Checking regulation and dental qualifications abroad

The GDC is the UK dental regulator, all dental professionals must be registered with them to work in the UK. They set the standards dental professionals must adhere to. They can’t guarantee another organisation like the GDC exists in other countries, or even that the standards in relation to dentists abroad will be the same as they are here. They recommend you do as much research as you can and find out the facts before you go to ensure your cosmetic dentistry treatment abroad meets your expectations.

Dental regulation is likely to vary according to country, so it’s a good idea to do some initial research on where your planned cosmetic dentistry abroad treatment will take place. Does that country have a professional regulatory body? Is it compulsory for dental professionals to be registered with them?

You can find out about health regulators and professional bodies in other countries by visiting www.healthregulation.org. If there is a regulatory body, you may want to visit their website to find out about the standards they enforce, what qualifications dental professionals must have and who to contact if you have a complaint about your treatment by dentists abroad.

In this guide:

• Dental tourism checklist: overview
• Checking dental qualifications and regulation abroad
• Initial consultation
• Consult your own dentist
• Questions to ask
• GDC contact details