| 400,000+British patients treated abroad per year | 70%Average saving vs UK private prices | 40M+UK adults unable to access an NHS dentist | 29 yrsOur Dentist Abroad treating UK patients |
Last year, over 400,000 British patients made the decision to travel abroad for dental treatment. Not on a whim — but after months of waiting, rising quotes, and the quiet frustration of feeling let down by a system that was once something to be proud of. And when they finally looked beyond the UK’s borders, most of them found their way to Turkey.
This isn’t a story about cutting corners. It’s about real people — teachers, nurses, retirees, young professionals — who checked their phones at lunch, typed “dental treatment cost in Turkey” into Google, and thought: why am I still waiting?
They chose Turkey not out of desperation, but out of clarity. Because when you compare the expertise, the care, the facilities — and the cost — something remarkable becomes clear: for what most British patients would pay for treatment alone back home, they can have their entire dental work done in Turkey and spend a week in the sun. The flights, the hotel, the dinners by the sea — and still come home having spent less. That’s not a compromise. That’s the whole point.
Ten years ago, this kind of choice came with whispers. People travelled quietly, told their colleagues they’d been “on holiday,” and hoped no one would ask too many questions. That world feels distant now. Today, patients share their journeys openly — on Facebook groups, TikTok videos, and Instagram posts — and come home not just with better teeth, but with a story they’re genuinely proud to tell.
As a clinic that has been welcoming British patients in Antalya for 30+ years, we’ve had a front-row seat to this transformation. We’ve seen the hesitation in people’s eyes when they first arrive — and the confidence when they leave. Here’s what’s really driven this change.
The NHS Dental Crisis: Why So Many UK Patients Are Looking Abroad
The scale of the NHS dental access problem in the UK has become impossible to ignore. The situation, in numbers:
| 40M+UK adults without NHS dentist access | 14 moAverage NHS waiting time (complex cases) | £3,000Single implant cost (UK private) | £15K+Full set of veneers (UK private) |
The numbers are hard to ignore. Over 40 million adults in England can’t get an NHS dentist. Not won’t — can’t. The UK’s largest dental provider has come out and admitted it simply doesn’t have enough dentists to see everyone on its books.
For a routine check-up, you’re looking at months of waiting. For anything more serious — implants, crowns, veneers — NHS provision is either off the table entirely or so hard to access it might as well be. Private treatment exists, of course. But for most people, it’s just not realistic. One implant at a private clinic can set you back over £3,000. A full smile makeover? Closer to £30,000. That’s not a dental bill. That’s a deposit on a house.
So people do what they’ve always done — they put it off. They manage. They smile with their mouth closed in photos. They avoid the foods they love. They live with the discomfort because the alternative feels completely out of reach.
And then one day, they find out that the same treatment — the same quality, the same materials, the same results — is available in Turkey for a fraction of what they’d pay here. And suddenly, something that felt impossible doesn’t anymore. For a lot of people, that moment is genuinely life-changing. Not dramatic life-changing. Real life-changing. The kind where you finally stop putting yourself last.
“I waited 14 months to see an NHS dentist for a check-up. When I finally got a referral for the implant I needed, I was told the wait would be another two years. I’d had enough.” — UK patient, treated at Our Dentist Abroad, 2024
Why Turkey — and Why Antalya in Particular?
There are plenty of countries offering dental tourism. But there’s a reason so many British patients keep ending up in Antalya specifically — and keep telling their friends to do the same.
Antalya is one of the Mediterranean’s favourite destinations for a reason. The weather, the food, the sea, the warmth of the people. Coming here for dental treatment doesn’t feel like a medical trip. It feels like finally doing something good for yourself — somewhere beautiful.
Our clinic sits in a villa in the heart of the city. Not a hospital corridor, not a sterile waiting room. Somewhere that feels, from the moment you walk in, a little more like being looked after than being processed.
