The Ultimate Guide to Dentists in Turkey

Last fact-checked: 4 April 2023

Turkey has rapidly emerged as one of the world’s leading destinations for dental travel, with the country’s overall health tourism sector now worth more than 1 billion dollars.

The main driving force behind this is, of course, price: Dental Departures’ network of fully-certified, English-speaking dentists in Turkey provide exceptionally high standards of care for up to 70% less than clinics in the UK and USA. 

Apart from the economical incentives, visitors to this culturally diverse, richly historical Eurasian country can look forward to enjoying a memorable beach or city break, with most of the best dentists in Turkey based in Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir and Ankara, the capital.

Whether you are seeking general, cosmetic or specialist restorative dentistry, such as full-mouth rehabilitation with dental implants, Turkey is worth seriously considering–especially if the ever-rising prices and long waiting times back home are putting you off that much-needed trip to the dentist.

How Much Can I Save on Dentistry in Turkey Compared to the UK or USA?

According to average prices provided by our partner clinics in Turkey, patients can expect to save between 50% and 70% compared to prices in the United States and the United Kingdom.

See how much you can save when getting your teeth done in Turkey with these price comparisons:

Dental Implant Prices in Turkey vs UK/US:

Veneers / Smile Makeover Prices in Turkey vs UK/US:

Other Treatments in Turkey vs UK/US:

Note: All of the above prices are based on average estimates at the time of writing. Any currency conversions are subject to exchange rate fluctuation.

> See More: Ultimate Guide to Dental Implants in Turkey

Types of Dental Treatment & Clinics in Turkey

The best dental clinics throughout Turkey offer exactly the same kinds of treatments that can be found in any major Western city, such as London, Berlin, New York, Los Angeles and Sydney.

Larger practices generally work with numerous different specialists and therefore can be considered truly multidisciplinary dental centers. These are commonly found in newly-built, standalone buildings, within larger medical hospitals, or spread across several floors of an existing building.

On the other hand, smaller clinics tend to be run by just one or two specialists whose area(s) of expertise may be in implantology, cosmetic dentistry, prosthetic dentistry, orthodontics or periodontics.

Areas of Dentistry Available in Turkey

The main areas of dentistry covered by our network of partner clinics in Turkey include:

• General Dentistry: typically includes routine dental exams, cleanings, fillings, and simple extractions.
  
  
• Cosmetic Dentistry: includes straightforward procedures to enhance the appearance of a smile (rather than improve dental health), such as teeth whitening (eg. ZOOM!®), veneers, bonding, and gum contouring.
  
  
• Orthodontics: the branch of dentistry that treats teeth and bite misalignment (malocclusion), with treatments including traditional metal braces, clear aligners (eg. ‎Invisalign®), and retainers.
  
  
• Implantology: involving the use of titanium or zirconia dental implants to replace anywhere from one up to a whole mouthful of missing, crooked or failing teeth. The best implant dentists in Turkey use a range of renowned implant providers, such as Straumann®, Nobel Biocare® and Osstem®.
  
  
• Prosthodontics: often combined with implant dentistry (above), prosthetic experts design and create custom-made replacement teeth in the form of crowns, fixed bridges (eg. All-on-4® treatment concept), dentures and veneers.
  
  
• Periodontics: the branch of dentistry that treats gum disease and other gum-related issues.
  
  
• Endodontics: typically involves root canal therapy to treat damaged or infected teeth.
  
  
• Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery: including procedures such as wisdom teeth removal, sinus lifting and jaw surgery.
  
  
• Pediatric Dentistry: involves diagnosing and treating common dental issues in infants, children, and teenagers.

It should be noted that clinics working only with general dentists–while perfectly adequate for check-ups, professional cleaning, fillings, and simple extractions–would have to refer you to a specialist in cases where more complex work is required.

That being said, the vast majority of clinics in Turkey that are geared towards welcoming international patients (ie. those listed with Dental Departures) do work with teams of specialist dental surgeons who, in addition to their five-year dental degrees, will have completed formal training (eg. a diploma, DMD, MSc, or Ph.D.) in at least one other area.

Patients seeking dental treatment in Turkey should be aware of the wide range in the quality of care, and choose only the most well-established, trusted facilities.

> See More: Ultimate Guide to Veneers in Turkey

Why Choose Turkey for Dental Care?

Apart from those substantial cost savings, here are some of the main reasons to choose Turkey for your next dental holiday:

First-Class Facilities and Advanced Technology

In general, standards of healthcare in Turkey are very high–and the million or so people who flock to visit this country every year for more affordable dental and medical treatment is a testament to this fact. 

