Interview with Sue

20 June 2008
Transcript of an Interview with Rett Hoos, freelance medical journalist.

How did a nice girl like you get involved with cutthroat dental tourism in Budapest?

It wasn't like that 6 years ago there were hardly any clinics treating UK and Irish patients, it was mainly Germans and Austrians.

I heard about Budapest via Austrian friends of a friend. It all seemed a bit scary, then I saw an article in the Times and spoke to someone who had been out with a friend and it seemed more real "the sort of thing I could do".

I got in touch with Kreativ where they had been. Kreativ made it easy, booked the hotel, advised on flights and there I was, for the first time in my life getting top quality dental work.

So no complaints

No, compared to the UK it was great, 5 star treatment, but the accommodation was not always reliable. The first time I went out I was 'bumped' out to another hotel in the sticks, the appointment times kept being changed, the taxi back to the airport was late twice and the clinic was a long way out of the city.

Did it put you off?

Not really, the benefits outweighed the inconveniences. My mouth got treated - that was the number one priority.

How did you come to work for a dental clinic in Budapest?

I blame that on the girls. I met Sylvia at a Rotary lunch one day, through her I met Amy and Zoltan and we all seemed to gel. When they talked about setting up Prime Dental their enthusiasm go to me and I agreed to help, so I produced a website and now advise patients - sometimes into the small hours.

Does the work pay well?

You must be joking. It hardly covers expenses. I think of it more as a hobby, helping friends and doing what I can to help repair injured mouths. Don't get me started on NHS dentistry. My generation really suffered from 'drill and fill'.

Whenever I get out to Budapest it's like a reunion. We are all committed to doing something worthwhile.

And to sum up?

My advice to anyone who is in the position I was in 6 years ago - don't wait too long. Air fares are rising, overheads are rising, cheap dental work is still possible but when Hungary joins the eurozone the savings won't be as good.

Watch out for the clinics that offer a low entry price then clobber you for extras. Make sure you compare like for like.

And if I'm allowed a plug - come to Prime, "arrive as a patient - leave as a friend".