Have you ever looked at a quote for dental work and felt your jaw drop – for all the wrong reasons? The high cost of dental care in countries like the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, and Western Europe can put essential treatments or desired cosmetic procedures out of reach for many. crowns, implants, veneers, even basic fillings can add up fast.
But what if there was a way to get high-quality dental care for a fraction of the price? Welcome to the world of dental tourism! Millions of people just like you are traveling outside their home countries for affordable dental work. Let’s explore some of the top dental tourism destinations worldwide and see how you can save money without compromising on quality. Get ready to smile brighter – both literally and figuratively!
What Exactly is Dental Tourism?
Simply put, dental tourism means traveling across borders to receive dental care. You might travel from the US to Mexico, from the UK to Hungary, or from Australia to Thailand. People do this for one primary reason: significant cost savings.
Compared to the prices charged in many Western developed nations, dental procedures in popular dental tourism destinations can be 40% to 80% cheaper! That’s not a typo. Imagine saving hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars (or Pounds, or Euros) on treatments like:
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Dental Implants
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Crowns and Bridges
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Veneers
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Root Canals
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Dentures
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Full Mouth Restorations
And here’s the best part: lower prices don’t necessarily mean lower quality. Many top international clinics boast internationally trained dentists, state-of-the-art technology mirroring or exceeding standards back home, and excellent patient care.
What’s Fueling the Rise of Dental Tourism?
Why are so many people packing their bags for dental work? Several factors are driving this growing trend:
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Sky-High Domestic Costs: Let's face it, dental care in many developed countries is incredibly expensive. Limited insurance coverage often leaves patients paying large amounts out-of-pocket, making major procedures unaffordable. This is the main "push" factor.
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Affordability Abroad: Destination countries offer treatments at much lower price points. This is due to lower overhead costs, lower labor costs, and sometimes government support for medical tourism. This affordability is the main "pull" factor. Studies show potential savings can reach up to 80% in some locations.
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High Quality Standards: Popular dental tourism destinations often have clinics adhering to strict international standards. Many dentists train in the US, UK, or Germany, and clinics invest heavily in modern equipment and materials. Accreditation from international bodies is increasingly common.
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Advanced Technology: Top international clinics often feature the latest dental tech: CAD/CAM for same-day crowns, 3D imaging (CBCT scans), laser dentistry, and high-quality implant systems. You might find technology abroad that isn't even widely available at your local dentist.
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Reduced Wait Times: In countries with public healthcare systems, waiting lists for certain dental procedures can be long. Dental tourism often offers much quicker access to appointments and treatments.
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The Vacation Bonus: Many choose to combine their dental treatment with a holiday. Recovering on a beach in Thailand or exploring ancient ruins after visiting a dentist in Turkey adds appeal for many dental travelers. Millions are now exploring dental care abroad each year, making it a significant global market.
Which country has the best dentist in the world
So, where are people going for affordable, high-quality dental care? Here are some of the most popular and highly regarded dental tourism destinations, home to some of the best dentists in the world:
1. Mexico: Close, Convenient, and Cost-Effective
For Americans and Canadians, Mexico is often the first place that comes to mind. Its proximity makes travel easy and affordable.
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Why Choose Mexico? Unbeatable convenience for North Americans and potential savings of up to 70% compared to US prices. Many dentists near the border are US-trained, bilingual, and cater specifically to international patients.
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Popular Hubs: Border towns like Tijuana (right across from San Diego) and Los Algodones (nicknamed "Molar City," near Yuma, Arizona) are packed with dental clinics. Other cities like Cancun and Puerto Vallarta also offer options combined with resort settings.
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Cost Focus: Imagine getting dental implants, often costing $3,000-$5,000 per tooth in the US, for closer to $800-$1,500 in reputable Mexican clinics using similar FDA-approved materials. Crowns that cost $1,500 might be found for $300-$500. These substantial savings make even complex procedures like All-on-4 implants significantly more accessible.
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Common Procedures: Implants, crowns, veneers, root canals, dentures, All-on-4.
Some of the best clinics are:
2. Costa Rica: Quality Care in Paradise
Known for its stunning natural beauty and "Pura Vida" lifestyle, Costa Rica is also a top-tier dental destination, especially for North Americans.
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Why Choose Costa Rica? It offers a fantastic combination of highly skilled dentists (many US-trained and bilingual), savings of 50-70% compared to the US, modern clinics, and a beautiful, relaxing environment for recovery. The country has a strong reputation for complex restorative and cosmetic work.
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Popular Hubs: The capital city, San José, is the main center for dental tourism, with numerous high-tech clinics.
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Cost Focus: Think about a full mouth restoration – potentially $30,000-$60,000+ in North America. In Costa Rica, similar high-quality work using top materials might range from $15,000-$25,000. This dramatic difference, combined with a beautiful recovery setting known for ecotourism, makes it very attractive for major dental projects.
