Risks associated with medical and dental tourism

The death of a Melbourne man, who had extensive plastic surgery in Malaysia, has highlighted the risks involved when people undertake medical and dental tourism.

Mr Leigh Aiple, 31, spent more than $35,000 to go to Kuala Lumpur for the surgery to remove excessive skin after weight loss.

He had two operations and later complained of swelling in his leg and ankle. He flew home, dying within a few hours. A coroner found Mr Aiple died of natural causes: pulmonary thromboembolism associated with deep vein thrombosis.

ADA advises people who are considering having dental treatments abroad to note associated risks: these include the training and qualifications of the practitioner, infection control procedures, and not having any comeback should something go wrong.