Dental treatment abroad: the records to take home
Ten records to ask for before you fly home, three checks using official sources, and a note to give your own dentist.
Why records matter
UK travel-health guidance (NaTHNaC) says travellers should make sure they have copies of all overseas medical records, including X-rays and scans, before departure, and that follow-up care after you return might not be easily available and may not be covered by the NHS [1]. The NHS treatment-abroad checklist advises discussing with your own doctor or dentist how to transfer medical notes to the overseas team, and being clear about how your aftercare will be coordinated [2]. The records below are what make that possible.
Part 1. The records to ask for before you fly home
Tick each item. If a clinic cannot or will not provide one, ask why, and write down the answer.
In Türkiye, you have a legal right to examine the file and records about your health and to obtain a copy, directly or through a representative, and to ask for incomplete, unclear or incorrect entries to be completed or corrected (Patients’ Rights Regulation, Articles 16 and 17) [13]. Private dental facilities must record diagnosis, treatment and any X-rays in detail, by tooth number (Regulation on Private Oral and Dental Health Facilities, Article 22(2)) [14]. Under the Personal Data Protection Law No. 6698, Article 11, you may also ask the clinic whether it holds personal data about you and request information about it [15].
| # | Ask for | What it should contain | Why | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A written treatment plan and cost statement | Each treatment, tooth by tooth, the total cost, and in writing who pays for additional treatment, aftercare, medicines, an extended stay and follow-up | Prevents disputes about who covers what | NaTHNaC: the written contract “should include a clear treatment plan, with responsibility for all costs, including additional treatments, aftercare, dressings, drugs including discharge medication, extended stay, nursing care and local follow up” [1]. GDC questions: “If there are complications and I need further treatment, is this included in the initial cost?” and “What happens if I am unhappy with the results? Who pays for the extra flights, hotel and remedial work?” [3] |
| 2 | A dated summary of what was done | The date of each procedure, the teeth treated using the two-digit FDI numbering (for example 16, 21), what was done, and the treating dentist’s name and professional registration number | Your home dentist needs to know exactly which teeth were treated and when. The two-digit system is the international standard, so it reads the same in any country | NHS: discuss how medical notes are transferred [2]; GDC: “Who will be carrying out my treatment and what qualifications do they have?” [3]; two-digit tooth numbering: ISO 3950:2016 [6] |
| 3 | Copies of all X-rays and scans | Panoramic X-ray, intraoral X-rays and photographs, and any 3D scan (CBCT) as files, not only printed images. X-rays and 3D scans are normally exported in DICOM, the international standard format for medical images; ask for that format so that another dentist can open them | A new dentist can compare before and after and plan any corrections | NaTHNaC: “copies of all overseas medical records, including x-rays and scans, before departure” [1]; DICOM is recognised by ISO as ISO 12052 [7] |
| 4 | Implant details, for every implant | Manufacturer, implant system or product line, diameter and length, lot and serial number, date placed, which tooth site, and the abutment or healing cap used | Abutments, screws and tools are specific to each implant system. If the system is not known, a dentist has to try to identify it from X-rays, which takes time and is not always conclusive [8] | In the EU, Regulation (EU) 2017/745, Art. 18 requires the manufacturer to supply an implant card with “the device name, serial number, lot number, the UDI, the device model, as well as the name, address and the website of the manufacturer”, and health institutions must make this available to the patient; the list of exempt implants (sutures, staples, dental fillings, dental braces, tooth crowns, screws, wedges, plates, wires, pins, clips and connectors) does not include dental implants [5]. In Türkiye, the Medical Device Regulation (Tıbbi Cihaz Yönetmeliği) contains the same implant-card article with the same exemptions [5b]. Ask for the implant card, or for the same information in writing |
| 5 | Restoration details | For each crown, bridge, veneer or denture: material (for example zirconia, lithium-disilicate glass-ceramic, metal-ceramic, acrylic), the manufacturer of the block or system if known, the dental laboratory, shade, date, and whether it is screw-retained or cemented | Needed for repairs, remakes and to understand what a guarantee covers | Not in the official checklists. Practical item from the author: this is the information a dentist needs to repair, remake or match a restoration |
