How to Find a Good Dentist as an Expat in Italy: A Guide for Newcomers

Relocating to Italy can be a wonderful adventure, but navigating healthcare, including finding a good dentist, can feel daunting for newcomers. If you're an expat in Italy, understanding the ins and outs of the healthcare system, and the unique aspects of dental care in Italy, can make the process much smoother. In this guide, we’ll cover how to find a reliable dentist in Italy and offer specific tips to help you approach dental care with confidence.

1. Public vs. Private Dental Care in Italy
 

In Italy, healthcare is divided between the public (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale, or SSN) and private sectors. Dental care, however, is mostly private, as public healthcare generally doesn’t cover routine dental treatments for adults. Here’s what to consider:

• Private Dentists.
  The majority of expats opt for private dental care due to its accessibility and higher availability of English-speaking professionals. Private dentists in Italy often offer a wide range of services, from basic cleanings to more complex procedures.
• Public Services.
  For certain cases (e.g., dental emergencies or specific treatments for children), there may be options within the public system, though they can have long wait times and may not include comprehensive care. Public services are typically offered at lower costs but are more limited.
   

2. How to Find a Reliable Dentist as a Newcomer

Finding reputable dental care in a new town can be challenging, especially if you don’t have an established network. Here are a few resources to help you get started:

• Expat Forums, Social Media Groups and Expat services.
  Websites and local Facebook groups for expats are great places to get information. Members often share personal experiences, which can be helpful in finding trustworthy practitioners.
• Online Reviews.
  Some platforms like "MioDottore.it" or "Doctolib.it", or "Google.com", have patient reviews that can provide insight into a dentist’s reputation and quality of care.
• Dentist Website.
  On the dentist website, see if the dental practice is structured as a small surgical clinic with digital and radiographic equipment for in-depth investigation and accurate diagnosis, operating microscope, surgical laser, intraoral scanner for specialized treatments, and more. Consider that a clinic that performs high-level aesthetics has an annexed lab and dental technicians on the premises to work more efficiently. In an emergency, the annexed dental lab allows for immediate aesthetic intervention so that the patient can quickly return to a normal social and work life, while the final aesthetic is being arranged.
• Ask Local Acquaintances.
  If you’ve already made some local friends or professional contacts, don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations. Many Italians value high-quality healthcare and may know reliable practitioners in your area.

3. Language Considerations
 

While Italian is the main language used in healthcare settings, you may be able to find English-speaking dentists, particularly in larger cities and areas popular with expats, like Rome, Milan, Florence, and Bologna. When reaching out to dentists:

• Check for Language Options.
  Many expat forums and review sites list dentists who speak English or other languages. Additionally, some clinics have multilingual websites, which can indicate a likelihood of English-speaking staff.
• Use Translation Tools for Communication.
  If you end up at a clinic where English isn’t spoken fluently, translation tools or apps (such as Google Translate) can be useful. Having key dental terms translated in advance can also help.

4. Costs and Payment Expectations

Understanding dental costs in Italy is essential for managing your budget. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Range of Fees.
  Costs can vary significantly between private practices, especially based on location, and the type of treatment. For example, a simple check-up may range from €50 to €200, while more complex procedures, like root canals or crowns, can cost several hundred euros. It’s often wise to request a quote before proceeding with treatments. 
  Keep in mind, however, that for more complex procedures it may not be possible for the dentist to give an accurate treatment plan and quote without assessing first the patient's specific oral situation (e.g., a deontologically correct dentist cannot do cosmetic surgery and apply veneers if the patient first needs to treat the gums and periodontitis.) This is why, for complex procedures, it is recommended to first book a specialist dental visit in order to receive an accurate treatment plan and quote for the treatments to be done.
• Payment Structure.
  Most clinics expect payment at the time of the visit. They all accept credit cards. Some may offer financing options for high-cost treatments. If you have international health insurance, check if dental care in Italy is covered, as policies and coverage vary widely. Also, check with the clinic if they accept direct health insurance payments; many Italian high-quality clinics do not.

5. Italian Dental Practices: Cultural and Practical Differences
 

To help manage your expectations, it’s worth noting a few cultural and practical aspects of Italian dental care that may differ from what you’re used to:

• Required Documentation.
  When visiting an Italian dentist for the first time, bring an ID and, if applicable, any insurance documentation. Unlike in some other countries, you may not need a referral to see a specialist dentist, as you can book appointments directly with them.
• Payment Practices.
  As mentioned, payment is usually expected on the day of service, so plan accordingly. In private practices, an advance payment should be provided for more complex procedures. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification on treatments and costs upfront, (always keeping in mind that it may not be possible for the dentist to give an accurate treatment plan and quote, without first assessing the patient's specific oral situation.)
• Availability of Emergency Care.
  While some private practices offer emergency services, emergency dental care might not be as widely available as you might find in other countries. If you need urgent care outside regular hours, consider checking with a local hospital, as some emergency rooms may provide basic dental treatment.
• Routine Check-Ups and Preventive Care.
  Italians often approach dental care on an as-needed basis rather than scheduling routine six-month cleanings, so some dentists may not proactively recommend frequent check-ups. If preventive care is important to you, consider proactively setting up bi-annual appointments.

6. General Tips. When you go to the dental practice you have selected, check whether:

• The patient's clinical history is taken into account with a general anamnesis and a dental anamnesis.
• The first specialist visit is thorough, with extra-oral and intra-oral analyses, and it includes instrumental investigations (intra-oral camera with optical scanner exam and, if needed, radiological exams.)
• The dentist and team listen to the patient and explain clearly. Before starting any treatment, the dentist prepares a report on the patient's general situation of the mouth and teeth, formulates a treatment plan with an easy-to-understand quote and explains it to the patient.

Also, scrupulous attention to hygiene is an indication of integrity and correct professional approach. The attention to detail represents the care that the whole team has towards each patient. When you go to the dental practice you have selected, check whether:

• The rooms are regularly sanitized with advanced technology.
• Air disinfectors are in operation in all rooms, (from the secretary's office to the dental units).
• A sealed tray - with sterile instruments inside - is used for each patient.

When you go to a state-of-the-art dental practice, the high quality of the equipment and materials used by the dentist will be evident. These are fundamental to formulate a correct diagnosis, for the success of interventions and for the duration of the work over time.

Conclusion

Navigating dental care as an expat in Italy doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the Italian healthcare landscape, using online resources, and consulting locals, you can find a quality dentist who suits your needs. 

With these tools in hand, you’re ready to tackle dental care with confidence and focus on enjoying life in Italy!

STUDIO MURA DENTAL CLINIC
Comprehensive Dental Care, Gnathology, Periodontology, Dental Aesthetics
https://www.priamomura.com/en/home/