To Poland for a filling.

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In the summer of 2003, Gdansk, Szczecin and Kraków became one of the most popular destinations for Western journalists. The main subject of their reportages was dental tourism. Foreign patients of Polish dentists think that in Poland their teeth will be treated not only much cheaper but also under comfortable conditions.

In June alone, one of clinics in Szczecin was visited by the staffs of German RTL, Deutsche Welle, MDR - ARD, "Gesundheits Bild", Dutch RTL 4, French AFP and TF1, Danish "Berlingske Sondag".

A French television program on Szczecin’s dental offices was enthusiastic. Is showed modern appliances, bright, spacious rooms and immaculately dressed doctors, as well as satisfied patients, who explored the city and shopped in their free time between procedures. When asked whether they would recommend such a trip to other people from the European Union, they said ‘yes’ without any hesitation.

Both sides make a profit

Szczecin is located near Germany, Denmark and Sweden. Thanks to such a location, Hahs Dental and Implantology Clinic, one of the largest regional dental clinics, is in its heyday. – Foreigners order services, which cost even 100 thousand PLN. – says Marcin Gaborski, director of the Clinic. Approximately 150 foreign patients are treated here each month.

A standard dental crown in Poland costs 650 PLN, in Germany 260 Euro (over 1000 PLN), in Poland, a Nobel Biocare implant with a porcelain crown costs 5,6 thousand PLN, while in Germany - 2500 Euro (over 10 thousand PLN). – We use the same materials and technologies. The difference in prices is a result of low rental charges and low cost of the services provided by dentists, dental assistants and technicians – explains Marcin Gaborski. – Most of laboratorial works are carried out manually, equipment needs constant presence of humans and labor in Poland is still inexpensive. A Titanic–porcelain bridge or crown requires several dozen work hours.
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Danish travel agencies quickly discovered a new source of profit. Some of them offer trips to Poland, some put information about specializing solely in dental tourism on the Internet. (...)

After May 1, when Poland entered the EU and reimbursement for procedures executed in Poland became possible, the offer became very attractive. The difference in prices is obvious. In Poland, a Dane pays half the cost of an implant he would pay in Denmark, and for a crown – 1/3 of the price. Some procedures in Poland cost even 70 percent less. (...)

In Denmark, not many dentists invest in modern equipment. Comfort felt by the patient during such procedures in Poland is incomparably higher. (...)

Michal Stankiewicz, Danuta Walewska, W SP. PAD, M. CZ.