Know before you go abroad for dental care Updated: 3/3/2008 2:05:31 PM Print Article Email Article           The American Dental Association (ADA) has recommended that anyone considering going abroad for a combined vacation and dental procedure be aware of the possible disadvantages. Also known as dental tourism, the practice of leaving the U.S. for dental treatment can often vary widely from country to country. The ADA is reminding those who enjoy a certain level of treatment in the U.S. that practicing dentists in the U.S. must attend four years at an accredited dental school, usually in addition to their bachelor's degree. They must pass national and state dental board examinations before they receive a license to practice, with each state carrying specific requirements for dentists to follow. Furthermore, organizations such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention give recommendations to dental offices so to improve the education of health-care personnel, prevention of transmission of blood borne pathogens, hand hygiene, sterilization and disinfection of patient-care items and environmental infection control. Dentists must also follow guidelines for radiation safety, including X-ray equipment and its use, and for proper waste disposal. The ADA has suggested that if travel and foreign treatment is still an option, people should check with their current dentists to see if he or she has contacts in dental fraternity groups such as the Academy of Dentistry International, the International College of Dentists or the Pierre Fauchard Academy. © 2008 Brafton Inc. Enter your ZIP code to compare the savings offered by the discount dental plans in your area. Take the first step toward a healthier smile and start saving today! > Find my dentist > Find a ZIP code             Additional Articles Best man teeth? Try Madison, Wisconsin f... California proposes massive cuts in dent... Poor economy increasing dental emergenci... Dentists donate 2 days of dental care fo... Dental care for woman who superglued her... Dental care for woman superglued her tee... Dentist: Yearly visit minimum for dental... Dentist: Teeth fall out with lack of den... Sugarless gum can help with dental healt... Straightened teeth can enhance dental he... Nonprofit offers free dental care to at-... Director: Fluoride could improve dental ... Tongue piercing may negatively impact de... Director: North Carolina has dental care... AGD: Tap water better for dental health Dentist clears up dental care myths on m... Study: Dental health important for HIV i... New surgical laser provides hi-tech dent... BBC: Number of children needing dental c... Completeness, not order, counts in prope...

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