Background

Medical tourism in Poland has been increasing over the past few years with the majority of medical tourism patients coming from Germany, the U.K., Scandinavia and Canada.  Polish American immigrants are also coming back to have medical procedures performed and visit relatives.  Poland is becoming more popular with U.K. patients partly due to the 2 hour plane flight from U.K. to Poland and the substantial cost savings. 

Most medical centers are located in the major cities of Warsaw or Krakow.  The former capital of Krakow, has been named a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site.  While in the current capital, Warsaw, patients can visit the many Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic buildings.  Poland has been a member of the European Union since 2004.

Medical Tourism in Poland

Patients are attracted to Poland due to the low prices, state of the art equipment, the latest techniques and top quality materials.  Savings of 50 to 70% can be had at the many ISO 9001 certified clinics.  Polish dentists perform all of the same procedures as their western counterparts.

Becoming a dental surgeon in Poland is long and intense.  After obtaining an undergraduate degree, dental students must study an additional 5 years in medical school.  The last two years students gain valuable first hand experience by working with real patients and are observed by experienced surgeons.  Upon the completion of studies all dentists must register with the Polish Chamber of Physicians and Dentists.  Membership is mandatory for all dentists and physicians who want to practice in Poland.  Dentists and doctors must also obtain a permit by appearing in front of a commission, and they must renew that permit every five years by appearing in front of a commission.

Poland has recently introduced a compulsory post graduate education system similar to the Continuous Professional Development system in the U.K.  Dentists must obtain a certain amount of points every year to continue to practice, and points are usually gained by taking accredited courses.  After qualifying, dentists can specialize in areas such as pediatric dentistry, orthodontics and oral surgeries.  The Center for Medical Postgraduate Education organizes these high level courses and they are some of the highest ranking European dental qualifications.