Malta
SMILES BETTER IN MALTA
A root canal dental treatment carried out between sunbathing and swimming sessions, it’s all possible on this holiday island. Where the dentist will be waiting for you, not the other way round!
Dental treatment is now boosting tourism numbers on the Mediterranean Island of Malta.
Wanting to come back to the dentist here is an experience that people are opting for time and time again.
Mr Robert Lautier is just 35, he has qualified with examinations overseen by a dentists from Guys Hospital in London. Malta has 6 places a year for its top students to train in dentistry on the Island and getting qualifications that can be recognised in the UK is important to them.
In the high tech surgery Robert shares with his senior partner Justin Agius they could give you a check-up, make a perfect crown and have you back around the pool in an hour.
MALTA MEDICAL
Using state of the art machinery your tooth can be mapped in 3D, the instructions to mill a perfect replacement are sent via an infrared link and a colour matched tooth is milled from porcelain blank. You can stay and watch a DVD film whilst still in the chair, as the machine goes through its paces and before you know it you can be back on your feet, capped and ready to go.
You could wait days in parts of Europe, here its just part of the near instant service that can be offered.
Their client base is made up mainly of tourists, the surgery was set up in conjunction with the hotel as it identified that there was a market for dental treatment and they could offer a top service at realistic prices. 25% to 30% of those of those who opt for dental treatment come back for additional work to be done, in some cases its other members from the same family who come too.
Freddy one of their clients from Killarney made two, three day flying visits in order to get an implant fitted, something that he could not afford or indeed get appointments for at home in Ireland. His treatment would of cost between €3,000 and €4,000 there, but in Malta just over €1,000 and with the flights a total of €2,000, still a substantial saving.
A rotating x-ray machine is all part of the investigation equipment that is at hand for checking the skull and alignment of the teeth. The surgery even has an automatic pain killing syringe system that administers the dose very slowly and as painlessly as possible, so if you are somewhat wimpish this could be for you.
Services on offer include, veneers, implants, whitening, it is possible to book inclusive packages, which include the hotel and a series of appointments with the dentist to suit your requirements and length of stay.
The cost of treatments are usually a lot less than in other parts of Europe, but it’s the convenience too that appeals to those who make the flight to the island. A warm comfortable environment most of the year, English speaking with great history and culture. It has endless quality restuarants and entertainment for when you are not in the dentist’s chair. At the very centre of the Mediterranean the island could nearly become itself, a centre for dental days out!
SLIEMA FOR SMILES
Their surgery is located at one of the top hotels in Sliema, and the hotel Fortina is known for its excellent Spa facilities. Sliema is a cosy harbour side area with multi-coloured boats bobbing in blue waters of the cove. Boat trips make for a relaxing day out, many leave from here and a boat ride to the capital of Valletta takes a few minutes and it is a good way to arrive there.
Many people opted for the famous colourful orange and yellow buses, however they have now disappeared. But the new ones cost very little and will take you to the capital, from where you can tour the whole island using the network of routes that snake out from the main Valletta bus terminus.
In all, the Island can provide for a safe, pleasant holiday destination along with an opportunity to return home with a smile to match the joy of getting great value treatment. Perhaps that would have been treatment that you may only have been able to dream about before.
Relax and take it easy… and that’s just going to the dentist!
Tourist Information
www.visitmalta.com
