries I received a prompt and positive reply and was invited for a consultation .My problem was advanced paradontose to the point where I was losing my teeth , on my first visit I felt totally at ease with the very friendly and professional doctors and staff. Due to the advanced condition of my disease they advised total extraction which naturally caused me a lot of anxiety, which in retrospect was totally unfounded . The extraction was painless and over before I knew it . I am now back home with good looking temporary dentures and no pain! I am looking forward to the next visit in a few months to have my first implants and eventually permanent dentures and of course to see the beautiful city of Krakow again. Many thanks to Simon for making the arrangements and to the Doctors Krzysztof, Marian and Agnieszka. See you soon
Dave Shepley (United Kingdom)
I recently visited Poland to visit the dentist. from the moment I enquired on line to arriving in Poland I found the service very efficient and friendly from booking an apartment to the dental work itself. The work that was needed was explained to me and a full breakdown of the prices explained before any work was started. I would highly recommended this service to any one looking to have work done on their teeth.
Sarah Belton (Ireland)
As this was our first trip to Krakow it was great to be met at the airport and brought to our apartment by taxi. The following morning we were brought to the dental clinic. We were both very nervous but all of the staff were so friendly and pleasant that we both began to relax.
We were very impressed with the level of expertise by each of the various dentists and the equipment they use is second to none. We will highly recommend the clinic to all of our family and friends and will certainly return for future check-ups.
Mary Doyle and Veronica Gavin (Ireland)
I could hardly imagine a dental surgery without pain - but you proved it possible. If I had known about your treatment before, I would not have any dental detriments now. Thanks to my new implants I feel much younger, prettier and more confident.
Henry Wood (Ireland)