Dental Tourism in Moldova: Economic Catalyst, Medical Considerations, and Broader Tourism Development Potential

Abstract

This paper examines the burgeoning dental tourism sector in the Republic of Moldova, highlighting its significant economic impact and patient-related considerations. Driven primarily by competitive pricing, the perceived quality of dental treatments, and strategic geographical advantages, Moldova has emerged as a prominent destination for international dental patients, particularly from Western Europe, the UK, Ireland, and increasingly from North America. While this sector provides a crucial economic impetus to one of Europe’s most economically challenged nations, contributing significantly to (Gross Domestic Product) GDP and generating crucial employment opportunities, it also presents inherent risks related to treatment quality, potential complications, and challenges with follow-up care. This study integrates market trends, academic literature, and patient experience insights to offer a comprehensive overview of Moldova’s and Eastern Europe’s unique position in the global dental tourism landscape. Employing a narrative synthesis of diverse data points from market research reports, academic literature, and economic indicators, our findings reveal dental tourism as a vital economic driver for Moldova, fueled by competitive costs and improving standards. However, the sector also necessitates careful consideration of inherent risks, including potential complications from expedited treatment schedules and challenges with follow-up care.

1. Introduction

Tourism represents a significant economic driver for many nations. The Republic of Moldova, while possessing a cultural and historical heritage of notable interest, presents several tourism categories that, despite their potential, remain underexploited. Among these niches, medical and dental tourism should be highlighted for their potential (Bostan et al., 2016; Stanciu, 2022). Moldova is a recognized destination for health tourism, and this report specifically focuses on its role in dental tourism (State University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Nicolae Testemitanu” of the Republic of Moldova, 2021).

This research holds significant importance by offering a comprehensive analysis of Moldova’s burgeoning dental tourism sector, a critical economic driver for one of Europe’s most economically challenged nations (Emerging Europe, 2025). It contributes to the field of health tourism by delineating the unique position of Moldova within the global dental tourism landscape, driven by factors such as competitive pricing, improving standards of care, and strategic geographical advantages (Chisili, 2023). Furthermore, this study’s contribution extends to highlighting crucial patient-related considerations, including inherent risks associated with treatment quality, potential complications, and challenges with follow-up care, which are vital for ensuring patient safety and treatment efficacy in dental tourism destinations. Beyond its direct economic impact on the dental sector, this research underscores how robust air connectivity, spurred by dental tourism, can catalyze the development of other underexploited tourism categories, thereby fostering broader economic resilience and job creation within Moldova.

This paper aims to analyze the multifaceted phenomenon of dental tourism in the Republic of Moldova, focusing on its economic impact, the factors driving its growth, and the reported patient experiences and potential risks. This study employs a narrative synthesis of diverse data points, including market research reports, academic literature, and macroeconomic indicators, to construct a comprehensive understanding of the dental tourism phenomenon in this country. This approach facilitates the identification of key drivers, benefits, and challenges, and fills a void in the existing literature by providing a robust, integrated perspective on Moldova’s unique position in the global dental tourism landscape. Furthermore, this paper critically discusses the phenomenon of dental tourism in general, analyzing both its benefits and inherent risks, to provide crucial context. Following this introduction, Section 2 details the methodology employed. Section 3 presents the key results, including an analysis of economic drivers, academic perspectives on growth, macroeconomic impact, and infrastructure considerations. Section 4 offers a discussion of these findings, exploring risks and opportunities, followed by the conclusions in Section 5. It also discusses other undervalued tourism categories and the unique appeal of Transnistria, which contributes to Moldova’s broader tourism potential, with dental tourism acting as a catalyst for enhanced connectivity and a broader tourism infrastructure.

