Are you considering getting dental treatment abroad? If you are, then Turkey should be on your list of top destinations. With a rich history and beautiful coastlines, Turkey is a fascinating holiday destination with plenty of ancient cities. It’s also a popular dental tourism destination as people are turning to dentists in Turkey for their dental care.
For dental tourists, Turkey offers the perfect combination of beautiful scenery and some of the lowest dental treatment prices in Europe. Find out more about dental care in Turkey and the best dental centres Turkey has to offer.
💡 Read on to see how the cost of dental care in Turkey compares to the UK.
About Turkey
Turkey shares a history with Greek, Roman, Ottoman, and Persian empires. Formerly known as Constantinople, Istanbul is one of the main attractions in Turkey, and it’s a treasure trove of shops, bars, hookah houses, and restaurants. With its ancient architecture and beautiful scenery, Istanbul is a must-see city for travellers.
Turkey offers the perfect destination for travellers who want to enjoy a relaxing beach holiday while getting the dental work they need. Whether you want to enjoy the nightlife or laze in a hammock on white sand beaches, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Turkey.
Why get dental care in Turkey?
One of the main reasons for getting dental care in Turkey is the availability. According to the British Dental Association, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find an NHS dentist in the UK. So if you are lucky enough to get registered with one, chances are that you will face a long waiting list.
Whilst we understand that good dental care is essential to maintaining overall health, many of us are neglecting our teeth because of the cost of private dental care in the UK. This is why dental care like restorative dentistry, teeth implants, and oral surgery in Turkey is so popular. There are no waiting lists and dental treatments cost a fraction of the price.
Visiting a dental centre in Turkey can be a great way to get affordable prices on the dental treatment you need, from professional, experienced dentists.
Cost of dentists in Turkey
The price of a dentist in Turkey means an average saving of 50-70% on UK dental prices. The more extensive the dental treatment in Turkey, the more you will save, which is why procedures such as dental implants and veneers in Turkey are popular. Other cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening, bridges, dentures and dental crowns in Turkey also result in huge savings.
💡 Read on to see how dental care costs in Turkey compare to the UK.
Travelling to Turkey
Turkey is an easy destination to travel to from the UK. Flight times from London to Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul, are only around four hours. Istanbul is also where you will find some of the best dentists in Turkey.
- A visa is required for most travellers to enter Turkey, which allows for stays of less than 90 days.
- There are international airports at Izmir, Antalya, Dalaman, and Istanbul, serving the most popular tourist locations.
- Car hire is available for anyone older than 21 with a valid license, but it might be worthwhile to get an international driver’s permit (IDP) for your visit.
Many people decide to combine getting dental care in Turkey with a holiday, and if you prefer to head to the beach rather than staying in the city, there are also clinics in the south-coast city of Antalya and other coastal resort towns.
Dental clinic quality
Affordable prices are not the only attraction offered by visiting a dental clinic in Turkey. The industry also relies on its dentists to maintain high standards to ensure an excellent reputation. Over half a million tourists visit each year for medical treatment in Turkey, including dental procedures and cosmetic surgery.
Turkey dental care is easily comparable to the standards in the UK, if not higher.
Dentists in Turkey must train for five years at one of the country’s 15 schools of dentistry. After obtaining their DDS degree, they may specialise with a further five years’ education in the fields of orthodontics or prosthodontics.
The Ministry of Health (Sağlık Bakanlığı) regulates dental education and legislation. Experienced dentists practising in Turkey must have a qualification recognised by this body.
They must also register with the Turkish Dental Association (TDB), an organisation that monitors dental practices and helps develop the profession through continuing education. Currently, over 26,000 dentists in Turkey hold this membership.
Dentists performing any kind of cosmetic dentistry may also become members of the Turkish Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry (EDAD). This is optional, but it shows a dentist is committed to staying up-to-date with advancements and changes in the field through continued education. If you want to get veneers in Turkey, you may prefer to use an EDAD member dentist.
Available dental treatments in Turkey
When looking for a dental clinic, Turkey has a lot to offer and a wide range of treatments. Here are some of the most popular dental treatments in Turkey that are sought by those coming from the UK.
