Perfecting a Cleopatra Smile in Egypt

Medical Vacations in the Land of the Nile

With its architectural treasures and extravagant resorts, Egypt is beginning to solidify its medical vacation industry.  The country is now a luxury health and dental travel destination with the cost of procedures from basic dental fillings to high end maxillofacial surgeries running at discount prices.  If Cleopatra were here today, she’d definitely have much to smile about.   

Cashing in on the Medical Vacation Boom

Egypt has an almost unfair advantage over many other medical tourism destinations as far as vacation options are concerned.  It’s easy to imagine showing off your new smile as you inhale the aromas of a spice souk in downtown Cairo, or sip a daiquiri at a Sharm el Shaikh beach resort.  But, even with a never ending menu of sights, beaches, and cultural experiences, Egypt isn’t amongst the fore runners in the business.   

The reason for this is that the sector isn’t as organized as other destinations are.  Egyptian travel agents tend to promote cultural, holiday, and medical travel experiences together, instead of focusing on health travel alone.  This has resulted in some unsavory stories about the dangers of medical and dental tourism in the country.  And it’s not just botched dental surgeries and the dangers of dental tourism that have hit the headlines – cut and paste plastic surgery jobs by quacks who advertise cosmetic procedures, low cost dental fillings, and hair transplants at ridiculous rates have ensured that the medical community in the country has come under increased scrutiny. 

Bottom-line: Egypt is one of a handful of African countries that has great potential as far as medical tourism is concerned.  Just make sure you know what you’re getting into.  The more questions and safety checks you pursue, the better. 

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