Dental Care in Estonia
Text Susanna Poikela Photos EstDental Hambaravi
Modern dental technology, cleanliness and patient safety are emphasised in EstDental’s treatment room.
More and more Finns are combining a trip to Tallinn with a visit to the dentist. Finns are particularly interested in implants, crowns, and aesthetic dental care. The opportunity to receive high-quality treatment at a reasonable price is also attracting Finns to Estonian dental clinics.
The owner of EstDental Hambaravi, located in central Tallinn, dentist Darja Hamidullina knows Finnish patients well. She graduated from the University of Tartu in 2011 and has worked during her career both in Estonia and Finland.
“At that time, many Estonian doctors went to work in Finland, and that is why I learned to speak Finnish quite well,” Darja Hamidullina says.
According to her, Finnish-language skills are important to many patients. When it comes to health matters, being able to communicate in one’s own language creates a sense of security.
“We had two Finnish patients here today for the first time. They said that it was really important to them for the doctor herself to speak Finnish. It is often advertised that a clinic has Finnish-speaking staff, but in practice this is not always the case.”
Her own clinic was born out of a desire to do things well
Darja Hamidullina worked in Finland for four years but later decided to return to Estonia. At first, she worked as a doctor at another clinic until the idea of having her own practice gradually began to take shape.
“I started thinking about whether I could establish a clinic where I could personally influence how the work is done.”
At first, Darja Hamidullina rented a small practice and worked with another dentist. The same colleague still works with her today. Gradually, more doctors joined, and four years ago the clinic moved to larger premises in the heart of Tallinn.
In addition to Darja Hamidullina, the clinic employs a general dentist, dental hygienist, an endodontist specialising in root canal treatments, two paediatric dentists, an orthodontist, and dentists providing prosthetic treatments. Darja Hamidullina herself works as a surgeon, and also provides prosthetic treatments.
Implantology requires continuous training
Darja Hamidullina does not see dentistry as a profession that can ever be completely mastered. She has attended numerous courses around the world and is currently studying implantology at the University of Frankfurt.
“I have participated in many training programmes, but this programme is particularly thorough. Many of my own treatment cases are documented, and afterwards we review them with colleagues. It is really interesting.”
Implant treatments are one of the reasons why Finns seek dental care in Tallinn. The journey is particularly easy for those living in Helsinki: you can take the ferry to Tallinn in the morning, receive treatment during the day and return on the evening ferry the same day.
At EstDental Hambaravi, implant consultations are currently free of charge and also include the necessary examinations. After the consultation, the patient receives a treatment plan by email. The plan can also be discussed by telephone, which makes decision-making easier, especially for patients living abroad.
Implant and crown: what should the patient know?
A dental implant is an artificial root placed into the jawbone, on top of which a crown is made. If necessary, several implants can also be placed at the same time, but the treatment plan is always prepared individually. According to Darja Hamidullina, Finns come to the clinic particularly for implant and crown treatments. A lot of aesthetic treatments are also performed.
“Nowadays, people want very white and straight teeth. Ceramic crowns are popular, but they require time and careful planning.”
The price is agreed in advance
The total cost of an implant and crown at EstDental Hambaravi is generally around €1300–1600, including the work. The exact price always depends on the procedures required. This is why the initial appointment and preparation of a treatment plan are important.
After the examinations, the treating dentist at EstDental Hambaravi prepares a treatment plan. The quote provided to the customer is fixed and remains valid for approximately six months from the initial consultation. A clear treatment plan helps the patient understand the whole process: what will be done, in what order, how long the treatment will take and how much it will cost.
EstDental Hambaravi, V. Reimani 8, Tallinn.
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