Teeth veneers
Having teeth veneers in Turkey is not only more affordable than in the UK, but there are also virtually no waiting lists. Veneers are a cosmetic treatment that improves the appearance of uneven or discoloured teeth, leaving you with a straighter and whiter smile.
You can get teeth veneers in Turkey during one visit. However, if you are opting for porcelain veneers that are made in a lab, you’ll need to wait while this happens – a good opportunity to enjoy a holiday in Turkey while you wait.
It’s important to check with your chosen dentist clinic in Turkey how long you will need to wait so you can plan your time efficiently. You can save on accommodation costs and return home, but this will incur additional flights, so you’ll need to balance out the costs and decide what is most cost-effective for you.
Making veneers in Turkey usually takes from a few days to a week. You can go for a type of veneer that can be milled or 3D-printed on-site, making the process much faster. These dental veneers typically cost more, but the quicker process means you can return home sooner.
Dental implants
Having dental implants in Turkey is a very popular option, largely because it will save you as much as 70% less than the price you would pay for the same dental treatment in the UK.
You’ll require two or three visits to the dental clinic in Turkey to have your implants fitted, but this may vary according to the type of implants you choose and any other treatments that need to be carried out to prepare for your implants (such as extractions, a bone graft or a sinus lift).
You should ask in advance about the time scale and how long you will need to stay. Your dentist in Turkey will explain more about your treatment plan according to your individual needs.
If you need a mouth full of new teeth, then a slightly cheaper and faster option compared to having individual implants is the All-on-4 full mouth implants. All-on-4 implants require fewer dental implant rods in the jaw than traditional types, which makes them less costly and faster to fit. If you are not sure, ask your dentist in Turkey if all-on-4 dental implants are a suitable option for you.
Teeth whitening
If your goal is to have a whiter and brighter Hollywood smile, you can save hundreds of pounds with professional teeth whitening in Turkey. Laser teeth whitening requires just one visit to the dentist in Turkey, and with zero waiting time, this can be a quick trip or part of a longer holiday.
Root canals
Root canals are not the most glamorous of treatments, but they are essential sometimes and they are expensive in the UK – if you can stand waiting on a long waiting list. Root canal prices in Turkey are a fraction of that at home and there’s usually no waiting list.
Other dental services in Turkey
It’s not just root canals, veneers and whitening on offer in Turkey. A complete range of dental services are available, including (but not limited to):
- dental crowns
- braces
- dentures
- bonding
- bridges
- extractions
- fillings
For every dental procedure listed above, the price in Turkey will save you between 50-70% of what you would pay in the UK. Read more about pricing below.
Turkey dental treatment prices
Dental treatment prices in Turkey are a fraction of those found in the UK. Even after you factor in the price of flights and hotel accommodation, you could make a significant saving. The table below shows approximate cost comparisons for some of the most popular dental services sought in Turkey.
| Price in Turkey | Price in the UK | |
| Consultation fee | Often free | £50 – £170 |
| Single tooth implant + crown | £750 – £1,000 | £1,850 – £3,600 |
| Ceramic crown | £185 – £295 | £450 – £800 |
| Porcelain veneer | £175 – £245 | £450 – £800 |
| Laser teeth whitening | £135 – £190 | £400 – £700 |
| All-on-4 (per jaw) | £4,000 – £5,000 | £7,000 – £14,000 |
| Return flights | From £150 | N/A |
| Accommodation | From £25 | N/A |
| Insurance not included. All prices are indicative and subject to exchange rates. |
Locations for dental care in Turkey
When searching online for places to stay in Turkey, there are a plethora of options, from the country’s largest city, Istanbul, to resort-laden Antalya on the coast of the Mediterranean and the popular beach town of Marmaris.
Turkey is unique because it has strong influences from both the west and the east. It has a patchwork of shared history with the ancient Roman, Greek, Persian, Ottoman and Byzantine empires.
Whether you are planning to explore a city, immerse yourself in culture, chill out in a hammock, or adventure beneath the sea, there’s no shortage of holiday options in Turkey to suit all tastes.
Istanbul
Istanbul is a true melting pot of cultures, where East meets West. There’s endless sightseeing to do, and it’s also where you’ll find some of the most reputable dentists in Turkey. If you decide to get facilitated dental treatment in Istanbul, you’ll have multiple clinics to choose from.