| 6 | Medicines and anaesthesia record | The local anaesthetic or any other anaesthesia used, any other medicines given during treatment, antibiotics and painkillers with doses, the allergies you declared, and the discharge medication list | Needed if you have a reaction or an infection after you return | NaTHNaC includes “drugs including discharge medication” in the written treatment plan [1]; GDC: the dentist “should ask for your full medical history” [3] |
| 7 | Your medical history form and signed consent | A copy of what you declared and what you signed | The GDC says the dentist carrying out your assessment should ask for your full medical history [3] | GDC [3] |
| 8 | The guarantee in writing | What is covered and for how long, what is excluded, what conditions apply (for example attending check-ups, or wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth), how a claim is made, and who pays travel | Guarantees differ widely; ask before paying | GDC questions: “Is the work guaranteed for a certain period of time?” and “What aftercare do you provide?” [3] |
| 9 | An aftercare and follow-up plan | When reviews are due; which symptoms mean you should get help; emergency contact details and the language of support; and how a remote check works if you cannot return. The NHS lists finding it hard to breathe, speak or swallow, or a lot of swelling in your mouth, as emergencies after a dental infection [9] | Aftercare is the weak point of treatment abroad | NHS: “Ensure you’re clear about how your aftercare will be coordinated”; warning signs include “no mention of aftercare” and “no discussion of possible complications” [2]; GDC: “Who can I contact for advice after the treatment?” [3] |
| 10 | Itemised invoice | Treatments, teeth, dates and amounts. If your insurer asks for it, ask the clinic whether it can provide a signed treatment report | Needed for any claim or complaint. Whether anything is reimbursed depends on your insurer and policy; ask them in writing before you travel | NHS: make sure you have appropriate travel insurance and tell your insurer about your plans [2] |
Part 2. Check a clinic in Türkiye in three steps (official records only)
Three steps, using official pages only. This page does not rank or rate clinics, and a listing is not a recommendation.
Step 1. Is the facility authorised for international patients?
The Turkish Ministry of Health (Health Services General Directorate, Health Tourism Department) publishes lists of health facilities that hold a health-tourism authorisation certificate, in four PDF lists by facility type: hospitals, medical centres, private practices (muayenehane) and other health facilities. Each list gives the province, the facility name, its type, address and telephone number. Open the list for the facility type, find the province and the exact facility name, and compare it with the name on the clinic’s contract and invoice.
- Lists page: https://shgmturizmdb.saglik.gov.tr/TR-76664/yetkili-saglik-tesisleri.html (the four links open PDF files; when we checked, all four were dated 14 October 2026) [11]
- Hospitals: https://shgmturizmdb.saglik.gov.tr/TR-94834/yetkili-hastaneler.html · Medical centres: https://shgmturizmdb.saglik.gov.tr/TR-94835/yetkili-tip-merkezleri.html · Private practices: https://shgmturizmdb.saglik.gov.tr/TR-94836/yetkili-muayenehaneler.html · Other facilities: https://shgmturizmdb.saglik.gov.tr/TR-94837/yetkili-diger-saglik-tesisleri.html [11]
- HealthTürkiye, the official health tourism portal: https://www.healthturkiye.gov.tr/ [12]. The UK Foreign Office also points to it: “The Turkish Ministry of Health provides a list of its approved medical providers on the HealthTurkiye website” [4].
Lists change. Note the date you checked. If the facility is not on the list, ask the clinic in writing which authorisation it holds and under which legal name.
Step 2. Is the dentist registered?
In Türkiye, a dentist who starts practising independently must register with the dental profession’s statutory body within one month (Law No. 3224, Art. 17) [10]. Ask for the dentist’s name and professional registration number (the number issued by the statutory professional body for dentists) in writing, and keep it with your records. If a consultation or event takes place in the UK, the General Dental Council says that only people registered with it can legally practise dentistry in the UK and recommends checking before receiving any treatment or advice; register: https://olr.gdc-uk.org/searchregister [3].
Step 3. Is the offer complete?
Compare what you were offered with the GDC and NHS question lists: who will carry out the treatment and their qualifications, what is guaranteed, what aftercare is provided, who pays for remedial work, and whether complications are discussed [2][3]. The NHS lists warning signs: “a hard sell”, “a lack of information”, “pressure to make a quick decision”, “no discussion of possible complications”, “no mention of aftercare” [2].
The UK Foreign Office advises discussing plans with your UK doctor, dentist or clinician before going ahead, and doing your own research, because “private companies have a financial interest in booking your treatment” [4].
