Dental Work Abroad from the UK: Why More Brits Choose Albania Over Turkey

The UK Dental Crisis: Why Patients Are Looking Abroad

The United Kingdom is in the grip of a dental access crisis that shows no signs of easing. According to NHS data, only two-fifths of adults in England saw an NHS dentist in the 24 months leading to March 2024 — down from nearly half before the pandemic. An estimated 780,000 people are currently sitting on NHS dental waiting lists, and there are 483 fewer dentists providing NHS care in England compared to pre-pandemic levels.

The financial picture is equally bleak. NHS dental spending has more than halved as a share of the overall budget, falling from 3.3% in 2010/11 to just 1.5% in 2023/24 — a real-terms cut of over a third. Dentists themselves lose money on basic NHS work: up to £42.60 per set of dentures and £7.69 per new patient examination under NHS rates.

The result? Millions of Britons either cannot find an NHS dentist or face prohibitively expensive private treatment. A 2025 survey found that 95% of UK dentists have consulted with patients who have sought treatment abroad, and 84.6% say dental tourism is a growing trend.

Where Are British Patients Going?

Turkey has dominated the conversation around dental tourism from the UK, partly fuelled by social media trends like “Turkey teeth.” But increasingly, patients who do their research are discovering that Albania offers a stronger overall package for British dental tourists.

Here is how the most popular dental tourism destinations compare for UK patients:

Factor	Albania	Turkey	Hungary	Poland
Flight time from London	2.5–3 hours	3.5–4 hours	2.5 hours	2.5 hours
Return flight cost	£47–120	£60–180	£50–130	£40–110
Single implant cost	€450–700	€400–800	€600–900	€500–800
Veneer (per tooth)	€200–300	€200–350	€300–500	€250–400
English proficiency	High	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
EU candidate / member	EU candidate	Not in EU	EU member	EU member
Hotel costs (per night)	€30–80	€40–100	€50–120	€40–100
Overall trip cost	Lowest	Low–Medium	Medium	Medium

Why Albania Is Gaining Ground Over Turkey

While Turkey still handles the highest volume of British dental tourists, Albania is the fastest-growing alternative. Here is why:

1. Shorter, cheaper flights

Direct flights from London to Tirana take just 2.5–3 hours — shorter than flying to Istanbul. Airlines including Wizz Air, Ryanair, and British Airways operate the route, with Wizz Air alone accounting for 69% of bookings. Return flights start from as low as £47, and the cheapest fares tend to be in March.

2. Lower overall costs

Albania is one of the most affordable countries in Europe. While dental treatment prices are comparable to Turkey, everything else — hotels, restaurants, taxis, activities — costs less. A comfortable mid-range hotel in Tirana runs €50–90 per night compared to €70–120 in Istanbul. A restaurant meal for two costs €15–25 versus €25–40 in Istanbul.

3. European standards and EU alignment

Albania is an official EU candidate country, and its healthcare regulations are progressively aligning with European standards. Albanian dentists typically train for six years at university-level programmes, and many complete postgraduate specialisations in EU countries like Italy, Germany, or Austria.

4. English is widely spoken

Albania has one of the highest rates of English proficiency in Southeast Europe. Younger Albanians, especially professionals in healthcare and tourism, are frequently fluent in English. At Empire Dental Clinic, all consultations, treatment plans, and follow-ups are conducted in English (or Italian).

5. A genuine tourist destination

Tirana has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. The city offers colourful architecture, excellent restaurants, buzzing cafes, and a welcoming atmosphere. Albania’s Riviera coastline, just a few hours south, features some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Unlike a trip solely for dental work, a visit to Albania can genuinely double as a holiday.

Cost Comparison: UK Private vs Albania

To put the savings in perspective, here is what common treatments cost privately in the UK compared to Albania:

Treatment	UK Private (avg)	Albania (avg)	You Save
Single dental implant	£2,500	£400–600	Up to 80%
Porcelain veneer (per tooth)	£800–1,000	£180–260	Up to 77%
Zirconia crown	£800–1,200	£150–200	Up to 83%
All-on-4 (per arch)	£12,000–15,000	£3,500–4,500	Up to 75%
Teeth whitening	£400–500	£100–150	Up to 75%

Even after accounting for flights (£50–120 return), hotel (£200–400 for a week), and meals, a British patient undergoing a single implant in Albania saves £1,000–1,500 compared to UK private treatment. For bigger cases like full-arch implants or multiple veneers, the savings can reach £8,000–12,000 or more.

What About Quality?

Cost savings mean nothing if quality is compromised. Here is what to look for when choosing an Albanian dental clinic:

• Dentist qualifications: Albanian dentists complete a six-year integrated master’s degree. Many also hold postgraduate qualifications from EU institutions.
• Implant brands: Ask which implant system the clinic uses. Top clinics in Albania use internationally recognised brands such as Straumann, Nobel Biocare, or MIS.
• Technology: Look for clinics with CBCT scanning, digital workflow, and CAD/CAM milling for same-day restorations.
• Guarantee: Empire Dental Clinic offers a 10-year guarantee on implants and major restorations, giving you peace of mind long after you return to the UK.
• Reviews: Check Google Reviews and look for testimonials from other British patients.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

If you are tired of waiting for an NHS appointment or facing a £10,000+ quote from a private UK dentist, Albania may be the answer. Empire Dental Clinic in Tirana has helped hundreds of international patients achieve their ideal smile at a fraction of the UK cost — with no compromise on quality, materials, or aftercare.

Contact our team for a free consultation and personalised treatment plan. We will take care of everything, from your initial assessment to airport transfers and hotel recommendations.