April 08, 2024
Hidden costs in dental tourism
A South Auckland couple are urging Māori to save on the cost of major dental work by looking overseas.
Erika Muna Lee says she was quoted up $46,000 in New Zealand for dental work – but after extensive research found a clinic in Mumbai, India which did the work for $7000.
She says it was life changing.
“It’s huge. I mean it’s not so much the teeth. I’ve got no pain, I’m pain free – and I can eat my kai. And I tell you, that’s the best, that’s the quality right there.” Ms Lee says.
Her husband Raniera also had some work done less successfully, but after hard negotiations the clinic has agreed to further treatment at no extra cost.
The head of the Māori Dentists’ group Te Rōpu Niho Ora, Justin Wall says there are real dangers in cheap overseas dentistry.
Dr Wall says he understands why Māori couple Erika Muna and Raniera Lee would look overseas, but a trip of even 2 to 3 weeks may not be enough time to fix major dental issues.
“You know, if you were to go and you were to have multiple dental implants, crown and bridge work – that’s not something that would be undertaken very quickly. And in particular the work-up. So even contemplating doing stuff like that may take several months,” says Dr Wall.
Dr Wall says Māori don’t get equitable early access to dental care – and there is not enough promotion of the benefits of good dental care for life.