Dental Tourism: Croatia and Dubrovnik
When it comes to dental tourism, Croatia is fast styling itself into a major player.
Not so long ago, in the mid-1990s, Croatia was at war. Croatia has since recovered to become a modern democratic nation-state and part of the European Union. In the meantime, however, its dental prices have remained significantly lower than what you’ll find in most of Europe or North America.
| DENTAL PROCEDURE |
US COST
|
CROATIA COST IN US$
|
|---|---|---|
| Root canal |
$500-$1400
|
$135
|
| Veneer |
$800-$1300
|
$400
|
| Tooth extraction |
$120
|
$60
|
NOTE: prices are indicative of those posted online by dentists in Croatia – some may charge more.
If you compare prices for dental tourism, Croatia is still a bargain, although accession to the EU is expected to push prices up.
Dentists in Croatia receive a standard European dental education and attend Zagreb University. Dental degrees are followed by one-year internships that lead to board exams and certification and membership in the Croatian Dental Chamber.
Many dentists are setting their sights on an international clientele and have extensive websites in English. Dental tourism in Hungary is Europe’s most popular, but its neighbor, Croatia, is nipping at its heels. Many dental practices were refurbished after the war and offer state-of-the-art equipment, including the latest computer imaging and X-ray processes.
Dental tourism: Croatia awaits
The country is marketing itself as a health tourism destination with an emphasis on dental tourism, and it is doing a highly credible job. It’s no wonder since it has been known as a health destination since Roman times.
In fact the term “health tourism” was coined here back in the mid-19th century and the country has plenty of health centers and spas, a great way to spend some additional time when you’re not in the dentist’s chair. Numerous package deals include hotel stays near the beach, and some provide access to spas and fitness centers.
Sunset on the Dalmatian Coast
It’s not just dental tourism – Croatia can get the rest of you back into shape!
Croatia is a fast-growing holiday destination, a short and inexpensive two-hour flight from the UK. It has a Mediterranean climate so you can easily combine a visit to the dentist with a holiday. Even in winter, the weather is mild, so a visit to a spa or a tour of the country’s coastline and picturesque villages would be a welcome diversion from the dental seat. With more than 11 million tourists a year, Croatia is one of the world’s top 20 travel destinations.
Here are some of the sights and activities you can enjoy while being a dental tourist:
- Dubrovnik, known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, is an extraordinary city whose old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, considered of outstanding value to humanity
- Plitvice Lakes National Park are also protected by UNESCO, a gorgeous collection of 16 lakes bubbling into one another through waterfalls and streams and walkways.
Stroll around Plitvice Lakes
- The narrow, climbing streets of Rovinj are lined with pastel-colored houses, a romantic fishing port that was an island just a few hundred years ago.
- The Dalmatian Coast, with its more than 1,000 miles of coastline, is dotted with pristine beaches, Roman ruins and lovely villages.
- If you’re getting your teeth done in the capital Zagreb, spend a bit of time wandering through the pedestrian city center, or climbing up to the old town.
- Don’t miss Diocletian’s Palace in Split, built by the Roman Emperor nearly two thousand years ago – and also a UNESCO World Heritage site (Croatia has seven!)
There’s certainly no shortage of things to entertain you during your experience of dental tourism in Croatia. If you choose your season well, you may never want to leave!