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Common Procedures: Full mouth restorations, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry (veneers, smile makeovers), crowns, bridges.
Some of the best clinics are:
3. Hungary: The Dental Capital of Europe
For decades, Hungary, particularly its capital Budapest, has been a major player in European dental tourism.
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Why Choose Hungary? It attracts patients primarily from the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with savings up to 70% compared to Western European prices. Hungary adheres to strict EU regulations for dental care, boasts highly trained dentists (often multilingual), and utilizes advanced technology. Its central location makes it easily accessible.
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Popular Hubs: Budapest is famously known as the "Dental Capital of Europe," with a high concentration of world-class clinics.
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Cost Focus: For Europeans facing €2,000 or £1,800 for a single implant at home, finding top-quality options in Budapest for €700-€1,000 or £600-£900 is common. Complex bridgework or multiple crowns can yield savings in the thousands, making the short flight highly worthwhile for those seeking affordable quality within the EU framework.
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Common Procedures: Dental implants, complex full mouth reconstructions, crowns, bridges, dentures.
4. Thailand: World-Class Care in the Land of Smiles
Thailand offers a compelling mix of exotic travel and excellent, affordable dental care, attracting a global clientele.
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Why Choose Thailand? Known for its internationally accredited hospitals and dental centers, highly skilled dentists (many trained in the US, UK, or Australia), and savings around 50-75% compared to Western countries. Plus, it's a world-renowned tourist destination.
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Popular Hubs: Bangkok, the bustling capital, and the beautiful island of Phuket are major centers for dental tourism.
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Cost Focus: Australians might pay AUD $4,000-$7,000 for an implant and crown. In Thailand's top JCI-accredited clinics, similar procedures using internationally recognized brands like Straumann or Nobel Biocare could cost AUD $1,500-$3,000. This substantial saving, even factoring in flights and accommodation, attracts many seeking cosmetic work or major restorations while enjoying a holiday.
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Common Procedures: Cosmetic dentistry (veneers, teeth whitening), dental implants, crowns, bridges, general dentistry.
Some of the best clinics are:
5. Turkey: The Rising Star for Smile Makeovers
Turkey has rapidly emerged as a hugely popular dental tourism destination, particularly famous for cosmetic transformations.
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Why Choose Turkey? Extremely competitive pricing with savings potentially reaching 70% or more compared to Europe and the US. Clinics are often ultra-modern with the latest technology. It's easily accessible for Europeans and visitors from the Middle East.
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Popular Hubs: Istanbul, the vibrant cultural hub, along with coastal cities like Antalya and Izmir, are hotspots for dental clinics.
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Cost Focus: The "Turkey Teeth" phenomenon often involves full sets of veneers or crowns. While a single high-quality veneer might cost £800-£1,200 in the UK, Turkish clinics frequently offer package deals for full smile makeovers (e.g., 16-20 porcelain veneers or zirconia crowns) ranging from £3,000-£6,000. This package pricing for dramatic cosmetic results is a primary driver of its popularity.
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Common Procedures: Veneers ("Turkey Teeth"), crowns, dental implants, smile makeovers, teeth whitening.
Some of the best clinics are:
6. Spain: Quality and Sunshine on the Mediterranean
Spain offers a familiar European setting combined with quality dental care and lower prices than northern neighbors.
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Why Choose Spain? Adherence to high EU standards, modern clinics, and dentists trained within the European system. Costs are lower than in the UK, Ireland, or Scandinavia, offering moderate savings. The pleasant climate and established tourism infrastructure are big draws.
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Popular Hubs: Major cities like Barcelona and Madrid, as well as coastal regions popular with tourists like Alicante (Costa Blanca) and Malaga (Costa del Sol).
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Cost Focus: While savings might not be as dramatic as in Eastern Europe or Turkey, Spain provides welcome relief from very high Northern European prices. A procedure costing £1,000 in the UK might be £600-£700 in Spain. Patients often choose Spain for the combination of reliable EU healthcare standards, a comfortable environment, and holiday opportunities alongside these moderate cost benefits.
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Common Procedures: General dentistry, implants, crowns, cosmetic procedures.
7. Poland: Affordable Excellence in Central Europe
Like its neighbor Hungary, Poland offers high-quality, affordable dental care within the EU framework.
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Why Choose Poland? Significant cost savings compared to Germany, the UK, and Scandinavia. High standards of care aligned with EU regulations, well-educated dentists (often fluent in English or German), and modern facilities. Good accessibility within Europe.
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Popular Hubs: Cities like Krakow (a historic gem), Warsaw (the capital), and Gdansk are known for their excellent dental centers catering to international patients.