Therefore, if you need extensive work or highly specific treatment, Istanbul could be the best destination in Turkey to meet your needs.
Aside from having dental treatment at affordable prices, you’ll be able to explore Istanbul’s myriad restaurants, bars, shops and hookah lounges which are rich with the aromas of kebabs, coffee, spices and the sweet scent of shisha pipes.
Istanbul is a large city, so it’s recommended to book a hotel that’s close (within walking distance) to your dental clinic.
Antalya
Antalya is a Turkish resort city with a yacht-filled Old Harbour and beaches flanked by large hotels. It’s a gateway to Turkey’s southern Mediterranean region, known as the Turquoise Coast for its blue waters. Remnants remain from Antalya’s time as a major Roman port. These include Hadrian’s Gate, built to honour the Roman emperor’s visit in 130 A.D, and 2nd-century Hidirlik Tower, with harbour views.
As a popular tourist destination, you’ll find that most dentists in Antalya are proficient in English. Most of the dental centres in Antalya are along the coast, close to the hotels and resorts. There are several cheaper dental clinics in Antalya that are closer to the centre of the city, but they are not so used to treating tourists.
Marmaris
Marmaris is a Mediterranean resort town along the Turkish Riviera (also known as the Turquoise Coast) with a busy, pebbly beach and long seafront promenade. It’s known for its lively nightlife on Bar Street, which is home to open-air clubs and music venues. Marmaris sits in a valley between pine-forested mountains and clear waters, which are popular sailing and diving destinations.
Similar to Antalya, dentists in Marmaris are familiar with treating tourists and have proficient English, particularly those who have dental clinics in Marmaris, which are located close to the hotels and seafront.
Izmir
Izmir is a city on Turkey’s Aegean coast. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Today, its expansive archaeological sites include the Roman Agora of Smyrna, now an open-air museum.
The hilltop Kadifekale, or Velvet Castle, built during Alexander’s reign, overlooks the city. If you are hoping to absorb some of Turkey’s rich culture during your dental holiday, then Izmir could be the right place for you!
Other dental locations in Turkey
If you want your dental holiday to involve soaking up the Turkish sun, visit a dental clinic in Side, Kusadasi, or Fethiye, which are all popular options along the coast. These locations offer considerably cheaper dental treatments than you will find in the UK.
How to Book a Dentist in Turkey
The best dental centre in Turkey for you will depend on the work you need to have done and what kind of holiday you want to have while you are there.
If you are seeking a specialist treatment or procedure, then you should look for a specialist dentist in that specific field, such as an oral surgeon or a cosmetic dentist. If you require multiple treatments that require multiple specialists, consider getting treatment from one of the larger dental clinics that employs several dentists in different fields.
Below is a list of additional factors to consider before getting your teeth done in Turkey:
- Qualifications. Is the dentist a member of the Turkish Dental Association (TDB)? This is mandatory for all practising dentists in Turkey. Registration with the Turkish Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry (EDAD) is a plus point if you are considering cosmetic dentistry in Turkey.
- Experience. How experienced is your dentist in the procedure you need? Are there online reviews available?
- Communication. Is English going to be an issue? Ask to speak with the dentist prior to booking, so you have a solid idea of their language ability.
- Guarantee. Is the dental work guaranteed?
- Additional services. Does the clinic provide extra services, such as airport transfers or accommodation, as part of your package?
Never feel uncomfortable about asking questions. You want to be sure that you are booking the right dentist for your needs and you need to be comfortable in your decision!
FAQs
How much does it cost to fix teeth in Turkey?
It depends on the dental treatment you need. It can cost around £185 to £295 for a ceramic crown, while laser teeth whitening costs around £135 to £190.
Is dental work cheaper in Turkey?
Yes. Dental work in Turkey is on average 50% to 70% cheaper than in the UK.
Where is the best place to have your teeth done in Turkey?
Some of the top destinations for dental work in Turkey include Antalya, Istanbul, and Izmir.
Is it a good idea to get teeth done in Turkey?
Yes. Getting your teeth done in Turkey should be perfectly safe and the vast majority of people who travel to Turkey for dental work are happy with the outcome.