Falling UK dental implant prices can lead to dental tourism

Prices of dental implants in the UK are falling but are still relatively high compared to elsewhere. Patients seek treatment around the UK or in European countries such as Hungary, Poland and Spain. The Dental Implant Cost Survey 2012 by Dental Implant Advisory shows that prices in the UK are falling, but due to a lack of consumer information many patients are still paying too much.

Prices of dental implants in the UK are falling but are still relatively high compared to elsewhere. Patients seek treatment around the UK or in European countries such as Hungary, Poland and Spain.

The Dental Implant Cost Survey 2012 by Dental Implant Advisory shows that prices in the UK are falling, but due to a lack of consumer information many patients are still paying too much.

The survey looks at price trends for dental implants and also examines the state of dental tourism. The average price of a dental implant in the UK has fallen to £1,868.The most striking finding was the range of prices being charged.

Dental implants are now available in the UK for £995. The price reduction has been driven by two factors. More clinics are providing implants exclusively. These clinics are more likely to compete on the basis of price. Several foreign dentists, particularly from Hungary, have set up clinics in London and are willing to provide implants for a lower price.

On average dental implants are cheapest in Scotland and London. The average price in Scotland was brought down by a number of low cost clinics operating in its main cities. Price competition amongst a growing number of clinics has driven the price down in London.

Wales is the most expensive place for dental implants in the UK. Other expensive regions include the Midlands, Northern Ireland, the North East and Yorkshire.

The average cost of a dental implant in Hungary is now £749. The availability of cheap dental implants in the UK means people are less inclined to travel abroad to have dental implants. Dental tourism has moved on to a second stage. As the cost savings are less, patients are less willing to travel. A number of Hungarian dentists have established clinics in London to make up for the shortfall. This has contributed to even lower prices in the UK.

The study was conducted in August 2012. The sample consisted of 100 cosmetic dentists in the UK and Hungary.

The dental implant market in the UK has changed much in recent years. Firstly, a number of cosmetic dentists have begun to specialize in dental implants only. They are willing to accept a lower margin on implants and benefit from a network effect. The second change has been a structural change to the dental tourism market. A number of dental Hungarian dental clinics have opened branches in the UK and are carrying out treatments from their London clinics.

This is having a positive effect on the market for consumers and prices have been dropping as a result. Whilst some dentists are still expecting £3,500 per implant (including crown), there is an ever increasing number of clinics offering competitively priced implant services.

Dental Implant Advisory helps dental implant patients to find affordable dental implant clinics and also assists with dental tourism arrangements. It is building a network of partner implant clinics in the UK and Europe. Partners are selected based on their credentials and value for money. The network can arrange consultations partner clinics in London, Reading and Edinburgh, with Manchester being added soon. It also offers partner clinics in Spain, Budapest, and Hungary

The agency argues that travelling for dental work has both advantages and disadvantages and it is up to customers to decide which the best solution is for them.