Istanbul has become a center of attraction for foreigners not only with its historical and natural beauties, but also with its health tourism. Especially among tourists who prefer Turkish doctors for dental health, patients from Middle Eastern countries lead.

Dentist in Istanbul Chief Physician Dt.
* Do people come to Istanbul from abroad for dental treatment? Usually in the summer, a large number of patients come to Istanbul for dental treatment from abroad. Especially Turks living abroad...

* Why?
Everyone can put the economic rationale to the fore and say, “prices in Turkey are more affordable.” But two years ago, when we asked a patient from England the same question, I was very impressed by the answer we received: “you pay the world's money and are treated like sheep.” Although the cost of these treatments is the main reason that brought them here due to the cheaper labor force in Turkey, we can understand that they are very happy with the attention they see here. That sets the stage for them to come back or refer us to others.

* It is a good sign that the one who comes comes again...
That is well said. In some countries, long waiting lists for dental treatment are also among the reasons why these patients come to Istanbul. I can't help but stress the advantage of Istanbul as a tourist city. In this sense, patients who are satisfied with quality, service and affordable prices by contacting the hospital when they have a small dental problem during a tourist visit can plan their next Istanbul tours according to dental treatment, we have experienced many examples of this in our hospital. But I think the two most important attractive elements for foreign patients to come to Turkey for dental treatment are the understanding of quality and service here. The figures requested for these are more reasonable than in their country.

* From which countries do patients prefer treatment in Istanbul?
They come from all European countries, but with weight; there is demand from Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Switzerland. In the summer, arrivals from Middle Eastern countries such as Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia are also multiplying. In addition, Central Asian countries and Russia are attracting our attention with their increase since last year.

* What treatment do they have the most?
Of course, the rising trend of Dentistry is implant. Both in Turkey and around the world, patients are now more conscious and everyone knows implant technology, which eliminates tooth deficiencies without touching other teeth. Our patients also come with weight, for implant and Crown treatment above the implant. We also have patients with aesthetic concerns. Demands such as porcelain zircon crowns, whitening and gum aesthetics also follow implant treatment. But if there are other necessary needs, such as filling, cleaning, root canal treatment, which should be done before or depending on these treatments, we also do them.

* How do they identify clinics or dentists from abroad? Are there agencies working in this field, or are they learning through their acquaintances?
Of course, there are agents. They're mediating patient referral. But it's not the only method. Because dental treatment is personalized, the time everyone must stay for treatment or the fee they must pay is not fixed. For this reason, individual searches are also important. But the answer to the most influential factor in this election is hidden in your question. I mean, what we call a reference. Those who are satisfied with our service come with their family the following year, and then with their relatives and friends. A foreign patient that you are pleased with, regardless of Turkish or foreign, creates a snowball effect and returns as more patients.

* Do people come to Istanbul from abroad for dental treatment?
Health tourism is growing in Istanbul and the number of people coming for dental treatment is increasing. For now, the intensity has been in neighboring countries, but recently also in Balkan and European countries. This figure will increase in line with investments.

* Why do foreigners choose Istanbul for this treatment?
Istanbul is an excellent city with thousands of years of cultural heritage, preferred by the whole world. It undoubtedly has an impact because it provides great publicity. Of course, the beauty of the city aside, the expertise of Turkish dentists is more advanced than in other countries. When the pricing of quality service is appropriate, Istanbul becomes an attractive destination for dental health tourism.

* What countries do they usually come from?
We can count the countries of the Middle East and the Balkans. Health tourism is not only growing through the efforts of the sector. The state also has incentives and contacts abroad on this issue. In particular, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait are the countries that prefer Istanbul the most. Those who come from here contribute not only to the health sector, but also to all tourism. By the way, of course, you should not expect the state to do everything. We are also doing our part and continuing our negotiations to develop and spread the tourism projects we are conducting on dental health.

* Which treatments do they prefer the most?
There is great interest in implants, prosthetics, aesthetic applications, surgical procedures, laminas, zirconium coatings and whitening treatments. Recently, individual invisible braces incognito treatment has been added to these treatments, and Turkey has started to become a preferred country in the field of orthodontics.

* How do people abroad identify clinics or dentists?
Although the Internet is an unlimited resource for this type of search, people can't trust the internet very much when it comes to health. Advice in health is always the factor that plays the biggest role. Of course, in order to increase its awareness and visibility, there are also clinics that allocate a promotional budget and collaborate with professionals on this issue. We're working with an agency on this.

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