CC HEALTH
Malta: A destination for top-class dental treatment Dr Joseph Xuereb reveals why so many patients travel to Malta for dental treatment.
Savina Dental Clinics are at the forefront of Malta’s emerging image as a destination for first class medical and dental treatment. For several years, Savina Clinics have been sought after by local and visiting patients for extensive oral rehabilitation procedures. Implant surgery cases with associated bone augmentation procedures as well as non-surgical facelifts, designer smile makeovers and the latest gum treatments form the bulk of patient requests. A recent addition to the clinics’ repertoire of treatments has been the patented Eagle Grid® implant system, whereby patients with little or no bone for conventional implants are able to have fixed replacement teeth within hours. Constant investment in emerging trends, equipment and staff training is the lynchpin of the clinics’ business plan. Accreditation with various international medical tourism institutions assists in conveying confidence to patients considering travelling to Malta for their treatment – this attests to
APRIL / MAY 2017
best practice in quality control, patient management and treatment standards. Since 2007, Savina Clinics have served as International Patient Visiting Centres for Zimmer® dental implants – one of the world’s foremost implant brands. A steady flow of patients from overseas has always formed an important portion of the clinics’ business. There are strong signs of this flow increasing, both in volume as well as in diversity of country of origin of these patients. Word-of-mouth has traditionally been the only means of advertising and it is amazing how far word travels! The clinics’ web profile is constantly updated and improved and, as the potential patient’s first point of contact, it is an invaluable asset. Patients’ comments and testimonials give credibility and a personal touch to the clinics’ services and the multilingual staff facilitate patient confidence and communication no end. For visiting patients, impeccable planning is essential. From their initial contact, patients are made to feel completely at ease and that every requirement will be taken care of – from detailed written treatment estimates to arrangements with local service providers to organise all auxiliary post treatment services. These range from selecting accommodation and special dietary requirements through medical domiciliary visits to spa therapy during their rehabilitation period. To this end, Savina Clinics have teamed up with AMCT Malta as their exclusive medical/ dental tourism providers. The relatively short travelling times
from most European cities as well as the availability of many low-cost flight options make it quite easy for patients to choose Malta as their dental treatment destination, and in many cases to return for all their follow-up and maintenance appointments. Meanwhile, treatments are priced at a level that is considered very advantageous for visiting patients. As with everywhere else, even locally, costs vary, but the fundamental consideration for every patient contemplating treatment in Malta is the standard of care provided. cc Joseph Xuereb is Principal at Savina Clinic – Dental & Implantology Centres. He graduated in Malta in 1985 and completed post-graduate education at The Royal College of Surgeons of England. He is a Member of the International Team for Implantology, The International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the British Society for Advanced Dentistry as well as a Fellow of the International College of Dentists and Key Opinion Leader for Crest Oral Care and ZimmerBiomet Dental Implants.
Savina Clinic - Dental & Implantology Centres are located in Victoria, Gozo and at SkyParks Business Centre, Malta International Airport. www.savinadental.com 57