Moldova, consistently ranked among Europe’s poorest nations, has witnessed the burgeoning of dental tourism into a significant sector, injecting vitality into its struggling economy. This phenomenon is primarily propelled by the considerably lower costs associated with dental procedures compared to those in Western European countries, Scandinavia, and North America (Emerging Europe, 2025; Popescu et al., 2018). This cost advantage, coupled with improving standards of dental care, positions Moldova as an increasingly attractive destination for individuals seeking affordable yet quality dental treatments. Moldovan dental graduates have been instrumental in promoting this sector, leading to a significant influx of foreign patients, primarily from Italy, France, and the US, comprising over 70% of Moldovan dental patients. In 2022, medical tourism contributed nearly 50 million EUR to the Moldovan economy, with further substantial growth anticipated (Emerging Europe, 2025; Popescu et al., 2018; Elena et al., 2013; Demonja & Uglješić, 2020).

2. Materials and Methods

This perspective study synthesizes information from various sources to provide a comprehensive overview of dental tourism in Moldova.

The methodology for this study primarily consisted of analyzing the connections between the Moldova economy, dental tourism, and Moldovan tourism on its own.

Market Research Reports: Data from reputable market analysis firms provide insights into the global and European dental tourism market size, growth trends, and key drivers.

Academic Literature: A comprehensive review of scholarly articles was conducted using Google Scholar and PubMed. The search strategy employed a combination of keywords including, but not limited to, “dental tourism Moldova”, “medical tourism Eastern Europe”, “dental travel patient experience”, and “tourism economy Moldova”. The search encompassed literature published from 2000 up to the present. This iterative search aimed to identify studies analyzing Moldova’s emergence as a dental tourism destination, as well as broader research on patient motivations, outcomes, and risks in the wider dental tourism context.

Economic Data: Macroeconomic indicators for Moldova, such as GDP per capita and average salaries, were sourced from international financial organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

Qualitative Observations/Reported Patient Experiences: Information regarding patient satisfaction, perceived quality, and specific aspects of foreign dental care (e.g., knowledge, technology, “soft factors” like kindness and communication) was drawn from synthesized findings in the medical literature.

Geopolitical and Tourism Context: Information on Moldova’s general tourism potential, including other niche categories (e.g., Orthodox Tourism, Memory Tourism, (Salus Per Aquam) SPA Tourism, Homecoming Tourism, Gastronomic Tourism, Sports and Cultural Tourism) and the unique appeal of Transnistria, was also incorporated to provide a broader context of the country’s tourism landscape.

Infrastructure Analysis: Data regarding air connectivity and airport infrastructure were analyzed because they are facilitating factors for dental tourism.

The methods involved a narrative synthesis of these diverse data points to construct a comprehensive understanding of the dental tourism phenomenon in Moldova. This included identifying recurring themes regarding drivers, benefits, and challenges, and contextualizing Moldova’s situation within the broader European and global dental tourism market. While this is not a primary research study involving direct data collection, it aims to consolidate existing knowledge to provide a robust overview.

3. Results

3.1. Economic Lever of Competitive Costs and Quality

The primary driver for Moldova’s dental tourism growth is the considerably lower cost of dental procedures compared to Western Europe, Scandinavia, and North America. This is largely due to significantly lower labor costs in Moldova. For instance, a dental implant procedure that could cost thousands of dollars or euros in various countries is available in Moldova for a fraction of that cost. This substantial price differential acts as a powerful magnet, drawing a growing influx of international patients primarily from Western Europe, Italy, the UK, Ireland, and increasingly from North America, all in pursuit of quality dental care at significantly reduced prices. Importantly, this affordability does not necessarily equate to lower quality; many Moldovan dental clinics have invested in modern equipment and adhere to international standards, often employing dentists trained abroad or collaborating with international dental professionals (Emerging Europe, 2025).

