Managing Dental Tourism Complications in Ireland: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Dental Professionals' Attitudes and Practices

Abstract Introduction : Dental tourism is a growing global phenomenon with unresolved implications. No guidelines exist in Ireland to assist dental professionals managing patients who present with complications following treatment abroad. Aims : This study investigated how dental professionals at the Dublin Dental University Hospital (DDUH) manage such patients, and their opinions on medicolegal responsibility, financial accountability, and the need for guidelines. It was hypothesised that higher qualification level would be associated with decreased referral incidences. Methods : A cross-sectional survey was distributed in January 2026 to 80 DDUH clinical staff and students via QualtricsXM. Quantitative data were analysed using IBM SPSS (v29). Qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis. Results : Consultants and specialists reported greater confidence managing complications (81.8%) compared to GDPs (32.6%) and students (30.8%; p =0.009) and were more likely to feel legally protected ( p <0.001). Students were more likely to manage complex cases from start to finish. 79.7% of participants supported the development of formal guidelines, while 84.4% disagreed that the HSE should financially cover remedial treatment. Conclusion : Concerns over care for patients following treatment abroad were common. A lack of structured national guidelines to standardise practice and support clinicians managing the complexities of dental tourism was a particular concern.