We’ve been here for over 30 years. And what that really means is thousands of patients, thousands of different stories, thousands of cases — simple ones, complicated ones, people who were nervous, people who had been let down before and needed someone to finally get it right. That kind of experience doesn’t come from a brochure. It’s built one patient at a time, over decades. And it’s there with you, in the room, from your very first appointment.
| Why Turkey Makes Sense | Why Antalya Specifically |
| Same implant brands as UK (Straumann, Nobel Biocare, Osstem)Internationally trained dentists — many with European postgraduate qualificationsCE-certified materials and EU sterilisation standardsSignificantly lower operating costs passed directly to patientsExchange rate advantage for patients paying in GBPHigh patient volume creates genuine clinical expertise | Direct flights from most UK airports — under 4 hoursEnglish widely spoken across hotels, clinics, and restaurantsWell-established international patient infrastructureMediterranean climate ideal for post-treatment recoveryOur Dentist Abroad: 30+ years of UK patient experience in LaraLara Beach less than 10 minutes from our clinic |
What British Patients Can Expect to Save
The savings available to UK patients travelling to Antalya are substantial — even after accounting for flights and accommodation. Here is a direct, like-for-like comparison using the same materials and implant brands:
| Tedavi | UK (Özel) | Antalya | Tasarruf |
| Single dental implant | £2,000–£3,000 | from £250 | up to £2,650 |
| Full set of veneers (16) | £10,000–£15,000 | from £3.000 | up to £12,600 |
| All-on-4 full arch | £14,000–£18,000 | from £5,000 | up to £14,500 |
| Zirconia crown (per tooth) | £600–£1,000 | from £125 | up to £830 |
| Smile makeover (full) | £12,000–£20,000 | from £3,100 | up to £16,800 |
These are not budget alternatives using inferior materials. The implant brands listed above — Straumann, Nobel Biocare, Osstem — are the same brands used in the best private clinics in the UK. The cost difference reflects where the clinic is located and how it operates, not what goes into your treatment.
| Even including return flights (approx. £150–£250) and a week’s accommodation in Antalya (approx. £400–£700), UK patients typically save between 60% and 75% on their total treatment cost. |
What Does the Process Actually Look Like?
One of the most common questions for the patients about dental treatment abroad is simply: “How does the process works?” So here is a step by step overview of your journey — from first contact to returning home with a new smile.
| Before you travel | Your journey starts with sending photos or X-rays of your teeth via WhatsApp or email. Our team will assess your case and prepare a personalised treatment plan with a clear, itemised GBP quote within 24 hours without obligation. You do not have to purchase anything, no worries! so you can take your time to review your plan and our package details comfortably before making a decision. Our patient coordinator will also assist you with flight advice, accommodation recommendations, and airport transfer arrangements. |
| On arrival | Once you arrive at Antalya Airport, our team will be there to welcome you and take you to your hotel or directly to the clinic comfortably depending on your schedule. In your first appointment, our team will welcome you and offer you refreshment to make you feel at ease and comfortable. Then we will carry out a comprehensive clinical examination, 3D scan (for implant cases), and a face-to-face consultation with your dentist. Don’t worry at all!- everything is easy and comfortable, and our team will be there to support you every step of the way. |
| During treatment | Treatment duration depends on the procedure. Most veneers and crowns are completed in 4-5 days. 🔹Day 1:• Consultation and detailed dental examination• Digital scans and X-rays• Tooth preparation 🔹Day 2–3:• Laboratory process for your custom-made zirconium crowns• Temporary teeth will be placed during this time 🔹Day 4:• Trial fitting of the crowns• Shape, colour, and bite adjustments based on your expectations 🔹Day 5:• Final placement of the crowns Implant treatments are completed in two visits: the first visit; implant placement, the second visit (3–6 months later); final crowns. Implant cases involve two visits: the first for placement, the second (3–6 months later); final crowns.🔹Day 1:• Consultation and detailed dental examination• Digital scans and X-rays• Implant placement procedure 🔹Day 2:• Rest day 🔹Day 3:• Post-operative check-up• Instructions and healing guidance• Temporary teeth (if suitable) We will keep you informed at every step, and nothing will be done without your full consent. Don’t worry!- you won’t feel any pain during the procedure, everything is done under local anesthesia. We truly care about your comfort. |
| Flying home | We’ll be by your side throughout the whole process, so you don’t need to worry about what happens next. Before you leave, you will receive a detailed treatment summary in English, an implant passport (where applicable), and full aftercare instructions. Even after your departure, your patient coordinator stays in touch with you by WhatsApp, email, and phone for any questions or support you may need. |
Is It Safe? What You Need to Know Before You Go
This is the question every British patient — rightly — asks. The honest answer is: it depends entirely on the clinic you choose. Turkey’s dental tourism sector has grown rapidly, and with that growth has come variation in standards. Not every clinic that opened in the past two years has the experience, the equipment, or the clinical depth to handle complex international cases well.
