In recent years, a disturbing phenomenon has taken over the dental industry: intermediary agencies that sell services through aggressive phone calls and offer seemingly advantageous packages for dental procedures abroad. Fortunately, there is a very valuable tool that breaks down the distance between the patients and doctors, protecting you from any possible ” intermediary agency scams “: the video consultation with a doctor.

Let’s start with the fact that these agencies are often nothing more than call centers, interested only in closing deals and profiting from sale commissions. So how does the phenomenon work? These companies purchase databases of phone numbers and emails, initiating contact with potential patients and presenting themselves as representatives of dental clinics. The goal? Persuading people to purchase packages for dental procedures abroad.

If you have received such calls, it means that you may have shown interest in dental tourism by searching for information online. However, it is important to know that a serious dental clinic does not use third-party intermediary services to sell. As tempting as these packages look, third-party agencies are only interested in the commission, and do not care about the quality of service. Doing so they jeopardize the patients’ health.

One factor that draws casualties to these agencies is the seemingly very affordable price. Countries such as Albania offer lower rates due to favorable tax regimes; in fact, in Albania, since there is no VAT system, it is possible to receive very affordable quotes for dental care. This means that a dental implant can cost at least 50 percent less than a quote received in the United Kingdom.

However, a price that is too low, as much as 70 to 80 percent lower, will most likely also indicate poor quality. What is worse is when the package is offered by third-party agencies because agency commissions, which can be as high as 20%, are added to the overall cost, further lowering the quality. The result? The patients accepting these packages spend more (commission costs) for receiving an inferior service by necessity.

Another thing to consider is that the intermediary agencies absolve themselves of all liability once the contract is signed. This leaves patients without protection in case things do not go as planned. All in all, for the avoidance of doubt, we are talking about a harmful and unnecessary service that puts patients’ health at risk.

First of all, if they contact you by phone offering dental services abroad, ask for the name of the company and search online to verify its authenticity. Reputable dental clinics advertise through real reviews and do not buy databases of potential patients.

Relying on clinics that offer video consultations with the doctors is the key to avoiding these unpleasant situations. Taking a flight just to learn about a clinic could cost both time and money.

To avoid falling into these traps, take the initiative to check out the clinic directly, preferably through video consultations with doctors. This allows you to discuss directly with medical professionals and assess their competence and seriousness.

Online video consultation, offered by state-of-the-art clinics, is a safe and efficient solution; of course, it does not replace in-person clinical visits or examinations but allows patients to directly discuss with the doctors before finalizing their decisions. It is a crucial time to ask questions, seek clarification and establish a bond of trust with the medical professionals.

THE BENEFITS?

1. Clearing Any Doubts: During the video consultation, the patient can ask questions and get more information about the proposed treatment plan and the clinic itself.
2. Getting to know the Medical Team: Patients can interact with the doctor and clinic director, thus having a clearer idea of the skills and seriousness of the medical professionals involved.
3. Visualizing the Facility: Even if virtually, the patient can get an idea of the clinic and its environment, helping them gain more certainty.
4. Creating a Personal Bond: The video consultation allows a more personal relationship to be established with the doctor, creating an environment of trust and comfort.

Now, you may have realized how important it is not to trust intermediary agencies that promise deals that are too good to be true. Therefore, our advice is to always choose a dental clinic that allows direct consultations with doctors.

Gremi Clinic is committed to providing a safe and high-quality pathway for its patients. Through a dedicated online space, patients can access video consultations with doctors. During the consultation, you will have the opportunity to meet the doctor, learn more about the treatment plan, and get all the information you need to make an informed decision. The consultation is free of charge and takes place on a privacy-compliant platform.

How to Book an Online Consultation

1. Book: Choose a date and time from those available for the video consultation.
2. Receive Directions: You will receive an email with instructions for accessing the video consultation platform.
3. Meet the Doctor: Through the platform, you can meet with the doctor who evaluated your file and discuss the proposed treatment plan.