3.2. Academic Validation of Moldova’s Dental Tourism Rise

A search on Google Scholar reveals a growing body of academic literature acknowledging and analyzing the rise of Moldova as a prominent destination for dental tourism. These studies frequently highlight the confluence of competitive pricing, the perceived quality of dental treatments offered, and the presence of a skilled dental workforce as the primary drivers behind Moldova’s success in this niche market. Research often points to the strategic advantages of Moldova, including its geographical proximity to Western Europe, relatively easy visa requirements for many nationalities, and the increasing number of clinics that cater specifically to international patients (Elena et al., 2013; Demonja & Uglješić, 2020; Grand View Research, 2023). Many of these clinics employ multilingual staff, thereby facilitating seamless communication and enhancing the overall patient experience for international visitors. Furthermore, some academic papers delve into the regulatory frameworks governing dental practices in Moldova and the efforts to align these with international best practices to ensure patient safety and treatment efficacy (Elena et al., 2013; Jappar et al., 2017; Lubowiecki-Vikuk & Kurkowiak, 2017; State University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Nicolae Testemitanu” of the Republic of Moldova, 2021).

3.3. Macroeconomic Impact on Moldova

The burgeoning dental tourism sector exerts a tangible and increasingly important positive impact on Moldova’s economy, contributing to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and generating crucial employment opportunities. As one of Europe’s most economically challenged nations, with a nominal GDP per capita significantly lower than the average for the European Union and many other European countries, this sector is vital. In 2023, Moldova’s GDP stood at approximately 16.54 billion USD (the country’s real GDP, adjusted for inflation, was around 9.16 billion USD). Recent data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) (May 2025 estimate) puts Moldova’s nominal GDP per capita at approximately 8260 USD, with PPP adjusted GDP per capita estimated at 19,678 USD. While isolating the precise contribution of dental tourism to this figure is challenging due to the interconnected nature of economic activities, its significance can be understood through various direct and indirect effects. The direct impact includes the revenue generated by dental clinics from international patients, which is then reinvested into the business, used for salaries, and contributes to tax revenue for the government (Trading Economics, 2023; International Monetary Fund, 2025a).

The influx of dental tourists also stimulates indirect economic activity. These visitors require accommodation in hotels or guesthouses, patronize restaurants and cafes, utilize transportation services, and may engage in other tourist activities, thereby injecting money into various sectors of the Moldovan economy. This increased demand supports local businesses and contributes to job creation, particularly within the hospitality, transportation, and service industries. Furthermore, the average gross monthly salary in Moldova was around 15,024.5 MDL (approximately 850 USD) as of December 2024 (International Monetary Fund, 2025b). It is plausible that clinics catering to international clientele offer more competitive wages to attract and retain skilled professionals proficient in foreign languages and accustomed to international patient care standards. This can help elevate income levels within the sector and potentially mitigate the issue of brain drain, a significant challenge for Moldova (International Monetary Fund, 2025a; Moldova1, 2025; National Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of Moldova, 2025).

The growth of dental tourism also encourages investment in infrastructure, both within the dental clinics and in related sectors, further stimulating economic development (International Monetary Fund, 2025a; Towards Healthcare, 2024).

3.4. Air Connectivity and Broader Tourism Development

Moldova’s accessibility and appeal for dental tourists are significantly enhanced by the development and maintenance of robust air connections with the rest of Europe. Chișinău International Airport (RMO) serves as the primary gateway, and its connectivity to major European hubs plays a crucial role in facilitating the travel of international patients. Several airlines, including low-cost carriers like Wizz Air and FlyOne, operate regular flights connecting Chișinău with key European cities that function as significant transit hubs (Figure 1).

An analysis of direct flight operations from RMO reveals direct access to seventeen European airports that each processed over 20 million passengers in 2023 (

Table 1. Number of flights departing from Chișinău International Airport (RMO) to major European airports (more than 20 million passengers per year, as of 2023 data).

Airport	Passengers (Annual in Millions, 2023)	Approx. Number of Departing Flights from RMO (June 2025)
Istanbul Airport (IST)	76	152
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)	67.4	14
Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)	61.9	8
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)	59.4	31
Barcelona El Prat (BCN)	49.9	33
Rome Fiumicino (FCO)	40.5	47
Munich Airport (MUC)	37	8
Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW)	36.8	30
Dublin Airport (DUB)	31.9	36
Vienna International Airport (VIE)	29.5	79
London Stansted (STN)	29	32
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)	28.7	35
Athens International Airport (ATH)	28.1	22
Copenhagen Airport (CPH)	26.8	5
Manchester Airport (MAN)	25	9

).

