How to choose a clinic, and check it yourself.
The difference between a good and a poor outcome abroad is rarely the city. It's the clinic, the dentist and the plan. Here is what to ask, what a good answer looks like, and how to verify it.
The eight questions, with good and bad answers
| Ask | A good answer | A red flag |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Is the clinic authorized by the Ministry of Health for international patients? | Yes, with the facility's legal name so you can check it on HealthTürkiye. | "All clinics are approved," or no name you can look up. |
| 2. Who exactly will treat me, and what are their qualifications? | A named dentist, their specialty and training, and a video call before you book. | "Our expert team," or a different dentist on the day. |
| 3. Which materials and implant systems will be used? | Brand and product named in the plan, with certificates or implant cards on request. | "Premium German material," with no product name. |
| 4. Is every proposed procedure necessary? | A reason for each tooth, and a more conservative alternative explained. | A full set recommended from one photo, without an exam. |
| 5. What exactly does the price include? | An itemized quote: consultations, X-rays, temporaries, extractions, grafts, follow-ups. | One number with "everything included" and nothing listed. |
| 6. What guarantee is offered, in writing? | Duration, what it covers, what voids it, and how to claim from abroad. | "Lifetime guarantee," with no document. |
| 7. What happens if something goes wrong at home? | A named contact, and a clear policy on who pays for travel or local repairs. | "That never happens." |
| 8. Can I have the full written plan before I travel? | Yes, based on your X-rays and photos, with the final plan confirmed after the exam. | The plan only after you arrive, or after you pay a deposit. |
Is it authorized for international patients?
- Ask the clinic for its full legal name and its international health tourism authorization.
- Look up that name on HealthTürkiye, the Ministry of Health's official portal for international patients.
- Make sure the name on your invoice and treatment plan matches the authorized facility.
Who will actually treat you?
- Full name, and a specialist title where relevant, such as prosthodontist or oral surgeon
- Where and when they qualified, and how often they do your treatment
- Registration with the Turkish Dental Association (Türk Dişhekimleri Birliği)
- Photos of their own work, shared with patient consent
- Confirmation that the same dentist does the key steps, not a rotating team
What a written plan should contain
If a plan leaves out any of these, ask for it before you book.
- Name and authorization of the clinic
- Name and qualifications of the treating dentist
- Diagnosis, tooth by tooth
- Proposed treatment for each tooth, and why
- Materials, implant systems and laboratory
- Number of appointments and total days needed
- Itemized price, with what could be added
- Payment terms and deposit rules
- Guarantee terms, in writing
- Aftercare and follow-up arrangements
Red flags
Discounts that expire in hours, or deposits requested before a plan is written.
You should know who will treat you before you travel.
A single number for "a new smile" tells you nothing about what is being done.
Treating healthy teeth needs a reason you understand.
A verbal promise is hard to rely on once you're home.
Look for reviews on independent platforms, not only on the clinic's own site.
Take the checklist with you.
The Private Guide includes a printable version with space to record each clinic's answers, side by side.