Practical and theoretical implications of medical tourism on dental practitioners and technicians

Abstract

Objective. The purpose of this study is to draw attention of dental medicine specialist’s team on risks they are exposed to, by modifying treatment plans in order to fit medical tourism programs. Material and method. In this study a questionnaire was applied to a number of 173 dentists with differend specializations, regarding the adaption of treatment options for patients from medical tourism programs and risks posed by changes they had applied. Results. The analysis of results shows that the treatment approach for medical tourists is mostly based on a multidisciplinary team. In terms of quality of the treatment it is distinguished the use of specialists focused on specific fields of dentistry, but we must not neglect the fact that the therapeutical act is adapted to a reduced treatment time. Conclusions. For most of professionals of dental tourism, the financial aspect comes first and not the ethical aspect of medical care.

Keywords

• medical tourism
• dental specialist
• malpractice