Analysing the current scenario of dental tourism in the context of Indian healthcare sector

Abstract

Dental tourism as a subset of Medical tourism is one of the most important source of services export in the Healthcare sector. India with its best in class medical facilities and skillset offers high quality and low cost treatment in nearly every domain of medical science. This attracts a large number of patients from around the world who also get to explore the numerous tourist destination across the length and breadth of the country. Oral healthcare, which is usually considered as a cosmetic procedure also entails a number of threatening situations which require proper medical attention. The seemingly simple procedures are usually very costly in developed countries like USA, Canada, UK, Germany and other European nations. At the same time some of the underdeveloped nations like Bangladesh, Nepal, Srilanka etc. lack availability of sophisticated Dental procedures. Both these factors promote India as a preferred destination for Dental tourists. With the wide range of facilities and prices offered at various hubs within the country it becomes a viable option for people coming from all strata of society.Despite such major opportunities, there has been a lack of proper attention given to this sector. It requires to be boosted in the right direction to achieve its full potential contributing heavily to the GDP of India. This report visits the various capabilities that India has in the healthcare sector with a focus on Dental care. The challenges faced in this domain from the purview of Government / Regulatory bodies, Insurance agencies, doctors and patients has been discussed in detailed. Further the recommendations for promoting Dental tourism has been provided and the same has been summarised below: 1. Creation of dedicated association to take up the issue of Dental tourism. 2. Push from the side of government to move into bilateral ties with the nations from where heavy influx is registered. 3. Standardization of prices across the nation as per the quality of services offered so that patient may have a pool of option to select from. 4. Creation of Dental tour packages wherein Tier 2+ cities may also be benefitted by exploring the tourism capabilities around these cities. 5. Creation of Dentist data bank and dedicated website to aid the Medical tourist to get appointment and know more about the facilities being offered at each hospital/clinic. With all the capabilities and push from the government in India, the opportunities for Dental tourism in India is full of excitement. India definitely has the capacity to drill and fill.