Your Complete Non-Medical Dental Tourism Planning Checklist

Planning dental treatment abroad involves two kinds of decisions: clinical ones, which belong with licensed dentists, and practical ones, which are yours. This checklist covers the practical side, from your first search to your first weeks back home.

For an interactive version that saves your progress, use our Clinic Checklist.

Stage 1: Research

• Decide what you want to understand before speaking to any clinic.
• Consider getting an opinion from a dentist at home about your situation.
• Build a shortlist of three to five clinics from more than one source.
• Note how you found each clinic: advert, recommendation, agency or search.
• Find each clinic's full legal name and address.

Stage 2: Compare

• Ask each clinic the same set of questions (see 12 Questions to Ask).
• Request an itemised written quotation from each.
• Ask each clinic what is not included.
• Ask who will be responsible for your treatment.
• Ask whether you're dealing with the clinic directly or an intermediary.
• Put the offers side by side using our Dental Quote Analyzer.

Stage 3: Commit

• Get deposit terms in writing: amount, purpose and recipient.
• Get refund terms in writing, including what happens if you don't proceed after examination.
• Confirm how the deposit is deducted from the final bill.
• Make sure you receive a receipt for every payment.
• Give yourself time; don't let a deadline make the decision.

Stage 4: Travel

• Check how many days you need to stay and how many visits are planned.
• Ask whether a second trip might be required.
• Consider flexible flights and accommodation.
• Confirm transfer arrangements and contact numbers.
• Check your travel insurance and what it does and doesn't cover.
• Check entry requirements for Türkiye for your nationality using official government sources.

Stage 5: During your stay

• Ask for any change to the plan or price to be explained and confirmed in writing before work begins.
• Keep copies of all documents and receipts.
• Ask questions whenever something is unclear, and ask for an interpreter if you need one.
• Note the names of the clinicians who treat you.

Stage 6: Returning home

• Ask for written records of the treatment you received and any aftercare instructions.
• Confirm how follow-up works and who to contact.
• Ask what happens if you need help that can't be given remotely.
• Keep your records somewhere safe, so you can share them with any dentist who sees you later.

Print it, save it, use it

Take this list into every conversation. The interactive checklist lets you tick items off, add notes and print the result.