These hubs provide onward connections to a multitude of destinations across Europe and even to North America, making Moldova relatively accessible for patients from a wide geographical area. The availability of frequent and affordable flights, often direct or with convenient layovers, significantly reduces the travel time and cost for medical tourists. This ease of access is a critical factor in their decision-making process, as it offsets some of the perceived inconveniences of traveling abroad for medical procedures.

Efficient air transport links not only directly benefit dental tourism by bringing in patients, but also crucially supports the broader tourism infrastructure. These international visitors often utilize local accommodation, transportation, and other services, thereby injecting money into various sectors of the Moldovan economy and amplifying the overall economic benefits (FlightConnections, 2025).

Robust connectivity is a pivotal factor for both dental and medical tourism, simultaneously fostering the development and strengthening of other underexploited tourism categories in Moldova. These include Orthodox Tourism (catering to a large number of Orthodox pilgrims in the region), Memory Tourism (due to the presence of graves of tens of thousands of foreign citizens who died in various wars), SPA Tourism, Homecoming Tourism (especially for descendants of Jewish and German emigrants), Gastronomic Tourism (leveraging Moldova’s rich culinary tradition and growing wine production), and Sports and Cultural Tourism. Furthermore, the unrecognized territory of Transnistria (Pridnestrovie) presents a distinct and compelling attraction for a specific segment of travelers, with its unique political status and preserved Soviet-era aesthetics contributing to its appeal and integrating into the broader tourism landscape that benefits from improved accessibility. Continuous investment in airport infrastructure and fostering strong relationships with international airlines are therefore essential for sustaining and growing Moldova’s overall tourism potential, with dental tourism that may act as a significant initial catalyst (Manea, 2015; Guțan et al., 2023; Cheregi, 2018; O’Loughlin et al., 2014; Solik & Baar, 2019).

4. Discussion

Authors’ findings regarding Moldova’s emerging role in dental tourism align with broader trends observed in Eastern European dental tourism. The recent modernization of facilities, competitive pricing, and perceived quality are among the key factors driving the economic contribution of dental tourism in Moldova, with the medical tourism sector as a whole contributing almost 50 million EUR to the economy in 2022, and a 30 percent increase expected in 2024 (Emerging Europe, 2025; KBV Research, 2023).

According to a study by Lubowiecki-Vikuk and Kurkowiak (2017), which broadly analyzes the medical tourism potential of Central and Eastern Europe, cost savings are identified as a key motivation for patients seeking treatments abroad, and Western European citizens of the UK or Germany can save up to 80% on dental implant placement in Moldova (Lubowiecki-Vikuk & Kurkowiak, 2017; Medical Tourism Review, n.d.).

As highlighted by an Italian study by Carmagnola et al. (2012), Croatia emerged as a common destination for dental tourism, with patients primarily seeking prosthetic and implant treatments. Lubowiecki-Vikuk and Kurkowiak (2017) also stated a predominant driver for patients choosing Eastern Europe for dental care was economic benefit, suggesting that the substantial cost savings offered by Eastern European countries make the undertaking worthwhile, even for those who might afford treatment domestically (Lubowiecki-Vikuk & Kurkowiak, 2017). This economic motivation is particularly relevant given the high overheads and labor costs associated with dental practices in other countries (Carmagnola et al., 2012).

Beyond cost, the perceived quality and technological advancement of foreign dental practices are significant motivators. Despite the financial incentive, many patients in the previously cited survey reported high satisfaction with the cleanliness and modern equipment of clinics abroad. Furthermore, the “soft factors” of patient experience, such as the speed of service, kindness, humanity, and consistent communication (e.g., frequent phone calls), were highly valued by patients seeking care from foreign dentists. Another study has revealed that dental tourists’ satisfaction or dissatisfaction are mostly determined by the quality of products/services and the staff professionalism and competence. In contrast, the price of the service, one of the main motivators for dental tourism, has relatively weak influence on patient satisfaction with dental care service delivery (Carmagnola et al., 2012; Kesar & Mikulić, 2017).

