The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCO) has issued a warning to Brits who plan to go abroad for medical treatments after a number of deaths.
Ranging from hair transplants and cosmetic surgery to dental work, tourists will often seek procedures abroad due to a reduced price tag.
However, the FCO has stated that 20 Brits have died after being treated overseas since January 2019.
It said: “The standard of medical facilities and available treatment vary widely around the world. As such, British nationals considering undertaking medical treatment in Turkey should carry out their own research."
While treatment abroad is not illegal, tourists have been urged to make sure that their procedure is above board and is not putting them at risk, Birmingham Live reports.
There has been reports in a rise in 'underground establishments' cropping up online that appear to be legitimate and give an aura of professionalism, but are actually not accredited by Turkish authorities.
It comes after Jak Reid, from Paisley, documented her travel abroad for cosmetic work on TikTok earlier this year after she spent £3k on 'Turkey teeth'.
The Scot was given a serious warning from her dentist who told her that 'a lot of tissue' had been removed and that she would have to get 'implants' if a problem were to arise.
Dr Khaled Kasem, chief orthodontist at Impress, has laid out his advice to help those seeking bargain dental treatment to avoid disaster by spotting these five 'red flags.'
1. Check their credentials
Special orthodontic procedures require specialist training and cannot be undertaken by every dentist. A licensed orthodontist is trained to address complex issues such as overcrowding and bite misalignment, something which can demand up to 6,000 hours of working on patients under supervision.
Wherever you decide to get treatment done, check your chosen provider's credentials before taking things any further.
2. Old utensils and technology
"If your chosen dental provider is still using old technology, you should question whether you're in the right place. Using outdated imaging tests will result in questionable findings in comparison to the clear results of a 3D scanner, for example," Dr Kasem claims.
"If your chosen orthodontist invests in new and improved technology, you know you’re going to receive the best treatment possible for your money," he said - but they also need to know how to use it.
3. Check the continuity of care
Before travelling abroad for dental care, you must consider continuity of care. All dental providers should request your dental history, as it has a huge part to play in what treatment is best for you. If you head overseas it is unlikely your new dentist will fully understand your medical history and will not be able to personalise treatment.
Dr Kasem adds: "You also need to consider the aftercare, because if something does go wrong, it's not just a case of popping into the clinic to discuss it. You could be incurring flight and hotel expenses, which on top of the cost of dental treatment could quickly add up."
4. If they don't look hygienic, make a swift exit
Before any money exchanges hands, look around and assess whether the location looks hygienic and professional. You do not want to be in the dentist's chair and suddenly realise the place is dirty.
Dr Kasem says: "The last thing you want is to suffer from an infection, so if a dentist doesn't observe cleanliness or keep up with dental hygiene standards...your best option is to find someone else. All dental providers should be wearing a clean uniform, disposable gloves, a visor and a face covering."
5. Make sure they discuss oral health
Your oral health should be just as much of a priority as the procedure, according to Dr Kasem. "If your dental provider does not mention your oral health, it's time to question whether they are right for you."
Some dental providers abroad which advertise their services for discount rates may "cut corners when it comes to oral health, it’s one way they manage to keep the costs down," the chief orthodontist says.
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