Part 3. A note to take to your own dentist
Copy this table, fill it in at the clinic, and give it to your dentist at home with the files from Part 1.
| Field | Entry |
|---|---|
| Clinic name (as on contract) and city | |
| Treating dentist(s) and professional registration number | |
| Dates of treatment | |
| Teeth treated (FDI numbers) and what was done | |
| Implants: manufacturer, system, diameter, length, lot/serial, date, tooth site | |
| Abutments / healing caps used | |
| Restorations: material, laboratory, date, screw-retained or cemented | |
| Medicines, anaesthesia, allergies | |
| Imaging files received (panoramic, CBCT, intraoral) and format | |
| Guarantee: what, how long, exclusions, conditions | |
| Follow-up plan and emergency contact | |
| Invoice / documents received |
Part 4. If something goes wrong after you return
See your own dentist quickly if you have pain, swelling or a high temperature after treatment. Call emergency services or go to an emergency department if you find it hard to breathe, speak or swallow, or have a lot of swelling in your mouth; do not drive yourself [9]. Take your records and the note from Part 3 with you. Contact the clinic in writing with photographs and X-rays, referring to the guarantee terms you were given. Keep all messages.
Sources
- [1] NaTHNaC (UK National Travel Health Network and Centre), “Travelling for treatment (medical tourism)”, https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/59/medical-tourism-travelling-for-treatment (first published 27 March 2023, last updated 17 June 2024).
- [2] NHS, “Treatment abroad checklist”, https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/going-abroad-for-treatment/treatment-abroad-checklist/ (page last reviewed 19 November 2023; next review due 19 November 2026).
- [3] General Dental Council, “Going abroad for dental treatment”, https://www.gdc-uk.org/standards-guidance/information-for-patients-public/going-abroad-for-dental-treatment ; GDC register https://olr.gdc-uk.org/searchregister .
- [4] GOV.UK, FCDO Türkiye travel advice, Health, https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey/health .
- [5] Regulation (EU) 2017/745 on medical devices, Article 18, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/745/oj/eng (UK copy as adopted: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2017/745/article/18/adopted).
- [5b] Türkiye, Tıbbi Cihaz Yönetmeliği (Medical Device Regulation), Official Gazette 2 June 2021 No. 31499 (repeated issue), Article 18; full text published by the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TİTCK), https://titck.gov.tr/ .
- [6] ISO 3950:2016, Dentistry — Designation system for teeth and areas of the oral cavity (the FDI two-digit system), https://www.iso.org/standard/68292.html .
- [7] DICOM Standard, “About DICOM”, https://www.dicomstandard.org/about (recognised as ISO 12052).
- [8] Michelinakis G, Sharrock A, Barclay CW. Identification of dental implants through the use of Implant Recognition Software (IRS). Int Dent J. 2006;56(4):203–208. PMID 16972394.
- [9] NHS, “Dental abscess”, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dental-abscess/ (page last reviewed 18 March 2026).
- [10] Türkiye, Law No. 3224 (Türk Diş Hekimleri Birliği Kanunu), Article 17, https://www.mevzuat.gov.tr/MevzuatMetin/1.5.3224.pdf .
- [11] Turkish Ministry of Health, Health Services General Directorate, Health Tourism Department, authorised health facilities, https://shgmturizmdb.saglik.gov.tr/TR-76664/yetkili-saglik-tesisleri.html .
- [12] HealthTürkiye, https://www.healthturkiye.gov.tr/ .
- [13] Türkiye, Hasta Hakları Yönetmeliği (Official Gazette 1 August 1998 No. 23420), Articles 2, 16, 17, https://www.mevzuat.gov.tr/mevzuat?MevzuatNo=4847&MevzuatTur=7&MevzuatTertip=5 .
- [14] Türkiye, Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı Hizmeti Sunulan Özel Sağlık Kuruluşları Hakkında Yönetmelik (Official Gazette 6 October 2022 No. 31975), Article 22, https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2022/10/20221006-1.htm .
- [15] Türkiye, Law No. 6698 on the Protection of Personal Data, Article 11, https://www.mevzuat.gov.tr/MevzuatMetin/1.5.6698.pdf .
Licence. The author’s own text and tables on this page are published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence (CC BY 4.0): you may copy, adapt and share them, including commercially, if you credit “Ali Cem Ulubey, DDS”, link to this page and state any changes you made. Quotations from the NHS website, TravelHealthPro (NaTHNaC) and GOV.UK contain public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0; the General Dental Council text is quoted, with acknowledgement, under the GDC’s own copyright. These and all other sources remain subject to their publishers’ terms and are not covered by our licence; please cite them as listed above.
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