Turkey is a modern country with well-trained medical personnel. Its excellent dental tourism facilities compare favorably with any other country in Europe: the best clinics are modern and equipped with the latest technologies, including 3D/CT scanning, digital x-rays and computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) technology, allowing for onsite while-you-wait prosthodontics, such as crowns or veneers. 

Thus, from everyday to complex, specialist dental care, Turkey offers the expertise and facilities to provide excellent quality at affordable prices.

No Long Waiting Lists for Brits

The well-documented NHS dentistry crisis in the UK shows no signs of abating, and if reports by the British Dental Association are to be believed, are only growing worse. More than two-thirds of NHS practices in England have struggled to fill vacancies in recent years; following disruption stemming from Brexit and other factors–and the fact that more than half of all NHS dentists are planning to leave the service in the next five years, access to quality, government-subsidised dental care in the UK is likely to become an increasingly rare commodity for Brits. 

As patients struggle to find an NHS dentist, the outlook remains bleak for UK dental health. The cost of private dental care is just too expensive for many UK citizens, while most people now realise that not going to the dentist is at their health's peril. 

The good news is that Turkey has no such shortage of dentists: most patients booking through our site will be able to see their chosen dentists within a matter of days (rather than months) and still see significant savings even when factoring in travel costs.

The Importance of Seeing a Dentist

Regular dental check-ups are essential in order to make sure there is nothing untoward going on with your oral health. Often, a problem such as gum disease can be stopped in its tracks if appropriate treatment, such as professional teeth cleanings, are given early and regularly.

This alone will save a world of more expensive treatments that will inevitably arrive if your dental health is neglected. 

The lesson here is that dental tourism is not just for the expensive procedures; thousands of patients travel every year to Turkey for everything from regular check-ups and cleanings to implants, root canals, bridges and more.

Chance to Enjoy a Combined Dental Holiday

Cosmopolitan in many parts, with a rich history and inspiring coastlines, Turkey is a fascinating holiday destination and, increasingly, a popular dental travel option for those looking to combine low-cost care with a well-earned holiday.

With an array of locations from ancient cities to stunning beach resorts to choose from, Turkey should definitely make it onto your shortlist.

For visitors from the UK, Ireland and most major European capitals, budget-friendly flights are available to several international airports in Turkey with carriers including Easyjet, Ryanair, Jet2, Thomas Cook and TUI.

For those based in the US, there are daily non-stop flights to Istanbul from major cities like New York, LA, Chicago, Washington and Miami.

Note: Do remember to talk to your dentist about the best time to schedule your treatment to allow for some leisure time during your visit. They will also be able to give you advice regarding whether your dental procedure will entail any downtown–particularly in cases where oral surgery is required–or whether there are any special considerations, such as what you can and cannot eat after treatment.

Dental Safety in Turkey

Receiving dental care in Turkey is no riskier than any of the top dentists back home–provided that you take some time to look into and research your options.

While we cannot vouch for every dentist or clinic operating in Turkey, you can be sure that each facility listed with Dental Departures will provide safe, efficient and effective care thanks to our strict background checks and verification process.

Globalisation also means that dental and medical education throughout the world is becoming more and more standardized; with overseas training and courses, new methods and techniques are soon disseminated across the globe. This is one of the key variables raising the level of dental safety in Turkey.

Dental Warranties and Guarantees in Turkey

In cases where something minor does go wrong–such as a veneer falling off or a crown starting to wobble–the best dentists in Turkey will solve the issue at no cost to you (so long as it was not your fault).

Reputable clinics also offer warranties and guarantees on the work they do, especially when it comes to restorative and cosmetic procedures. These warranties may cover a range of issues, such as broken dental prosthetics, loose dental implants, or other work that fails within a specific period of time. 

Dental warranties in Turkey can vary in length, from a few months to several years, depending on the dental practice and the type of work being performed. Some brands of dental implants even carry lifetime warranties–but do be sure to check the small print, as warranties may become void in cases where the patient is at fault, eg. due to an injury, improper maintenance, poor dental hygiene or incorrect diet.

If you are having major dental work carried out, then we would suggest taking out medical complications insurance. For a small, additional cost, if you do need to go back to your dentist in Turkey to fix a problem, then your travel and accommodation costs will be covered and you won’t be out-of-pocket.

Why Is Dentistry Cheaper in Turkey?

