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In the last article introducing the Association of Leading Hungarian Dental Clinics, the Code of Practice was identified as a quality standard developed to focus on an emerging industry impacting global health and medical tourism. Patients traveling for extensive procedures such as implants, dentures, bridges, cosmetic restoration and periodontal treatment must feel confident their chosen dentist practices at the highest level possible.
Clinical standards of practice are introduced during the educational process of dentists and physicians. The standards and protocols are the basis of quality assurance indicating a commitment to excellence, ethics, and education. It is incumbent on dentists as they develop their practices to continue to hold these standards high in their commitment to patients and their peers. Ongoing commitment is represented by membership in organizations holding these standards and undergoing an accreditation process.
The Hungarian 12 Point Code of Practice mandates members abide by these standards. As a consumer, you can be assured this standard of practice includes the oversight necessary to ensure you are receiving the highest level of care maximizing optimal dental health. If you are considering dental tourism, does the dentist you are considering meet these standards? Are the dentists in a comprehensive group practice including specialists practicing at this higher level? Don’t be afraid to ask!
1. To provide the possible highest standard of remedy a team of specialized dentists is essential. The practice must employ a minimum of ten dentists/oral surgeons with a specialist diploma.
A group practice of this size can reduce error, facilitate increased diagnosis by what is referred to as a ‘curbside consult’, meaning peer review is readily available often at no cost unless their services are indicated - reducing patient expense and time – while simultaneously reducing patient morbidity. This scientific term simply means in complex medical procedures anesthetic time and open exposure of the oral cavity is lessened thereby reducing both risk of infection and improving healing Dentists with advanced credentials via education and licensing generally perform the number of procedures necessary to heighten skill.
2. For patient safety, practices must have at least 5 modern dental medical and operating units and prepare at least 1,500 units of aesthetic tooth replacements a year.
An office of this size ensures the financial commitment to capital equipment, technology and training. As noted above, volume and specialization are Center of Excellence mandates in the USA. Does the country you are considering for dental travel have the same standard?
3. Modern dental technology demands an adequate medical experience so practices must do a minimum of 1000 implants a year.
Dental implants are a precise procedure. Implant insertion including abutment and crown placement is considered invasive, that is, the tissue is opened exposing the patient for a period of time. In medicine and dentistry, qualified clinicians must have superb diagnostic skills, proceed efficiently and skillfully (to reduce risk of infection) and perform the requisite number of procedures to maintain their credentials. In the USA, the same standard board certifies the clinician.
4. Computer technology is vital for patient safety and satisfaction so practices must use cutting edge technology and pre-implantation surgery planning methods on a daily basis.
Computers to our world are essential. In dentistry, use of panoramic (OPG) x-rays and CT scans allow the dentist to more acutely diagnose bone health, thus receptivity to implants. All dental operating units and prosthetic labs must have access to patient information immediately and this technology is critical to contemporary and advanced patient care. Each work station must be fully equipped with monitors, software and include remote operation.
5. The quality of treatment depends on the quality of equipment; so all materials and instruments must be of the highest quality.
Science evolves quickly producing equipment that maximizes patient diagnosis. The practice must be committed to the investment necessary to treat patients who travel for their care. Materials should meet international standards with component details.
6. Practices must work within industry recognized protocols, including clinical governance and undergo regular internal clinical audits and assessment. This includes ongoing dental and hygienist clinical education and professional development courses.
Accreditation standards are equal to quality assurance. Skills and knowledge must be updated to learn the latest techniques. Scrutiny of office procedures including clinical and administrative at all operational levels is paramount to the oversight necessary to protect and maximize the patient care experience. This forces a healthy competitive edge necessary in science. Don’t you want the best for your health?
In the next article we will focus on 6 through 12 of the Hungarian Code of Practice. Kreativ Dental developed dental tourism and led the path to the formulation of these standards. They have an unsurpassed level of commitment to quality, their staff, their clinicians, and their patients. They are the Center of Excellence for dental care for the European Union. Affordability is important but quality is critical to your overall health and well being.
