#slumtourism tourism vacations dentalwork

[suadcampbell]

DENTAL TOURISM

DENTAL TOURISM

ISM: 

You may recall that last week’s Lingweenie dealt with Slum Tourism. You may also have decided that Slum Tourism wasn’t for you. Fear not, I have another suggestion: Dental Tourism. That’s right, it’s a thing. But brace yourself because it has its pitfalls. First, let me explain what Dental Tourism involves. Your teeth, dummy! Did you think it involved visiting dental offices and watching dentists perform root canals, fill cavities, do mouth checks? No, no, and no. It involves your teeth. Some people choose to find a dentist outside of the area they live in because the cost of dentistry is so high in their area. Others, very practical sorts, want to travel and take care of their dental needs at the same time. No one likes going to the dentist, but it’s far more fun to have a tooth pulled and then get on a tour bus and see the sights of the surrounding area. Most dental tourism takes place in Thailand, Malaysia, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Argentina. I’m sure if you research this subject you may find other countries offering dental tourism. Perhaps the Congo, or Botswana, or Mumbai. 

I recommend that you consider the hazards before you embark on your dental journey. First, and foremost, how are you going to communicate with the dentist? Do you speak the native languages of any of these countries? Do you have a special app on your phone that will translate what you want done, and translate the local currency? Is there a resource where you can look the dentist up and see what his credentials are? Is he even a dentist? What is the rate of dental tourist demises? Do you know what the local standards are when it comes to infection control techniques, which includes instrument sterilization--or not--glove use, needle use, dental-bib use. And what about x-ray machines, are they antiquated or up to date? Will you glow when you leave the office? And I hate to be Debby Downer, but have you considered your jaw may be in significant pain, and the scenery rushing outside your tour bus window may not be as delightful as you hoped? Which brings me to the topic of pain medications. Depending on what you’ve had done, will these dentists provide you with anything but Tylenol? 

And also consider you may not be able to enjoy the local cuisine if your bite is off, or your mouth is sore. You may fall into a cavity of despair that you are unable to climb out of, and I would hate for that to happen. It isn’t out of the realm of possibility that you contract Montezuma’s Revenge, which will lead to suffering from both your ends. Gnaw on that for a minute!

Finally, if you’ve been rooting around for a good dentist, a cheap one, remember the old adage: You get what you pay for. 

If you make the decision to go, please send pictures of your trip and remember to say “Cheese” for the camera.

What say you? Do you give a dam?