Istanbul-based Maltepe Dental Clinic, which also operates in London, reports a surge in UK patients seeking complex dental care as NHS access struggles worsen.
The clinic, which has treated over 14,000 patients from more than 85 countries over 22 years, notes growing demand for extensive implants and restorative procedures. This trend follows December 2025 Healthwatch England findings, which reveal some patients are resorting to self-extraction due to lack of urgent NHS appointments.
“We are seeing UK patients needing comprehensive Smile Restoration after years of delayed treatment,” said Dr. Alper Gurhan, Chief Dentist. “Many arrive with conditions that have worsened over time. Our role now includes critical dental health interventions for international patients.”
Maltepe’s dual presence in Istanbul and London allows continuity of care. London-based co-founder consultations, follow-ups, and the clinic’s in-house lab for customized prosthetics reduce the need for multiple visits.
Recent cases include UK residents undergoing full-mouth rehabilitation with multiple implants, bone grafting, and crowns. One patient, a London retiree, received 12 implants, sinus lifts, and 28 zirconium crowns across two visits—an example of increasingly complex treatments sought abroad.
“The cases from the UK are more advanced,” explained Dr. Yusuf Ilhan, co-founder. “Patients often present with periodontal disease, multiple missing teeth, and bone loss due to prolonged lack of professional care.”
The clinic holds ISO certifications (9001:2015, 13485:2016, 10002:2018) and International Health Tourism Authorization. Dr. Ilhan’s UK General Dental Council registration (GDC 304923) ensures consultations in London meet UK professional standards.
Healthwatch England reports a 10% drop in adult NHS dental access from 2019 to September 2025. Many patients travel over 100 miles for emergency care, and NHS 111 dental calls rose 20% between July and September 2025, highlighting a growing public dental crisis.