Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A complete guide for patients considering dental treatment abroad.
Dental tourism raises many common questions, and we aim to provide clear, honest answers. Dental treatment abroad can be a safe and effective option when carried out by qualified professionals in reputable clinics, but patients should always research regulatory standards, aftercare arrangements and complaint procedures.
Savings vary depending on the case, but many patients find treatment costs are significantly lower for implants, veneers and full‑mouth rehabilitation abroad compared with UK private prices.
The overseas clinic is responsible for all clinical care, while we act as a facilitator to support communication and logistics. We do not book flights or hotels, but we provide guidance on when to travel and how long to stay.
Some UK dentists will provide follow‑up care, but others may be cautious about taking over complex cases started abroad, and remedial treatment may not be available through the NHS
Why Choose Perfect Smile UK → Spain?
✓ UK-based support
✓ Partnered clinics
✓ English-speaking teams
✓ Transparent pricing
✓ Support throughout your treatment journey
✓ FREE, no-obligation consultation
Is dental tourism right for me?
Dental tourism may be suitable if you want high-quality dental care at significantly lower cost than UK private dentistry, shorter waiting times , high-quality dental care, and access to modern technology. It is ideal for patients needing veneers, crowns, implants, or full‑arch restorations, and who are comfortable travelling for treatment. If you prefer structured support, clear communication, and EU-level standards, our coordination model helps make your journey more organised, straightforward and easier to navigate
Why choose Spain instead of a Non-European country for dental treatment?
Spain operates under EU healthcare law, which means strict regulation, patient protection, and professional accountability. Spanish dentists train within recognised European educational and regulatory frameworks, they can legally work in the UK without any retraining. Non European dentists cannot. Spain also offers predictable clinical standards, modern technology, and transparent treatment processes. Spain offers UK patients access to regulated care, modern technology and convenient travel options.
Why don’t you publish fixed prices on your website?
Every mouth is different, and so is every treatment plan. While we can provide estimated price ranges, no clinic can give an accurate final cost until a dentist has examined your mouth in person.
A proper assessment must include a review of X‑rays or CBCT scans, evaluation of bone levels, gum health, bite alignment and tooth structure, and identification of any hidden issues beneath old crowns or fillings.
Only after this full clinical picture is known can a dentist confirm the exact treatment required and its final cost.
Publishing fixed prices would be misleading, so instead we offer transparent estimates and ensure the clinic provides a detailed written plan once your examination is complete.
How much can I save by having dental treatment abroad?
Depending on the treatment required, many patients find treatment costs are significantly lower than UK private prices, even after accounting for flights and accommodation. compared to UK private dentistry, even after flights and accommodation. Savings are typically highest for implants, full‑arch restorations, and cosmetic treatments, making advanced dental treatments more affordable for many patients.
How does the process work from start to finish?
Your journey includes:
- Initial contact and free non-clinical consultation.
- Clinic matching & planning.
- Travel guidance & support.
- Treatment abroad, aftercare and follow-up.
We coordinate your journey, while the clinic provides all clinical care.
What do you look for in a partner clinic?
We only work with clinics that meet strict, consistently verified standards in:
- Dentist qualifications and registration,
- Modern technology such as CBCT, digital scanning, CAD/CAM and guided surgery
- Sterilisation & safety protocols that meet European expectations
- English-speaking communication for clear, confident patient understanding
- Transparent pricing and detailed written treatment plans
- Clear aftercare and emergency support for UK patients
- Willingness to provide X‑rays and clinical notes so your UK dentist fully understands your treatment
We regularly review partner clinics and may pause or end collaborations if standards fall below our expectations, and we pause or end collaboration immediately if standards ever fall below our expectations.
Will my UK dentist know what treatment I’ve had?
Yes. You return home with all relevant X‑rays, clinical notes, treatment documentation, and where applicable material and implant details. This ensures your registered UK dentist will fully understand the work completed and can continue your care safely and confidently.
Do I need X‑rays before travelling?
Most clinics require OPG, CBCT scans (for implant cases), photos, and a medical history before confirming your treatment plan. If you don’t already have these, the clinic can arrange all necessary imaging during your first visit.
Can I speak to the clinic before I travel?
Yes. Before travelling, you can speak directly with the clinic via a video consultation. This allows you to meet the dentist, ask questions, review your provisional treatment plan, and understand timelines and expectations. It’s a simple way to build trust and confidence before committing to travel.
What support do you provide with travel?
We guide you through every practical step of your trip, including the best flight routes, recommended accommodation areas, treatment timelines, and what to expect on arrival. You can choose the travel option that suits you best: self-travel, escorted travel or a meet-and-greet airport service. A British expat team member can also provide transfers between the airport, your accommodation, and the clinic, helping to create a smooth and stress-free experience from start to finish.
Can I travel alone?
Yes. Many patients choose to travel alone, but escorted travel is available if you prefer additional support and reassurance throughout your journey.
Do clinics accept urgent UK cases?
Some partner clinics offer priority scheduling or short-notice appointments, depending on availability. It’s always handled on a case-by-case basis to ensure fairness and clinical safety.
Who makes the clinical decisions?