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Cost Focus: Similar to Hungary, Poland offers substantial savings within the EU. Dental work costing €5,000 in Germany could potentially be done for €2,000-€3,000 in major Polish cities. Krakow, in particular, has a high concentration of clinics experienced with international patients, making it a popular choice for comprehensive dental work at lower prices.
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Common Procedures: Implants, crowns, bridges, root canals, cosmetic dentistry.
8. Croatia: EU Standards Meet Adriatic Charm
Nestled along the stunning Adriatic coast, Croatia has become a major hub for European dental tourists, leveraging its EU membership and natural beauty.
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Why Choose Croatia? Attracts primarily Europeans (especially from Italy, Germany, UK, Austria) with savings up to 70-80% compared to Western/Northern Europe. Patients benefit from high-quality care adhering to strict EU regulations, modern clinics using advanced technology, and highly skilled dentists who often speak English or Italian. Croatia also offers potential VAT deductions on dental work and excellent package deals often including transport and accommodation.
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Popular Hubs: The capital city Zagreb, and beautiful coastal cities like Split and Rijeka, are centers for dental tourism.
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Cost Focus: Croatia offers significant savings within the EU framework. For instance, a dental implant costing £1,800-£2,100 in the UK might be found for around £400-£600 in a reputable Croatian clinic. A high-quality Zirconia crown costing £850 could be around £220. These substantial savings, combined with the appeal of a holiday on the Adriatic coast, make it a compelling choice.
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Common Procedures: Dental implants, crowns, bridges, veneers, full mouth reconstructions, cosmetic dentistry.
9. Dominican Republic: Caribbean Smiles at Lower Prices
This sunny Caribbean island is not just a top vacation spot but also a growing destination for affordable dental care, particularly attractive to North Americans.
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Why Choose Dominican Republic? Offers a blend of tropical vacation appeal with significant dental savings, often up to 60-70% less than US prices. Clinics in tourist areas cater to international patients, often with US-trained or internationally standardized dentists and modern facilities. Its location makes it easily accessible from the East Coast of the US and Canada.
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Popular Hubs: Major tourist centers like Punta Cana and the capital, Santo Domingo, host numerous clinics popular with dental tourists.
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Cost Focus: The DR provides considerable value. For example, All-on-4 dental implants might cost around $10,200 per arch, compared to $24,000+ in the US. Single implants can start from $1,100, porcelain veneers around $350, and crowns near $300. These prices allow access to significant dental work while enjoying a Caribbean setting.
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Common Procedures: Dental implants, All-on-4, veneers, crowns, dentures, smile makeovers.
Some of the best clinics are:
10. India: Dramatic Savings with Global Expertise
India has emerged as a major global player in medical and dental tourism, renowned for offering complex procedures at incredibly low costs.
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Why Choose India? The primary draw is extreme affordability, with potential savings reaching up to 90% compared to the US or Australia. India boasts highly skilled dentists (many with international training/acclaim), state-of-the-art facilities in major cities, adherence to international standards in top clinics, and widespread use of English. It also offers a unique cultural travel experience.
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Popular Hubs: Major metropolitan areas like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai are hubs for advanced dental care.
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Cost Focus: India offers some of the lowest prices globally. A single dental implant might range from $220 to $1,200 (depending heavily on brand and clinic). All-on-4 treatments can range from $1,500-$3,000 for basic systems up to $6,000-$9,500 for premium brands per arch – compared to $24,000+ in the US. High-quality Zirconia crowns can be found for $90-$150. While costs are incredibly low, thorough vetting of clinic accreditation and dentist credentials is vital.
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Common Procedures: Full range including complex implants (All-on-4/6/8, Zygoma), full mouth restorations, crowns, bridges, veneers, root canals, orthodontics.
How Do You Choose the Right Dental Tourism Destination and Clinic?
Choosing to travel for dental care is a big decision. While cost savings are attractive, they shouldn't be the only factor. Thorough research is absolutely essential. Here’s what to consider:
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Dentist Qualifications & Experience: Look for dentists with verifiable credentials. Where did they train? Are they specialists in the procedures you need (e.g., implantology, cosmetic dentistry)? How many years of experience do they have?
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Clinic Accreditation & Standards: Does the clinic meet international standards (e.g., ISO certification)? Are they accredited by reputable local or international bodies? What are their sterilization protocols?
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Patient Reviews & Testimonials: Look for independent reviews and testimonials online (Google, specialized medical tourism platforms, forums). Be wary of clinics only showing perfect reviews on their own site. Before-and-after photos can be helpful, but verify their authenticity if possible.
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Communication & Language: Will the dentist and staff speak your language fluently? Clear communication is vital for understanding treatment plans, risks, and aftercare instructions. Misunderstandings can lead to serious problems.
