Interview with Mrs Ann Robe, a patient from Great Britain:

Throughout history, the British have proven to be brave explorers, but discovering tea in China seems not half as hazardous as having your teeth done in Bulgaria.

Were there any doubts about dental tourism?

I was extremely anxious about making my decision to go abroad and undertake dental treatment. What if it all went wrong? Would I be able to explain clearly what I needed? Would there be lots of hidden charges?

What took them away?

I am not the type of person who makes decisions hastily. I emailed and phoned customer services at Dentaprime several times with a full list of my concerns before I made any decisions.

 

Many roads lead to Rome.

Which one did you take to Dentaprime?

I wanted to have a nice smile and I did not want to feel ashamed any longer at how my teeth had deteriated over the years. Photographs and meeting new people were always difficult times for me and my self esteem was diminishing.

I decided that if I was going to improve my smile and be confident when I spoke to people, I would have to take action. My route was the now or never route and I am so proud that I decided that (now) was the road I had chose.

 

Did you visit our website?

Yes I visited the website. Many, many times.

What did you think of it?

I was very impressed with the detail and it covered every process inclusive of prices which many other dental websites had failed to provide. I personally was drawn to the treatment plans of Dentaprime. I have always been an anxious visitor to the dentist and I was very pleased to discover that I would be taking charge as to whether or not I would have a general anaesthetic. This is an option I had never been given when receiving treatment with a British dentist.

 

Did you read the pages or immediately fill in the enquiry form?

I read each and every page on the website several times, as I said previously I do not make decisions hastily and I needed to be sure I was making the right choice for me.

 

British dentists charge sky-high fees.

What attracted you in Dentaprime, just the low prices?

Of course initially I was drawn to the low costs offered by Dentaprime but I also wanted first class treatment. I did make enquiries in the UK to the cost of having implants and I would never have been able to afford the procedures.

 

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, Eastern Europe still suffers from many prejudices.

Were not you afraid of returning toothless?

Oh yes I am actually guilty of believing that the treatment in the UK would be far superior to any treatment offered in Eastern Europe. I was also under the impression that British dentistry was far more hygienic and that the technology used in the UK was by far the best. I couldn't have been further from the truth.

What was the condition of your teeth when you first contacted Dentaprime in May 2007?

Unfortunately over the years I have had many teeth taken out and I have a number of crowns fitted which really don't look too healthy and my bottom teeth are discoloured. I have made the decision to have a full reconstruction as I was in danger of losing all of my teeth. I have to emphasise that if I had not made the decision to go to Dentaprime, I would have lost all of my teeth.

 

What has changed since then?

I was very scared when I arrived for my first consultation at Dentaprime and although I was aware I would need extensive dental treatment , at no time did I feel pressurised into undergoing treatment I was unsure of. In fact I was rather a coward when I was informed I would need a sinus lift in order to have the implants placed in the top part of my mouth. I took the easier option and had 3 implants done in the lower jaw. I need not have worried at all as I received a first class service. I have since decided that I will now go ahead with the sinus lift as I no longer have any doubts as to the superiority of the dental treatment I will receive.

 

Did the people at the service centre answer your questions speedy, fully and with the necessary expertise?

I emailed and phoned several times before I made my final decision to go ahead and visit Dentaprime.  I was not prepared to travel unless I had been fully re-assured that I was making the right decision. The service centre was excellent and I was treated very sensitively as I had made it quite clear how apprehensive I was of undergoing treatment at the dentist. All of my questions had been answered clearly and expertly by customer services.

 

Was it just sales talk or did you really get a first class treatment for an economy price?

I have decided that in the future any dental work that I need will be done at Dentaprime. There is no comparison in technology and hygiene or price. I would never have believed that ordinary people like myself would have ever been able to access treatment such as Dentaprime's which in the UK is only available to the rich and celebrities.

 

Why did you choose for full anaesthesia?

I have had some really uncomfortable dental procedures undertaken in the UK which has left me very apprehensive and scared of dentists. I personally find it more comfortable for me to go asleep.

What was your experience?

I was expecting to have a sore throat and possibly chest problems after having a full anaesthesia and although I had been re-assured that this would not happen, I really did believe that this was just sales talk and I decided I would not be well for several days after the procedure.

I don't like to be wrong all of the time but once again I have to admit defeat the anaesthesia is so gentle I had neither chest or throat problems in fact I was out visiting Golden Sands the same evening.

 

I guess your Bulgarian is just as good as mine.

Was it possible to communicate with the people at the clinic?

At the clinic there is always an interpreter available although many of the staff were quite conversant with the English language. The more complicated detailed information was provided by the interpreter. I did not find that communication was an issue.

 

Many times doctors seem to think everyone understands Latin.

Did the dentist treat you as an equal conversation partner?

I actually felt that I was treated like a VIP and I have not often felt that privileged through out my life. I felt that I was the person who was in control of my dental treatment.

 

Would you recommend Dentaprime to others?

I really can not praise Dentaprime enough. I have been advising  my family and friends that any dental treatment they require should be combined with taking a wonderful holiday in Bulgaria.

 

What would you tell anxious people?

I would tell anxious people that the previous experiences that they have had with other dentists should not be compared to visiting Dentaprime. As dentistry with Dentaprime is a whole new experience. I took the risk and I am so happy that I did.

 

If you want to talk to Ann Robe personally, please let us know and we will establish contact with her.