THE UK's leading oral health charity has urged members of the public not to travel abroad for dental treatment after a report by consumer advice group, Which?, found almost one in five medical tourists suffer problems after treatment.

The British Dental Health Foundation was speaking after the report revealed that more than a quarter of patients travelling abroad for medical treatment did not feel they received the follow-up care they needed, while a further 18 per cent reported complications.

The survey follows a recent warning against dental tourism by the foundation after a number of callers to its free Dental Helpline service (0845 063 1188) reported they did not know how to resolve problems that followed dental treatment undertaken outside the UK.

Dr Carter, chief executive of the foundation, said: "It is a big concern that UK patients are so willing to travel abroad for dental treatment without being fully aware of the risks.

"Not all dentists are as highly trained as those in the UK, where extensive training and strict examinations are undertaken to ensure they meet the high standards required and this also applies to foreign dentists practising in the UK.

"So called dental holidays are presented as a cheap and hassle-free alternative to getting treatment in this country but we know from calls to our Dental Helpline that if things do go wrong then they are anything but, as patients can be left facing all sorts of questions - am I willing to fly back? What are my legal rights as a foreign patient? Am I prepared to go through the courts? Do I have the money required to correct the treatment in this country?

"When you are in pain and feel distressed because treatment has gone wrong then these decisions can become even harder to make.

"It is totally unrealistic to expect that complicated procedures that can take months to complete in this country can be carried out to the same high standard while on a 10-day holiday but, unfortunately, that is the myth being sold to people.

"Around half of people questioned in the medical tourism survey were travelling abroad for dental treatment, so it really is a big issue in UK dentistry.

"However, we strongly recommend that anyone who is considering this as an option seeks professional advice from their own dentist or another dental professional first.

"After all, if there are complications it is not just your wallet that will be affected."

The British Dental Health Foundation says regular dental visits are a vital part of a good oral healthcare routine, which should also include twice daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste and cutting down how often you have sugary foods and drinks.

For more information on paying for dental treatment, contact the British Dental Health Foundation Dental Helpline, on 0845 0631188 or visit the website, www.dentalhealth.