However, it is crucial to acknowledge the varied findings on treatment quality and overall satisfaction. While some studies, like that by Joss et al. (1999) reported generally good satisfaction with treatments received in Eastern Europe, other research presents a more cautious perspective. Baulig et al., evaluating quality and cost-effectiveness of dental care treatment abroad in 60 German patients, observed that only one-fourth of the patients received sufficient quality of treatments, and that due to the need for correction in all other cases, the economic advantage of dental tourism had to be reconsidered (Joss et al., 1999; Baulig et al., 2004). This highlights a critical area for further investigation to ensure patient safety and long-term treatment efficacy in dental tourism destinations like Moldova (Marinau et al., 2009).

The pursuit of affordability in dental tourism is not without potential downsides and necessitates a careful evaluation of the inherent risks. Dental tourism can be broadly categorized into general and specialized dental care. General care, including procedures like scaling, polishing, simple fillings, and tooth whitening, typically poses fewer complications and is less influenced by a patient’s overall health status or age. In contrast, specialized dental care, often involving complex restorative treatments, surgery, and interventions using hyaluronic acid, demands a higher level of expertise and may present increased risks, especially for older patients with multiple health conditions (Milosevic, 2009). Patients undergoing specialized treatments, which frequently include dental implant placement, crowns, bridges, root canal therapies, and hyaluronic filler interventions, may face a range of complications. These can include issues arising from expedited treatment schedules, where the focus on efficiency can compromise the quality and longevity of care (Collins, 2022).

The lack of adequate follow-up care once patients return home is another significant concern, as highlighted by Milosevic (2009), raising questions about who assumes responsibility for long-term maintenance and addressing potential failures.

Other recurrent themes include the lack of treatment for primary diseases such as periodontal disease and caries before undertaking complex elective treatments like implants and bridges. There is often a complete disregard for the violation of important anatomical structures, with patients frequently unaware of the potential risks and not informed of any mishaps or possible sequelae. Poor treatment planning is another issue, particularly regarding the biological costs to oral tissues, such as indiscriminate elective root fillings and crown preparations. Moreover, post-operative access to a clinician domestically would allow earlier complication management, potentially reducing morbidity (Collins, 2022; Jeevan et al., 2011; Turner, 2008; Vasant, 2016). The Australian Dental Association president in 2024 said that while some patients received good care overseas, others returned with major issues like crowns that might not fit, might not be the right color, may not have been cemented properly, or dead nerves, dental caries left behind, and improperly extracted teeth (Australian Dental Association, 2024).

Barodontalgia and Barotrauma

Travel itself introduces risks, including the possibility of barotrauma and barodontalgia. Dental tourism inherently involves air travel. While commercial aircraft cabins are pressurized to altitudes between 5000 and 8000 feet, passengers remain susceptible to various adverse physiological effects stemming from changes in air pressure. Consequently, dental tourists may encounter several health risks, specifically barotrauma and barodontalgia. Barodontalgia manifests as tooth pain triggered by shifts in atmospheric pressure, commonly affecting teeth with pre-existing conditions or necrotic dental pulp. Approximately one-third of such cases are linked to recent dental restorative procedures (occurring within a week of the flight), a condition known as post-operative barodontalgia (Bianco, 2025; Milosevic, 2009; Felkai et al., 2023).