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Technology & Materials: What kind of technology does the clinic use (e.g., 3D imaging, CAD/CAM)? What brands of implants or materials for crowns/veneers do they offer? Ensure they use reputable, internationally recognized products.
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Total Cost Calculation: Get a detailed quote that includes everything – the procedures, anesthesia, materials, X-rays, follow-up visits. Factor in your travel costs (flights, accommodation, food, local transport) and time off work to understand the true total cost and savings.
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Virtual Consultation: Many top clinics offer online consultations where you can discuss your case, share records, and get a preliminary treatment plan and quote before you travel.
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Seek Recommendations: Ask friends or family who may have traveled for dental care. Consider using a reputable medical tourism facilitator like PlacidWay, who vet clinics and assist with arrangements, but still do your own research.
Don't rush the decision. Take your time to research thoroughly and choose a provider you feel confident and comfortable with.
What Are the Risks and Considerations?
While dental tourism offers many benefits, it's important to be aware of potential risks:
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Varying Standards: Quality can vary significantly, even within the same country. A cheap price might reflect lower quality materials, less experienced dentists, or rushed procedures. Rigorous research helps mitigate this.
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Communication Barriers: Even if staff speak some English, nuances can be lost, potentially leading to misunderstandings about your treatment or expectations.
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Follow-Up Care: What happens if you have a complication after returning home? Your local dentist may be unwilling or unable to treat issues arising from work done elsewhere. Plan for potential follow-up needs – some international clinics offer guarantees or have partnerships with dentists in patients' home countries, but this needs verification.
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Legal Recourse: If something goes wrong, your legal options might be different and more complex than in your home country. Understanding the regulations and complaint procedures in the destination country is important.
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Travel Stress & Recovery: Flying soon after dental surgery isn't always ideal. Factor in adequate recovery time before traveling home. Combining treatment with an intense vacation schedule can also be taxing.
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Hidden Costs: Ensure your quote is all-inclusive. Sometimes extra fees for consultations, X-rays, or temporary restorations might not be clearly stated initially.
Careful planning, choosing reputable providers, and having realistic expectations can help minimize these risks.
Is Dental Tourism Right for You?
Dental tourism presents a fantastic opportunity for many people to access affordable, high-quality dental care that might be out of reach at home. Destinations like Mexico, Costa Rica, Hungary, Thailand, Turkey, Spain, and Poland consistently deliver excellent results and significant savings for millions of international patients each year. Combining treatment with travel can be an added bonus.
However, success hinges on diligent research and careful planning. Don't let attractive prices blind you to the importance of quality, safety, and proper credentials. Verify everything, ask questions, understand the risks, and plan for follow-up care.
When done right, choosing one of the top dental tourism destinations can lead to a healthy smile and a happy wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dental Tourism
How much can I realistically save with dental tourism?
Savings vary widely by country and procedure, but typically range from 40% to 80% compared to prices in the US, Canada, UK, or Australia. For major work like implants or full mouth restorations, savings can easily reach $10,000-$30,000 or more. For example, a single implant costing $4,000 at home might be $1,000-$1,500 abroad. Remember to factor in travel and accommodation costs for your total savings calculation, but even then, the financial benefit is often substantial, especially for extensive treatments.
How do I find a safe and reputable dental clinic abroad?
Research is key! Look for clinics with international accreditations (like JCI or ISO). Check dentist qualifications – where did they train? Are they specialists? Read independent patient reviews on multiple platforms (not just the clinic's website). Ask for before-and-after photos of similar cases. Have a virtual consultation to gauge communication and professionalism. Reputable medical tourism facilitators like PlacidWay can also help by providing access to pre-screened clinics, but always do your own final checks.
What if I don't speak the local language?
Most top clinics catering to international patients in popular dental tourism destinations have dentists and staff who speak excellent English. Many also cater to other languages like German, French, or Spanish depending on their main clientele. Confirm language proficiency during your initial contact or virtual consultation. Clear communication is crucial, so ensure you feel comfortable understanding everything about your treatment plan and aftercare instructions. Never proceed if you feel uncertain due to language barriers.
What happens if I have a problem after I return home?
This is a critical consideration. Discuss warranties or guarantees with the clinic before treatment. Some top clinics offer guarantees on their work (e.g., for implants or crowns) for a specific period. Understand what the guarantee covers and what the process is if you need corrective work. Some clinics may have partnership agreements with dentists in your home country for minor follow-ups, but this is rare. You might need to travel back for significant issues, or pay your local dentist for repairs, which could negate initial savings. Plan for this possibility.
Get a Free Quote Today
Ready to explore your options at vetted, high-quality dental clinics worldwide? Contact PlacidWay today! We connect patients with accredited international providers and offer personalized guidance to help you make informed decisions about your dental journey.
Want to learn more about the best countries for dental tourism? Click below to get more information!
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