Only the treating clinic. We are a non-clinical coordination service; we support communication, planning and logistics, but all medical decisions are made solely by qualified clinicians., planning, and logistics, but all medical decisions are made solely by qualified clinicians. This ensures your treatment is always guided by the professionals responsible for your clinical care.
Is treatment abroad safe?
Dental treatment abroad can be safe when provided by qualified clinicians working in reputable clinics.. We partner only with clinics that operate within recognised European regulatory frameworks, use traceable materials, follow modern sterilisation protocols, and employ experienced clinicians. Every clinic is carefully selected and regularly reviewed, and required to provide full documentation of your treatment.
Will I be able to speak to the dentist in English?
Yes. All partner clinics have English-speaking clinicians and support staff. Clear communication is a requirement for partnership.
What if I’m nervous about dental treatment?
Clinics specialise in gentle, patient-centred care and offer solutions for anxious patients, including:
Calm, supportive environments, clear explanations and sedation options, where appropriate. (local, IV, or general depending on the clinic)
You will never be rushed or pressured.
Will I get temporary teeth during treatment?
For cosmetic and implant cases, most partner clinics provide temporary restorations so you can speak, smile, and function normally throughout your treatment. This ensures comfort, confidence, and support normal day-to-day activities while your final restorations are being prepared.
How long will I need to stay abroad?
It depends on the treatment:
- Veneers: Typically 3–7 days in a single visit.
- Crowns and Bridges: Usually 4–7 days in a single visit
- Single implants: Two visits, generally 3–6 months apart to allow healing
- All‑on‑4 / All‑on‑6: 5–10 days for the first visit (placement and provisional teeth), followed by a return visit for the final prosthesis
Your clinic will confirm exact timelines based on your case, healing, and clinical requirements.
Do we cover other dental treatments?
Yes, we do. In fact, we encourage patients to take advantage of combined treatments to make their journey even more cost‑effective. For example, adding a deep clean or whitening treatment alongside a crown or root canal often works out cheaper than having just one procedure in the UK. Combining treatments not only maximises your savings but also makes the most of your time abroad helping you make the most of your time abroad.
What happens if something goes wrong after I return home?
You receive a follow-up call from the clinic and a separate follow-up call from Perfect Smile, ensuring you feel supported, informed, and connected throughout your recovery.
You also return home with full documentation for your UK dentist, including X‑rays, clinical notes, and treatment details. Clinics provide clear aftercare instructions, warranty information, and access to emergency support if needed. You'll continue to receive guidance and support throughout your recovery.
Do clinics offer warranties?
Most partner clinics offer warranties on implants, crowns, bridges, veneers, and full‑arch restorations. Warranty terms vary by clinic, but they are always explained clearly before treatment so you know exactly what is covered and for how long.
Are the materials used traceable and branded?
Yes. All partner clinics use named, traceable, CE-approved materials and provide full documentation for your records. This ensures transparency, safety, and complete clarity about exactly what has been used in your treatment.
Can I finance my treatment?
Some partner clinics offer financing options for overseas patients. Payment methods typically include credit/debit card, bank transfer, and international payments, giving you flexibility in how you choose to pay.
What travel‑support options do you offer?
We provide three levels of support:
- Self Travel
- Self Travel + Expat Meet & Greet
- Fully Escorted Travel
Full details are on our Price Structure page.
www.perfectsmileuk2spain.co.uk/booking-process/price-structure/
Why do I need to pay a £100 booking fee?
The £100 booking fee confirms your intention to proceed and enables the clinic to reserve dedicated time for your treatment and consultation.
Who do I pay the booking fee to?
The booking fee is paid directly to the treating clinic in Spain. Perfect Smile UK → Spain does not collect or hold this payment.
Is the £100 booking fee deducted from my treatment cost?
Yes. The £100 booking fee is deducted from your final treatment bill, so it is not an additional charge.
Is the booking fee refundable?
Yes. The booking fee is fully refundable if you cancel your appointment at least 48 hours before your scheduled treatment date.
What happens if I cancel less than 48 hours before my appointment?
If your appointment is less than 48 hours away, any refund or transfer to a new appointment date or time is entirely at the clinic's discretion.
Does paying the booking fee guarantee that I will receive treatment?
No. Final suitability for treatment can only be confirmed after an in-person clinical examination by the dentist in Spain.
Why can't my treatment plan be confirmed before I travel?
While the clinic can provide a provisional treatment plan based on your records, photographs and scans, the dentist must carry out a full clinical assessment before confirming the final treatment plan, timeline and costs.
What does the booking fee secure?
The booking fee helps the clinic allocate clinical time, prepare for your arrival and reserve your treatment slot.
Will I need to pay the booking fee more than once?
In most cases, the booking fee is a one-time payment for your treatment journey. If additional treatment phases are required, the clinic will explain any future booking arrangements in advance.
What happens if the dentist decides I am not suitable for treatment?
If the dentist determines that you are not suitable for the planned treatment following your clinical examination, the clinic will explain your options and discuss any applicable refund arrangements directly with you.
Will I be seen by salespeople or pressured into paying?
No. You will never be pressured into treatment. We are not a sales-driven business, and we have no KPIs or sales targets.
Our role is to provide independent coordination and guidance, helping you understand your options, supporting communication with the clinic, and ensuring you feel informed and comfortable.
Any decision to proceed is entirely yours, and you are always in control.