Written from inside the profession. Fifteen filters — grouped into five categories — that separate specialist-led Turkish practices from the volume-driven cosmetic operations behind the press stories. If you use this list seriously, you will end up with a shortlist of three or four clinics, maximum. That is the point.

Category A — The practice itself

1. How many cases does the clinic see per day?

A specialist polyclinic sees one to three complex cases a day. A volume clinic sees ten or more. The lower the number, the more time for your specific case. Ask directly — a legitimate practice will answer without evasion.

2. Is the clinic a single entity, or a chain?

A chain operation with multiple locations has different quality control than a single specialist practice. Neither is inherently wrong. But you should know which you are dealing with.

3. How long has the practice existed?

Many of the clinics featured in the press stories were established in the last three to five years — responding to dental tourism demand. A practice that existed before dental tourism was a commercial category tells you the clinical tradition predates the marketing.

Category B — The clinicians

4. Is your treating doctor a specialist, or a generalist?

For implant work, look for implantologists, oral surgeons, or experienced general dentists with documented implant training. For veneers and smile design, look for prosthodontists or restorative specialists. For root canals, look for endodontists.

5. Is the doctor registered with the Turkish Dental Association?

You can search at tdb.org.tr (Turkish only). A legitimate specialist will have a registration number. The clinic should provide the doctor’s full name — first and family — not just a first name or initials.

6. Is the doctor who meets you the doctor who treats you?

At a specialist practice, yes. At a volume operation, you may meet a consultant who then hands you off to whichever clinician is next available. Ask explicitly: “Will Dr. X personally perform the treatment?” Get the answer in writing.

Category C — Clinical process

7. Is CBCT imaging included?

For any implant, full-arch, or complex case: CBCT (3D cone-beam) imaging is the standard. A panoramic X-ray (2D) is not adequate. Specialist clinics take CBCT as a default. Volume clinics sometimes charge extra or skip it.

8. Is there a written plan before you fly?

A costed treatment plan, in your language, signed by the treating doctor, emailed to you before you book flights. If the only pre-arrival communication is “come and we will figure it out”, that is a red flag.

9. Is a CBCT-based plan required before final pricing?

A plan based on photos is a first estimate. A plan based on CBCT is a clinical recommendation. The final price should be confirmed after imaging — not before. Watch for clinics that lock in a price before seeing the anatomy.

10. Is the procedure a veneer or a crown?

Ask explicitly. Ask for the enamel measurement. 0.3–0.5 mm = veneer. 1.5–2 mm = crown. If the answer is vague, this is the single most important follow-up question you will ever ask.

Category D — Materials

11. Are implant brands named?

Straumann · Neodent · Nobel Biocare are the two brands with the longest published survival data. A specialist clinic names them. “Premium implants”, “German-quality implants”, “European implants” — those are marketing phrases, not clinical specifications.

12. Is the lot number documented?

Straumann and Nobel each ship with a lot number. A specialist clinic records this in the patient file and prints it on the warranty certificate. Ask whether yours will be. If the answer is no, you cannot verify what was placed.

13. Is the porcelain brand named?

For veneers and crowns: e.max (Ivoclar), feldspathic layered, or Zirkonzahn. All legitimate. What you do not want is “our house porcelain” with no brand attribution.

Category E — Aftercare

14. What does the warranty actually cover?

A real warranty: names the component, specifies duration, lists conditions (annual review, oral hygiene, no trauma), and is signed by the treating doctor in your language. A marketing warranty: says “lifetime guarantee” with no further detail. Ask for a sample warranty certificate before treatment.

15. What is the UK dentist coordination process?

A specialist clinic provides a clinical letter in English, CBCT and surgical plan copies, and a direct contact for follow-up. A volume clinic leaves you to explain your own treatment to your UK dentist. Ask what documentation you will return home with.

Using the list

You do not need all fifteen to be yes. You need most of them. Specialist-led practices will answer twelve to fifteen comfortably. Volume operations will dodge or obscure at least six.

If a clinic is evasive on more than three of these questions, move on. There are enough good options in Istanbul that you do not need to accept uncertainty on the basics.