Choosing a dentist at home can be the result of something as simple as a conversation with a friend. We unconsciously monitor a lot of information about our health service from newspapers, TV and talk radio. When travelling abroad for treatment, this anecdotal approach needs to be supplemented by research and an understanding of regional variations.

Judging standards

Medical professionals value their reputations: accreditation, specialisation, and membership of national associations all attest to their achievements in their chosen field. These qualifications should all be available for examination and verification. National professional associations monitor the standards of their members and spread developments in technique and practice. Governments and regional programmes are increasingly taking a role in standards and improvements in quality and practice. European and Asia-Pacific bodies monitor blood standards, laboratories and hospital care. Look out for institutions that meet these rigorous international standards.

Medical specialisation

Some destinations become associated with specific treatment types. Hungary is known for providing cheap and professional dental work, South Africa for cosmetic procedures. These reputations can be a good indicator of quality. A wide supply of trained professionals can insure the rapid adoption of new techniques and practice; local competition can help keep prices down. However, it is also necessary to beware of providers trading off the reputation of others. The Mexican border with the U.S.A. has one of the highest densities of dentists in the world, but standards are variable and careful research is necessary to distinguish the dedicated professional from the amateur businessman.

Your rights and legal standing

Laws and regulations vary from region to region. What responsibilities must a medical provider meet. Are they required to repeat procedures in the case of an unsuccessful initial result? The ability to sue for large sums of money should be of secondary consideration to your rights as a consumer. Hopefully nothing will go wrong, if something does go wrong then the first thing is to have the situation rectified as soon as possible. While Thailand’s medical professional have a good reputation for care and for insuring patient satisfaction, there is also a unwillingness to award large settlements in medical malpractice suits. The resulting low cost of protection from malpractice insurance is one of the reasons Thailand can offer high quality medical care at prices that are substantially cheaper than Europe and America.

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This information is intended as a guide only. Always consult with a trusted qualified medical practitioner before considering any potential treatment.