How do you find safe dental care while traveling abroad?

Picture this: You're three days into a trip abroad when a filling cracks or a crown comes loose. Do you know how to find a dentist you can actually trust in an unfamiliar place? A few key questions, about sterilization, credentials and record-keeping, can help you get safe care wherever you are. Bring your dental records and medicine list, and get copies of any treatment you receive, so your dentist back home can pick up where the trip left off. 

What you will learn in this article: 

• Check the dental provider’s qualifications and the clinic’s credentials. 

• Ask about sterilization, hand cleaning, gloves and needles. 

• Consider a checkup before traveling if you have symptoms or are due for one. 

• Bring important records and keep copies of any care you receive abroad. 

If you’re planning a trip and want a checkup first, schedule an appointment with an Aspen Dental provider. Your care team can review your teeth and help you prepare. 

Why get a dental checkup before you leave? 

If you are due for a checkup or have tooth or gum symptoms, consider seeing your dental provider before a long trip. The American Academy of Periodontology recommends an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation. This exam looks at your teeth, gums, plaque, bite, bone support and risk factors to find problems that may need treatment.¹ 

Tell your dental provider how soon you are leaving, especially if you have pain, swelling, a loose crown or another concern. Your dental provider can explain what may need care before the trip and what may safely wait. 

What should you check about a dental office abroad? 

A clean-looking room is not enough. Ask how the office handles tools, gloves, needles and surfaces. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) standard precautions include hand hygiene, protective gear, safe injections, sterile instruments and clean treatment areas.² 

Are reusable tools cleaned and sterilized? 

Ask how reusable tools are cleaned and sterilized before another patient uses them. The office should be able to explain its process clearly.² 

Does the team wear protective gear? 

Dental staff should use the right protective gear for the procedure. This may include gloves, masks, eye protection and protective clothing.² 

Do they clean their hands and change gloves? 

Dental staff should clean their hands before and after caring for each patient. They should also clean their hands before putting on gloves and after taking them off. The same gloves should never be used for more than one patient.² 

Are needles and syringes used only once? 

Needles and syringes should not be used for more than one patient. If the office cannot answer basic safety questions clearly, consider looking for another place to receive care.² 

How do you check a dental provider's credentials? 

Finding care in another country can feel uncertain. Before you book, check the dental provider’s qualifications and the facility’s license, credentials or accreditation. The CDC notes that oversight rules can vary by country and that accreditation cannot guarantee a good result.³ If you do not speak the local language, ask how you will communicate with the dental provider before treatment begins. 

What records should you keep? 

Bring records that can help a new dental provider understand your health and past care. These may include: 

• Recent X-rays and notes about past dental treatment 

• A list of health conditions and allergies 

• A list of medicines and copies of your prescriptions 

• Details about any implants, crowns or dental appliances 

Before returning home, ask the office for copies of your treatment records and itemized receipts. You may also need an English (or other language) translation. Share the records with your home dental provider so they can review the treatment and plan any follow-up care.³ 

Tell any new dental provider about your health conditions and medicines. That includes blood thinners, which can affect a tooth extraction. 

A little planning can make dental care away from home easier to manage. Contact your local dental provider before you leave if you need a checkup or help gathering your records. 

How do you find safe dental care while traveling abroad? FAQs 

Still have questions about dental care abroad? These answers cover a few common concerns. 

How soon before a trip should you see a dental provider? 

Book early enough to leave time for any care you may need before your trip. If you have pain, swelling, a loose crown or another concern, call your dental provider as soon as you can. They can help you choose the right timing. 

What should you do about dental insurance when you travel? 

Coverage varies by plan and country. Before you leave, ask whether your plan covers care abroad, whether approval is needed and what records or receipts you must submit. You may need to pay at the visit and file a claim later. 

How do you talk with a dental provider if you don’t share a language? 

Write down your health conditions, medicines, allergies and dental history before you go. Bring the information in the local language if you can. Ask whether someone at the office speaks your language, and make sure you understand the treatment plan before care begins. 

What should you do when you return home? 

It’s a good idea to schedule a follow-up visit with your home dental provider, especially if you still have pain, swelling, bleeding or another concern. Bring the records and receipts you gathered abroad so they can review what was done and plan any next steps. 

Sources 

¹ American Academy of Periodontology: “Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation (CPE).” https://www.perio.org/for-patients/gum-disease-information/comprehensive-periodontal-evaluation/ 

² Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dental Infection Prevention and Control: “Standard Precautions.” https://www.cdc.gov/dental-infection-control/hcp/summary/standard-precautions.html 

³ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Travelers’ Health: “Medical Tourism: Travel to Another Country for Medical Care.” https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/medical-tourism