Dental Tourism Safety Checklist for Gurgaon

Gurgaon, which is now formally referred to as Gurugram, has quickly gone from an obscured reference in dental tourism to one of the brightest stars in the industry. It has modern dental clinics, dentists who have trained internationally, and pricing that is a fraction of what you receive in the West. It is not surprising that people from all over the world are now traveling to this vibrant metropolitan city for their dental care.

It is easy to be tempted by the prospect of getting a great smile for a fraction of the cost; however, going abroad for a medical procedure takes a considerable amount of planning. Your comfort, safety, and health come first. In order to be as smooth of a trip as your end smile, we have produced the ultimate travel checklist for dental tourism in India, with a special focus on the clinics in Gurgaon.

Phase 1: Before You Book – The Research is Everything

Rushing into a decision is the first misstep. Diligent research is your best friend. The great news is you can do most of this research from the comfort of your home before you even book a flight.

• Check the Clinic and Dentist’s Credentials: Don’t just rely on what a website says. Always verify the dentist’s qualifications and experience. Look into where they received their training, how many years of clinical experience they have, and check patient reviews and testimonials to understand the clinic’s reputation and the quality of care they provide.
• Investigate Reviews: Look beyond the edited testimonials found on the clinic’s website. Search independent sources like Google and Trustpilot, or international patient forums to obtain a variety of reviews. Serious red flags are when patients leave the clinic with no clear understanding of what just happened, or if there’s a standard pattern of negative reviews. However, a consistent pattern of positive detail in the reviews is favorable.
• Schedule a Remote Consultation: A reputable clinic will always provide a video consultation. From connecting with your dentist before flying, it’s really just a chance to establish a relationship and talk in detail about the treatment online before you plan to fly. One step to feeling confident that you are in good hands is to determine, was the dentist listening to your concerns? Did they explain clearly from the beginning through to the procedure steps in detail?  This is a key step to establishing trust.
• Obtain a Digital Scan: Many clinics that are ahead of the game will help you arrange for a local digital scan of your mouth. Sending your scan image to a dentist in Gurgaon means they will be able to provide a very accurate ‘preliminary’ diagnosis and treatment plan, and there will be less time wasted during your actual the visit.
•  Request a Detailed Treatment Plan & Quote: The clinic you are thinking about will give you a detailed treatment plan listing all of the procedures, the time frame for doing them, and a clear cost breakdown. They should also offer the materials and brands they use for procedures such as implants or crowns, with internationally recognized brands. Everything should be fully disclosed and there should be no ‘extra’ fees.
•  Ask About Sterilization & Hygiene Protocols:  This is one of your most important dental travel safety tips. Make sure to ask the clinic about the sterilization protocols they use. Do they use autoclaves? Do they observe international hygiene protocols? They should be glad to answer these questions.

Phase 2: Preparing For Your Trip – Logistics and Documentation

Once you’ve chosen your clinic, it’s time to get your travel ducks in a row.

• Get a Medical Green Light: Check with your local GP to ensure you are medically fit for travel and the dental procedure. Afterward, make sure to obtain any immunizations that may be required well in advance of your trip.
• Prepare Your Paperwork: Establish a folder (digital and physical) for your passport, Indian e-visa, flight itinerary, and hotels/provided accommodation information. Most importantly, include all emails exchanged with the dental clinic as well as your full treatment plan. Finally, be sure to have a copy of your dental record and any x-rays you have obtained from your dentist at home.
• Choose a Location Wisely: Book a good hotel or guest house close to the clinic. You do not want to have to travel far after your dental procedure. Make sure the area you are staying in is safe, and has good public transport, if needed.
• Protect Your Money: Let your bank know of your travel plans so you don’t have your card blocked. Ask the clinic how they prefer you to pay (credit card, bank transfer, etc.), and budget accordingly. It is a good idea to take a small amount of cash with you (notes in Indian Rupees) for small purchases while you are there.
• Be Comfortable: Along with your usual travel essentials, pack a small amount of soft food to eat after the procedure (protein shakes or soup mixes), any pain medication your dentist has prescribed, a small neck pillow for your flight home, and adapter for your electronics.

Phase 3: During Your Treatment – Be an Engaged Patient

You’ve arrived in Gurgaon! Stay alert and actively participate in your care.

• Inspect the Clinic: When you arrive at the clinic, pay attention to your first impression. Is it clean, professional, and tidy? Does the staff make you feel welcomed? A person’s first impression matters.
• Verify Everything in Person: Before the procedure begins, review and verify the treatment plan you have discussed in your first meeting. Ask last-minutes questions.
• Don’t Overdo It: Don’t overbook yourself. Dental procedures are taxing on your body. Make sure you have plenty of time to rest between appointments. Stick to soft healthy foods and drink lots of water.
• Know Your Emergency Contact: Put the clinic’s number and afterhours contact number in your phone. Be aware of the nearest reputable hospital.

Phase 4: After Your Treatment – The Journey Home

Your treatment is complete, but your care isn’t over.

• Compile Its Complete File: Before leaving, be sure to get a complete file of your treatment record, as this would include exactly what was done and what materials were used (including retention serial numbers, implant serial numbers, etc.) and post-procedural x-rays. This is very important for the dental records back home.
• Understand Aftercare Instructions: Make sure you have a clear, written understanding of your aftercare, including any dietary restrictions, cleaning instructions, and prescribed medication for recovery.
• Plan for Follow-Up: What will the follow-up be? Will you have a final visit before you fly? If you have a minor issue when you return home, what will be the protocol? A good clinic will have a solid plan for remote follow-up.

Dental Tourism Treatments Offered at Thyme Dental

Thyme Dental provides excellent dental services, from comprehensive treatment to world-class restorative procedures, to patients from abroad. Often popular for dental tourism is the efficiency and performance of our most popular treatments, such as:

• Full Mouth Rehabilitation: Transferability of fit and function for a complete smile makeover.
• Dental Implants: Including single implants, All-on-4, and All-on-6 provision of missing teeth.
• Invisalign & Clear Aligners: Fixing teeth with a treatment plan that allows you to start in India and finish at home.
• Porcelain Veneers & Laminates: Perfect option to correct cosmetic imperfection for a Hollywood smile.
• Teeth Whitening: Whitening with professional-grade strengths for a brighter confident smile.

You can begin dental treatment in an efficient and safe manner by using this safety checklist.

Ready to take the first step towards a safe and successful dental tourism experience?

At Thyme Dental, we prioritize your safety and comfort above all else. We encourage you to connect with our team for a no-obligation online consultation to discuss your needs and plan your treatment before you even think about booking a flight.

Contact Thyme Dental today to schedule your virtual appointment and let us help you achieve your dream smile with confidence!