How to choose a dental clinic in Sri Lanka

Check who is treating you

Dentists practising in Sri Lanka must be registered with the Sri Lanka Medical Council. It is entirely reasonable to ask about a dentist's qualifications and registration, and about which procedures they routinely carry out. Complex work — implants, surgical extractions, orthodontics — is often best done by someone who does it regularly.

Ask about cost before treatment starts

A good clinic will explain what is wrong, what the options are, and what each one costs, before any work begins. For longer treatment plans, ask for a written estimate and how payment is staged.

Look at cleanliness and infection control

Instruments should be sterilised between patients, gloves changed in front of you, and single-use items genuinely used once. This is more important than the décor.

Practical things

• Opening hours that fit around your work or school run
• How easy it is to be seen in an emergency
• Distance and parking — a nearby clinic is one you will actually return to
• Whether you can book and see your appointment without phoning
• Whether your records and treatment history are properly kept

Be cautious of

Pressure to decide immediately, prices quoted only after treatment has started, treatment plans that change dramatically without explanation, or guarantees that sound too good to be true.