Patients using Dental Departures find that they can save up to 70% on a range of treatments abroad–but why is it so much cheaper to get your teeth fixed in Turkey compared to the west? Here are the main reasons:

• Lower cost of living compared to other developed countries, which has a knock-on effect on the cost of dental services is also lower.

• Lower overhead costs, such as rent, salaries, and insurance, also help to keep dental prices in Turkey so low.

• Government support: The Turkish government actively supports the dental industry by providing big subsidies and tax breaks for dentists and clinics geared towards welcoming international patients.

• Influx of medical tourism: As Turkey becomes an increasingly popular destination for all types of medical tourism, including dental tourism, the market becomes more and more competitive, which in turn helps to drive down the cost of services.

Best Clinics and Dentists in Turkey, Recommended by DD

With transparent pricing and strict quality control in place, our site hosts a network of thousands of dental and healthcare providers around the world, making it easier for prospective patients to find the right dentist who meets your needs, preferences and budget.

Get started now with these top-rated clinics in three of Turkey’s leading destinations for dental care:

Best Dentists in Istanbul:

• BergeDent Clinic

• All on Dental Clinic Istanbul Turkey

• Uzmanlar Oral and Dental Health Clinic Istanbul Turkey

Best Dentists in Antalya:

• Beyaz Ada Clinic

• Markasya Dental Clinic

• Perla Oral and Maxillofacial Clinic

Best Dentists in Izmir:

• DENTAGLOBAL Dental Clinic

• West Dental Clinic

• DentaPoint Dental Clinics

• All Dentists in Istanbul

• All Dentists in Antalya

• All Dentists in Izmir

• All Dentists in Ankara

• All Dentists in Bodrum

Why Book with Dental Departures?

As part of the world’s leading dental and medical booking platform, Dental Departures (together with Medical Departures) has helped more than 100,000 patients find and book treatment abroad–with our partners located in dozens of top global destinations including Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, Bali, Costa Rica, Hungary, Croatia, Spain and increasingly, here in Turkey. 

When looking for a dentist anywhere in the world, you should always take time in researching and choosing a trustworthy clinic, which is why booking through Dental Departures is a good option.

With a strict vetting process for each clinic in place, every facility listed on our site must pass a series of background checks before it's listed on our site. 

We also look at past patient reviews, verify doctors’ qualifications and conduct investigations into any legal or malpractice proceedings initiated against dental clinics. 

Other reasons to book with Dental Departures:

• Best Price Guarantee

• 24/7 live chat support

• Access to real patient reviews and testimonials

• Free cancellation (up to 24 hours before your appointment)

• No upfront fees when booking

• Assistance with travel & accommodation

• Exclusive promotions and all-inclusive package deals

About Turkey: History, Travel Tips, Accommodation and Destinations

Considered the Cradle of Civilization, Turkey straddles the East and West continents, sharing history with the ancient Roman, Greek, Persian, Ottoman and Byzantine empires. Rich in history and home to some of the finest food on the planet, Turkey boasts a fascinating cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and warm, welcoming hospitality. 

Visitors can explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus, marvel at the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, or relax on the golden beaches of Antalya. With its unique blend of European and Asian influences, Turkey is an ideal destination for dental travelers who want to combine their dental treatment with a memorable holiday experience.

Istanbul

Once known as Constantinople, the former Turkish capital of Istanbul is the country’s most-visited city, partially located in Europe on the west side of the Bosphorus Straits, and the other on the east side, in Asia.

Istanbul's skyline is punctuated by domes and minarets, while narrow cobbled streets and old wooden houses provide a treasure-trove of restaurants, bars, shops and hookah lounges enticing you in with the aromas of kebabs, coffee, spices and the sweet scent of the hubble-bubble shisha pipes. With stunning ancient architecture to explore, Istanbul is one of the most seductive, must-see cities of the world.

> Read More: Ultimate Guide to Dentists in Istanbul

Southern Coast (Antalya, Izmir)

Turkey is also blessed with many beautiful and stylish cities, including Antalya, the resort city on the Mediterranean Coast, as well as Fethiye on the southwest Turquoise Coast and Izmir on the Aegean Coast. 

Many of our dentists are located in and around the wider province of Antalya, with quieter resort towns (all a short drive away) including Side, Alanya and Kemer.

Whether you prefer to laze in a hammock on a sliver of white sand at the laidback Butterfly Valley in Olu Deniz, or somewhere like Marmaris (more lively with water sports on tap), you’ll surely find what you’re looking for on Turkey’s miles of gorgeous coastline.

