Dentaprime Dashes Dental Tourism Doubts

July 01, 2008 - Press Dispensary - Brits travelling overseas for discount dentistry may be concerned that cutting the cost of cosmetic treatments results in their surgeon cutting corners. But one Bulgarian clinic has been given the seal of approval from an internationally recognised independent body for its world-class treatment. The Dentaprime Dental Clinic has been awarded certification from the prestigious worldwide Association for Technical Inspection (TÜV), showing that its standards are superior to most eastern European clinics - and even to many practices in the UK.

Dr. Regina Schindjalova, clinical director at the Dentaprime Dental Clinic, explains: “Those unwilling to wait for an NHS dentist and unable to pay for private treatment know that travelling abroad is often the only option. But patients are warned to be wary of the potential risks and hidden costs of tooth tourism, and find it hard to distinguish between clinics that seem to offer the same services.”

TÜV is highly respected and known for its rigorous standards testing – its investigators put the Dentaprime clinic under the microscope for two days, looking at everything from health and safety to technology and training.

“All of a clinic’s activities have an influence on the quality of the actual dental treatment,” says Dr. Schindjalova. “Conflicts of scheduling or stressed staff influence a procedure just as much as flawed lab results or an incorrect diagnosis. TÜV examines every aspect of an establishment, so receiving its seal is a significant achievement and proof of Dentaprime’s performance and professionalism.”

The Dentaprime Clinic - opened in 2006 in Varna, on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria - is one of the most modern dental clinics in Europe and specialises in cosmetic dentistry at a fraction of the cost charged by UK private practices. Savings of up to 70% can be made on procedures including dental implants, veneers, porcelain crowns and bridges, including travel costs.

The clinic uses high tech methods and equipment to ensure procedures are straightforward and as painless as possible. An in-house laboratory allows dentists and technicians to work side by side, and tooth replacements can be manufactured on the day of treatment to produce the best possible outcome for the patient. All tooth replacements are guaranteed for two years and aftercare is available at a London Marylebone partner dentist.

With over 15 years in international practice, Dr. Schindjalova is one of the most experienced cosmetic dentists in Europe, and all Dentaprime employees, from the specialist implantologist to medical assistants, are experienced and trained to western European standards.

According to EU regulations, all medical organisations – including dentists - must set up a quality management system. However, official monitoring by testing authorities such as Lloyds or the TÜV is voluntary. As a result, very few clinics, particularly in eastern Europe, are certificated, and even fewer have received the TÜV seal. “Patients ought to check that their dentist is certified by an established inspection association to be assured of high quality – as well as favourable prices“, advises Dr. Schindjalova.

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The Dentaprime Dental Clinic opened its Bulgarian practice in June 2006 and offers dental holidays. The company has seven implantation and five prosthetic rooms all equipped with up-to-date medical apparatus manufactured by high spec German dental supplier Kavo.

Dentaprime was awarded the TÜV ISO 9001 certification in June 2008.

For further information, please contact:
Peter Frost, marketing manager, Dentaprime Dental Clinic
Tel: 0800 781 96 37
Email:
Site: www.dentaprime.co.uk