Hungarian Code of Practice - Part III in a Series on Dental Clinical Standards in Hungary

Code of Practice = Standards of Practice
Why dental Standards of Practice are important and what do they mean to patients? Part III in this series with the final 6 points in the Hungarian 12 Point Code of Practice for Quality Dental Care.

Standards of practice in any dental clinical setting should include these components, however for most of us, we blindly go to the dentist and doctor without thinking twice about how the office is structured, what is the technology being used, does ongoing training occur and how do these aspects enhance our treatment experience.

It is not enough for any clinician to graduate from an accredited university or hold advanced credentials. How and where they choose to practice provides insight into their clinical and ethical commitment to both themselves and their patients. Science today advances quickly and the capital investment in equipment and training is necessary to benefit patients by improving discrete diagnosis and therefore cost, and importantly – reduce the risk to the patient. When a dental practice commits to oversight by a 3rd party organization, you can be confident procedures are routinely reviewed to avoid non-compliance. Quality regulation is key to advanced care.

As we progress through points 7-12, consider does your dentist follow these standards? Are the clinics you are researching in your quest for dental travel consistent with these standards? If you are considering traveling to another country for dental care, established Standards of Practice must be in place. Don’t make price your goal – mandate quality.

7. The precision of diagnosis is the key factor to enhance prevention, therapy and rehabilitation, so practices must use digital intra-oral and panoramic X-ray equipment.

While panoramic equipment is basic office equipment, intra-oral is dynamic and necessary when utilized during procedures that may require further analysis of an exposed cavity, nerve status, and bone structure. Diagnosing a discrete problem improves the underlying tissue, bone and nerve adapt to restorative techniques. A CAT scan may be necessary for further diagnosis.

8. Patient safety and accountability are essential so practices must have professional indemnity/liability insurance.

This almost seems like no-brainer, but it is most definitely a consideration and basic that your provider would carry insurance. Double check wherever you are going. If they don’t have it – never consider care regardless of the cost.

9. The quality of patient care must be accredited by external experts and practices should seek to introduce an audited quality assurance plan.

This is probably the most important aspect when considering dental care in another region or country. In the United States for example, all hospitals must be accredited by the Joint Commission of Hospitals. If ambulatory care or dental practices are associated, they will also undergo review. Joint Commission International remains the standard of quality accreditation for international facilities. However, it is extremely unusual for independent dental practices in the USA, Europe or Asia to pursue a quality accreditation. The standard dental European accreditation is through the International Standards Organization (ISO) and generally covers 3 years. In fact, the American Dental Association helped create these standards, but do not recommend the same standard in the United States.

If you are indeed pursuing dental care in another country, this standard far exceeds any testimonial, referral or blind selection you may make. A quality assurance plan is the check and balance necessary to ensure the highest level of care and scrutiny of all operational components, quality education/training of staff, technology and procedures to act on error should they occur-are assessed regularly. Protect and maintain your health with quality!

10. Up-to-date knowledge is not possible without excellent international communication, so practices must employ multi-lingual staff.

Multi-lingual staff must interact with patients on a routine basis in the alternate language(s) so communication skills are maintained, interpretation is clear and thorough, and practices are well understood. If a clinic speaks multiple languages, you are likely assured they have an international reputation, invest in multi-lingual staff and the practice considers your health and communication is their priority.

11. Good administration is the foundation of high quality patient care and this includes post-treatment follow ups. Practices must have a team of patient co-coordinators and custom care staff.

Not only should the office be high quality, you must be assured all your questions are answered throughout the investigatory and treatment care phase. If you are working with a clinic that utilizes representative agents, is their communications prompt, thorough, and are all your questions answered comprehensively? After dental work is concluded, clinical follow up should be done to answer any patient questions, alleviate any anxieties, and check the status of the dental work completed and verify your satisfaction. Are you aware patient satisfaction surveys are standard?

12. It is very important to create a safe environment for foreign patients during their stay, so there should be a transfer service to airports and hotels.


This basic standard is customary, there should be no associated fees, and their availability will diminish any fears you have on arrival. Your immediate confidence will improve your outcome.

This series is very comprehensive. Review all 3 articles and apply what you have learned when you are researching your dental travel. Remember, you are investing in yourself. Aren’t you worth the best? Change your smile, change your life!






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