Knowing what to look for — before you book — makes all the difference. Here is a practical checklist:
| Clinic Safety Checklist — 5 Things to Verify Before You Book |
| ✓ A verifiable, long-standing track record with international patients — not just a website with stock photography |
| ✓ Named, qualified dentists with published credentials — not just “a team of experts” |
| ✓ Transparent GBP pricing with written, itemised quotes and no hidden costs |
| ✓ A clear aftercare policy and written guarantee for all work carried out |
| ✓ Ministry of Health authorisation or international accreditation (e.g. AACI) |
Our Dentist Abroad holds international accreditation, has been operating in Antalya Lara since the mid-1990s, and will provide you with the full credentials of your treating dentist before you book. We encourage every patient — whether they choose us or another clinic — to ask these questions before committing.
Combining Treatment With a Stay in Antalya
Most veneer and crown treatments take five to seven days. Implant treatments typically require two visits. In either case, you will have time in Antalya that does not involve sitting in a dental chair — and the city makes excellent use of it.
| Our clinic is located in Lara — one of Antalya’s finest coastal districts. The beach is less than 10 minutes’ walk from our front door. |
Lara is a well-established, upscale part of Antalya with a long sandy beach, excellent restaurants, and easy access to the rest of the city. Antalya’s historic old town, Kaleiçi, is twenty minutes away by taxi. Boat trips along the coastline, visits to the ancient ruins at Perge and Aspendos, and day trips to the Taurus Mountains are all within easy reach.
For many of our patients, what begins as a practical decision about dental care turns into one of their more memorable travel experiences. That’s not something we planned for — it’s simply what Antalya offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I realistically save on dental treatment in Turkey ?
Most UK patients save around 60% to 75% compared to private treatment prices in the UK and even after including flights and accommodation. In full-mouth implant cases, savings of £10,000 or more are quite common. The exact cost depends on your personalised treatment plan, which we provide free of charge.
Is the quality really the same as the UK?
Of course, yes. We even can say that higher quality. The implant systems, all materials, and clinical protocols used at Our Dentist Abroad are the same as those used in leading private clinics in the UK. The price difference is mainly due to lower operating costs and currency exchange rates, not differences in quality. We can always share full details of the materials and brands used before you make any decision. Also we give you all certificates before you go back to UK.
How do I find a trustworthy clinic?
Look for clinics with a proven history of treating international patients, named and qualified dentists, transparent pricing in GBP, and clear aftercare and guarantee policies. And also them if they have enough experience. Our clinic has 31 years of experience. All of our dentists are highly experienced.
Do I need to speak Turkish?
Not at all!
All communication at Our Dentist Abroad is in English. Our patient coordinators are fluent in English, familiar with the UK dental system, and will guide you through the entire process. Also our team members are visiting uk almost every month. All treatment plans and documents are also provided in English. So don’t worry at all.
What happens if I have a problem after I return to the UK?
All treatments come with a written guarantee. If you experience any issues after returning home, you can contact us directly. We will assess the situation remotely and, if needed, arrange a follow up visit at no additional cost. We are here to support you, always. We have an office in Nottingham.
How long will I need to be away?
Veneers and crown treatments usually take 5 days, including preparation and laboratory work. Single implant treatments require 3–4 days for the first visit, followed by a second short visit after 3–6 months for the final crown. Depending on the healing process.Full-arch treatments (All-on-4 / All-on-6) follow a similar two stage plan. A detailed timeline is always provided with your personalised treatment plan after you send us teeth photos. So you’ll be able to check all details before you come.
Is Antalya easy to get to from the UK?
Yes. There are direct flights from London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, and several other UK airports. The flight takes around 3 to 3.5 hours. We can help you choose the most suitable & cheap flight and we arrange VIP airport transfer upon arrival. So you just focus on your treatment.
| Ready to find out what treatment would cost for you? Book your free online consultation — receive a personalised GBP quote within 24 hours, with no obligation to proceed. |