> Read More: Ultimate Guide to Dentists in Antalya

> Read More: Ultimate Guide to Dentists in Izmir

Central Turkey (Ankara)

Typically overlooked by beach bums–or travelers understandably enticed by the architectural wonders of Istanbul, Central Turkey is still well worth a visit–and also home to a good number of dentists. 

This region of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture is where you’ll find the often-forgotten capital of Ankara–known for its thriving commercial sector, world-class museums, and bustling markets. Here, you can explore the ancient citadel of Ankara Castle, stroll through the beautiful gardens of Ataturk Mausoleum, or indulge in some of the local flavors at one of the many local (and usually tourist-free) restaurants.

Beyond Ankara, many travelers head to the other-worldly landscapes of Cappadocia, home to unique rock formations, underground cities, and iconic hot air balloon rides (see some tours here).

> Read More: Ultimate Guide to Dentists in Ankara

Where to Stay in Turkey?

Throughout Turkey, you will find high-quality accommodation options ideal for dental tourists at many popular tourist destinations. There is no shortage of excellent hotels, services apartments, resorts, hostels, and private apartments in Istanbul, as well as the resort area cities like Izmir, Antalya and Dalaman.

Prices are reasonable as well. Clean, modern but relatively basic two- and three-star hotels typically cost between GBP 50 -100, while four- and five-star chain hotels are still relatively affordable, costing anywhere between GBP 100 - 180 per night.

For help finding accommodation in Turkey, ask our Customer Care Team for advice, or check out this Turkey hotel guide for more tips, recommendations and prices.

Will I Be Safe in Turkey?

As a holiday destination, Turkey is generally safe, apart from the usual petty crime such as opportunistic thieves who will take advantage if you don’t have your wits about you. 

Travelers are warned not to travel to the southeast of the country, particularly anywhere along the border with Syria, where violence and terrorist threats are a possibility. However, this is hundreds of miles away from the tourist areas to the west and southwest of the country.

When Is the Best Time to Visit a Dentist in Turkey? 

July and August are peak seasons for the holiday resorts on the coasts (and these are also the hottest months), but the weather is still hot from May through to October, and even in winter the weather is generally pleasantly warm in the south if not exactly beach weather. 

Istanbul sees a little snowfall in mid-winter; inland, the Anatolian plateau experiences sharply contrasting seasons with snow on the mountains throughout the year. 

Although Turkey is marketed as a summer holiday destination, for active travelers who want to see some of Turkey’s ancient attractions without the stifling heat or shop in the bazaars without the crowds (that won’t be as busy as they are in the summer), then winter is also a great time to visit. Most of our dentists are open throughout the year.

What Else Is There to Do in Turkey?

Turkey is brimming with history, boasting incredible buildings and architecture from long-lost empires, as well as breathtaking natural wonders.

Pamukkale and the vast ruins of Hierapolis, a Roman ancient spa time, are a good day trip from either the west or south coast. Pamukkale (the Cotton Castle) is one of Turkey’s most famous natural wonders, with thermal waters flowing down white travertine terraces, which at dusk cast an otherworldly glow in the setting sun. Hierapolis is at the top and boasts ancient Roman architecture, an amphitheater and warm pools heated with water from the hot springs. The Antique Pool (also known as Cleopatra’s pool) was a gift from Mark Anthony to Cleopatra, but the marble columns of the surrounding building fell during an earthquake in the 7th century, and they are now resting in the bottom of the pool. 

In the Mediterranean region, Ephesus is one of the most complete, still-standing Roman cities you’re likely to encounter and gives you an idea of the grandeur of that period of Roman history. Another of Turkey’s naturally beautiful landscapes, wave-like rock and pinnacle formations have been formed by wind and water providing an almost lunar landscape as far as the eye can see. 

Around the coasts, you will encounter plenty of activities: traditional fully-crewed Turkish gulets that you can charter to sail around the southwestern coast, or glass-bottomed boats where you can cruise around for just a day.

Traveling to Turkey

Most people fly into Turkey and there are international airports at Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir and Dalaman serving the most popular tourist locations on the coasts.

Istanbul Airport, for example, has non-stop passenger flights currently scheduled to 317 destinations in 117 countries–which gives you an idea as to how well-connected this part of the world is!

A visa (or e-Visa) is required for most foreign nationals to enter Turkey allowing stays of less than 90 days, although this is subject to change. You can get an e-Visa online, at any time of day or night; applicants can easily fill in the necessary information (eg. passport details and travel dates), pay the visa fee online and get a response back in a matter of minutes.

Check out the latest Turkey entry requirements and visa instructions here.