Within body cavities where gas is entrapped, fluctuations in gas volume can lead to adverse effects named barotrauma. Barosinusitis, or sinus barotrauma, is one such condition that can impact the paranasal sinuses. Patients who fly soon after a complex surgical procedure like maxillary sinus lift (a preparatory procedure for dental implants in the upper arch) risk an impaired ability to equalize pressures, thereby increasing their susceptibility to barosinusitis during in-flight pressure changes. In instances of maxillary sinus lift surgery, pre-existing barosinusitis can even lead to the failure of the procedure. Therefore, when developing a treatment plan for a dental tourist that includes a sinus lift, it is crucial to inform the patient about these risks and advise them to arrange their return journey by ground or sea if possible. If air travel is unavoidable, it is recommended to postpone the flight for at least two weeks post-procedure and to ensure the absence of any sinus symptoms before flying (Bianco, 2016; Felkai et al., 2023; Zadik, 2009).

The significant health implications of barotrauma and barosinusitis underscore the critical need for comprehensive patient guidance. It is therefore incumbent upon healthcare providers, including dental practitioners, to possess a thorough understanding of these conditions and their associated risks. This expertise is essential to report guidelines to the patients, which are already existing in literature (Vaezeafshar et al., 2017; Prasad, 2011; Battisti et al., 2024), especially to those undergoing procedures that may increase susceptibility to barotrauma during air travel, such as dental tourism abroad. Emphasizing preventive strategies and post-procedural precautions ensures patient safety in scenarios involving significant pressure variations like air travel (Vaezeafshar et al., 2017).

5. Conclusions

Dental tourism has evolved into an important and increasingly significant contributor to the Moldovan economy. The compelling combination of cost-effectiveness, improving standards of care, and growing recognition within academic literature underscores the potential for this sector to continue its upward trajectory. By attracting a steady stream of international patients, dental tourism not only generates direct revenue for dental clinics but also catalyzes broader economic activity, supports job creation, and contributes to the overall economic resilience of one of Europe’s most economically vulnerable nations. This influx of foreign capital can be particularly significant for an economy like Moldova’s, potentially stimulating local businesses and creating employment opportunities (Ioan et al., 2024).

However, careful attention must be paid to accurate treatment planning, the cost-benefit ratio, flight-related risks, and early complication management. The lack of adequate follow-up care remains a critical issue in dental tourism and can lead to severe clinical complications.

This narrative synthesis provides a comprehensive overview of dental tourism in Moldova, laying a foundation for further inquiry. Given that this study is a synthesis of existing knowledge and not a primary research study, future investigations should prioritize direct data collection. This could involve large-scale quantitative surveys of dental tourists to gather specific data on patient satisfaction levels, long-term treatment outcomes, and detailed economic expenditures within Moldova. Concurrently, qualitative research, such as in-depth interviews with patients, dental professionals, and tourism stakeholders, would provide richer, nuanced insights into motivations, experiences, and perceived challenges.

Specific studies focusing on the economic dimensions are warranted. While this paper highlights the sector’s general macroeconomic impact, future research could conduct more granular econometric analyses to precisely quantify dental tourism’s contribution to Moldova’s GDP, including direct and indirect job creation, and its ripple effects across related industries like hospitality and transportation.

Further research should also conduct granular econometric analyses to precisely quantify the sector’s contribution to Moldova’s GDP, including its direct and indirect effects on job creation and related industries. An examination of the regulatory frameworks in Moldova and their alignment with international best practices is also warranted to assess their effectiveness in ensuring patient safety.

Finally, longitudinal studies tracking patient outcomes and the longevity of dental work performed abroad would be invaluable for understanding the long-term implications of dental tourism, addressing concerns related to follow-up care and potential complications once patients return to their home countries.

Limitations of This Perspective Study

As a narrative synthesis, this study relies on existing secondary data, which means it is subject to the limitations and biases of the original sources. The scope of keyword searches, while broad, may not have captured every relevant piece of literature, potentially leading to some information being overlooked. Furthermore, the qualitative insights on patient experiences are drawn from published reports and academic literature, which may represent selected or aggregated perspectives rather than a direct, comprehensive survey of all patient outcomes. The precise contribution of dental tourism to Moldova’s GDP can be challenging to isolate definitively due to the interwoven nature of economic activities. These considerations underscore that while this report offers a robust overview, further primary research, including direct surveys of patients and providers, would enhance the granularity of the findings.