Travel India Info

Dental Tourism in India • Finding the right dentist

How to find to best dentist in Pune

Finding a dentist in any of the major cities in India is quite simple however, finding the right one is no easy task. For Non-residents (NRIs) visiting India for dental care, finding a good dentist can indeed be a challenge.  As I needed some dental work on my teeth and had prior plans on visiting India in a few weeks, I decided to get my dental work done during my stay in India. Before leaving Seattle, USA for a my visit to Pune India, I did a general search for dentists in Pune, my criteria for a dentist was finding someone who would specialize in root canal treatment, had sufficient experience and followed proper sterilization and disinfection of dental instruments used on patients. Goggling for dentists in Pune produced 627,000 results! whereas a search for ‘best dentist in Pune’ produced 492,000 results and after two weeks I had narrowed my final list to five dentists who I believed were worth checking out keeping my criteria in mind. After arrival in Pune, India it took me about a week to decide finally to get my dental work done by Dr. Shail Bondre who apparently had 12 years of experience and was a cosmetic dental surgeon & endodontist. I was more comfortable speaking to her than any of the other four on my list of prospective dentists. Dr. Shail Bondre has her clinic in Pune on Dhole Patil Road. During my initial consultation with her, She told me exactly the work I needed on my teeth and also the approximate cost for each procedure. I found her to be very relaxed and easy to communicate with. She answered my questions thoroughly without making me feel rushed. During the next few weeks, I had one root canal, two re- root canals and some crowns replaced. I found Dr. Shail to be charismatic, informative, and straightforward. Even during the dental treatment appointments she took the time to explain exactly what she was doing and positioned her iPad so I could actually even watch the treatment in progress. Dr. Shail's office staff were all very nice, my wife and I got our final teeth cleaning done by Dr. Prajakta who did her work well. One of the best teeth cleanings I have had to date! I truly found Dr. Shail to be very thorough, knowledgeable and may I add very personable and friendly. NRIs who visit my website NriInformation.com will probably be well aware that I make it a point not to recommend any person or business. However I have no hesitation in recommending Dr. Shail to anyone who is looking for a good dentist in Pune, India.

Cost of Dental treatment in India

Dental tourism is on the rise in India as people from western countries opt for dental treatment in India to save themselves from the ridiculous dental care costs abroad that are usually not covered by insurance companies. Most dental websites in India now have links to dental tourism pages to advertise their services to foreigners and NRIs visiting India seeking dental treatment. While costs may be a factor for many people in choosing a dentist, there are several other factors that should be taken into account when searching for a dentist. • Qualifications and experience of the dentist. I personally had decided to visit only a M.D.S and avoid B.D.S dentists. • The dental premises should be taken into consideration. A well-equipped dental office with latest dental instruments etc. is certainly worth paying a little more for. • Sterilization procedure used to clean dental instruments is another important consideration when it comes to selecting a dentist. Don’t make up your mind simply by looking at pictures on a website, visit the location to see for yourself. • Dentists in India charge an average of Rupees 100 to 500 ($1.50 to $8 approximately) for initial consultation. If you want a second opinion then go for it. • I found dental websites advertising root canal treatment for as low as Rupees 2500. I actually paid around Rupees 6500 for my root canal work. I would like to state that simply paying more a dental procedure does not guarantee that the work performed will be better. However, dentists will charge according to their skill, experience etc. To maintain proper staff, sterilization procedures and up to date equipment costs money.