Getting Around Turkey

Most of Turkey is well-covered by public transport services, including trains, long-distance buses, domestic flights, taxis, ferries and the dolmus (a local minibus that runs along sets routes but that you can flag down with a hand signal).

Car hire is available at airports as well as in tourist destinations, but you will need to be 21 and have held your license for at least a year. It may be worthwhile getting an international driver’s permit (IDP) too.

Distance from Istanbul to Other Major Tourist Locations: 

• Ankara, 280 miles (451 km)

• Izmir, 292 miles (471 km)

• Ephesus, 333 miles (536 km)

• Pamukkale, 411 miles (663 km)

• Antalya, 435 miles (700 km)

• Cappadocia, 469 miles (756 km)

• Fethiye, 490 miles (789 km)

• Kas, 526 miles (847 km)

Turkey offers an amazing location for a holiday and some of the most affordable prices in Europe–so start planning your trip to get that brand new, healthier smile while enjoying a memorable trip abroad today!

Turkey Dental Travel FAQs

Q. How much can I save on dental treatment in Turkey?
A. The cost of dental treatment in Turkey can be up to 50-70% less than in the USA or Europe; for example, a dental implant in Turkey costs around $600-$1,000, while in the US, the same treatment can cost up to $4,000.

Q. Where is the best place to get my teeth done in turkey?
A. Most of our top-rated dentists in Turkey are located in Istanbul and Antalya. Others can also be found in Ankara and Izmir, among other well-developed cities and beach resorts.

Q. Do dentists in Turkey speak English? 
A. Yes–all of our listed dentists speak English. In fact, in most major tourist areas English is spoken widely.

Q. What payment methods are accepted by dentists in Turkey? 
A. Mastercard and Visa credit and debit cards are accepted at most dental clinics, as well as cash. Many also accept bank transfers and traveler cheques; check each individual listing for full details.

Q. Do I need insurance before going to Turkey?
A. While it may not be a legal requirement (depending on your nationality), it is highly recommended to purchase travel insurance to protect yourself in case of illness, injury, or unexpected events while traveling in Turkey.

Q. What currency is used in Turkey?
A. The currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira. Our tip is to exchange some money before your trip or withdraw cash from ATMs once you arrive–but remember to check with your bank about international fees.

How Can I Arrange My Dental Trip to Turkey?

Choose a dentist in Turkey from more than 150 options we have across the country. You can easily compare facilities, as we include clinic photos and prices, as well as view maps and read real patient reviews.

Don’t hesitate to speak to the Dental Departures Customer Care Team if you have any questions about global dental care in Turkey. You can also book an appointment over the phone or ask for a free, no-obligation price quote.

Sources:

NHS Dentists Facing Recruitment Crisis. British Dental Association. 4 February 2018. https://bda.org/news-centre/press-releases/nhs-dentistry-facing-recruitment-crisis

23 delicious reasons to try Turkish food. CNN. 17 October 2022. https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/best-turkish-foods/index.html

Top Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Rides. Viator. Website accessed: 20 March 2023. https://www.viator.com/Cappadocia-tours/Balloon-Rides/d5609-g1-c3

Yalav-Heckeroth, Feride. 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Turkey at Least Once in Your Lifetime. Culture Trip. 19 June 2017. https://theculturetrip.com/europe/turkey/articles/10-reasons-why-you-should-visit-turkey-at-least-once-in-your-lifetime/

Dental Check-Ups. National Health Service. Website accessed: 20 March 2023. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/dental-check-ups/

Chouman, Sarah. Gum Disease: Stages, Prevention and Treatment. Ask the Dentist. 30 April 2019. https://askthedentist.com/gum-disease-stages-prevention-treatment/

Burhenne, Mark. Know Before You Go: Teeth Cleanings. Ask the Dentist. 27 March 2019. https://askthedentist.com/know-before-you-go-teeth-cleanings/

Best accommodation in Turkey. Rough Guides. Website accessed: 20 March 2023. https://www.roughguides.com/turkey/accommodation/

Sandilands, Tracey. CAD/CAM Dentistry: What Is It? Colgate. Website accessed: 20 March 2023. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/basics/dental-visits/cad-cam-dentistry--what-is-it-

Nadworny, Katie. Istanbul Travel Guide. National Geographic. Website accessed: 20 March 2023. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/destinations/asia/turkey/istanbul

Visa Information For Foreigners. Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Website accessed: 20 March 2023. https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa

Direct Flights to Istanbul. Flight Connections. Website accessed: 20 March 2023. https://www.flightconnections.com/flights-from-istanbul-ist