Should I get dental work abroad? What patients need to know
If you've ever been hit with a jaw-dropping quote for dental work in Ireland, you're not alone. Whether it's implants, crowns, or a full smile makeover, the cost of dental treatment at home can feel like more pain than the procedure itself.
Add in long waiting lists and limited access to specialist care, and it's easy to see why more Irish people are heading abroad in search of affordable, high-quality treatment.
And it's not just about the price. More patients are choosing overseas clinics that go the extra mile, offering not just expert treatment, but also aftercare options at home.
Beyond expectations
Kreativ Dental has been treating patients from all over Europe for more than 27 years.
Over 125,000 patients have already passed through its doors, and it's not just the savings (sometimes up to 70pc less than Irish prices) that keep them coming. It's also the chance to be treated by experienced professionals using modern technology.
One of the most prestigious recognitions in the sector is the European Milestone Award, recently presented at the Embassy of Hungary in London. The award celebrates excellence in dental tourism.
Kreativ Dental in Budapest was recently crowned the winner of this prestigious award. The team at Kreativ Dental includes expert implantologists, prosthodontists, oral surgeons, and cosmetic dentists, all working with the latest tools and technology to give you the best results possible.
To win, a clinic has to demonstrate exceptional care, innovation in treatment, and a commitment to patient satisfaction from the first consultation to long-term aftercare.
'We're proud of our clinical standards, but we're even prouder of the trust our patients place in us,' says Mary Flanagan, Kreativ's Ireland and Northern Ireland representative. 'Winning the Milestone Award is a reflection of our team's dedication, precision, and patient-first approach.'
It's a seal of trust for anyone considering the journey, and reassurance that you're not just choosing a cheaper option, but one that is internationally respected.
What happens after the treatment?
No matter how luxurious the flight or beautiful the view, going abroad for medical treatment can make people nervous. And a lot of the time, it's not the procedure that worries them. It's what comes after.
In fact, Mary knows exactly how nerve-racking it can feel because she was once in the same position.
'I spent over 10 years going from dentist to dentist in Ireland,' says Mary. 'I had root canals, crowns that later fell out, and eight teeth extracted, and I was eventually told my only option was dentures. Another dentist quoted me €60,000 (£50,500) for the work I needed. I was heartbroken.'
It wasn't until a retired Irish dentist recommended she travel abroad that things changed. 'The consultation and X-ray were free, and when I went ahead, I had eight implants and 26 porcelain crowns fitted for just €12,000 (£10,100), plus €400 (£335) for my flights. I couldn't believe the difference, and I completely fell in love with my new smile.'
So much so that she became the clinic's representative for Ireland, helping other patients navigate the journey she once made herself. 'It really was life-changing. And I wanted to help others have that same experience, without the fear or financial strain.'
That's why aftercare is such a crucial part of the Kreativ experience. Unlike many overseas clinics that leave you to figure things out once you're home, Kreativ Dental offers dedicated aftercare in Ireland, including a local dental partner and a direct point of contact.
'You're not just a number on a chart. If you need advice, a check-up, or reassurance after your treatment, we're right here.'
The clinic also provides a written guarantee for their work, and Irish patients can claim tax relief just like they would with treatment received at home. That means no surprises, no guesswork, and no flights back unless you choose to return for further care.
An Irish smile abroad
Having someone guide you from the first consultation right through to recovery takes a lot of the stress out of going abroad for treatment. And if you're still on the fence, the clinic offers no-strings-attached consultations, complete with a free OPG X-ray and a full treatment plan.
And let's not forget one of the best perks - you're not just visiting a dental clinic, you're taking a trip to one of Europe's most beautiful cities.
Budapest is a city known for its thermal baths, boulevards, historic sites, castles, and beautiful river views. Why not take a dip in the famous Széchenyi Baths or take a stroll through the Buda Castle District before or after your consultation?
Kreativ Dental even runs seasonal offers, such as free hotel stays for patients whose treatment exceeds €3,000 (£2,525), and free airport pick-ups.
What sets Kreativ Dental apart is its full-service model, from your first email to your final follow-up, you're supported every step of the way. The European Milestone Award has highlighted that excellence, but for Kreativ's team, the real prize is patient satisfaction.
'It's always been about trust and results,' says Mary. 'We're here to take the stress out of dental treatment and give people their smile back.'
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