Athens is one of Europe's oldest and most renouned cities. The Parthenon stands above a viberant modern centre, where museums filled with priceless antiquities stand among streets busy with cafes, restaraunts and great shopping.

Benefits of travelling to Greece

Greece and in particular Athens is a highly desirable dental destination. Access is easy with frequent flights from many airlines across Europe. An EU member since 1982 Greece has adapted its medical and dental institutions to fully conform with stringent EU standards: These include the monitoring of facilities and checks on the quality of equipment and materials used during procedures. A lower costs basis compared to Northern and Western European countries enable Greek dentists to compete at the highest levels of quality while offering substantially cheaper prices

 

Dentists in Greece - Qualifications

Qualification to practice dentistry in Greece is obtained after a 5 year (10 semester) university degree course. The quality of this training is adapted to the EU standard, allowing Greek dentists to practice elsewhere in the EU. Dentists from other member states may practice in Greece once they are in good standing with their own dental authority and can show a proficiency in the Greek language.

After qualification a number of continuing education options are available after a minimun of two years clinical experience. Two specialties are recognized by the Greek dental authorities: Orthodontics - a three year course; and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery which has an extensive 5 year training period. Addtional courses are available concentrating on specific procedure types such as Implant Biology and Prosthodontics: These courses are awarded a diploma or masters.

Organizations

The Hellenic Dental Association (HDA) is the professional association for dentists in Greece. Membership is compulsory. All dentists must be registered with one of the 52 Regional Dental Societies which themselves are automatic members of the HDA.

Dental Ethics

Greek dentists follow a code of ethics that expands upon the core European code of ethics. It is administered at a local level by regional dental associations and centrally by the Hellenic Dental Association.

Continuing education

There is mandatory continuing education though no process for accessment is presently in place. A large number of 2-3 year courses are available to dentists to broaden their skill set into various specialties such as: Implants Biology; Endodontics; Prosthodontics etc...

Complaints

Complaints may be lodged with the Dental Association or directly with the Central Disciplinary Council of the the Ministry of Health. A fine or censure may be issued and in extreme cases the right to practice may be removed. Action through the civil courts is also possible.

Data Protection

The 2005 Code of Medical Ethics has articles covering a patients right to access their medical records (article 11) as well as the obligations of the medical professionals to protect that data.
Data is also protected under Act 2472/97 where medical records are designated as sensitive data: this category imposes additional obligations on the storage and access to data.

Resources

Ministry of Health
Ministry of Health and Welfare
17-19 Aristotelous Street
GR- 101 87 Athens
Tel: +32 10 52 32 821-9
Email: webmaster@mohaw.gr
Website: www.mohaw.gr/ (in Greek)

Hellenic Dental Association
38, Themistokleous Street
GR- 106 78 Athens
Tel: +32 10 38 13 380
+32 10 33 02 343
Fax: +32 10 38 34 385
E-mail: eoo@otenet.gr
Website: www.eoo.gr (in Greek)

Council of Euopean Dentists
CED/DLC Code of Ethics (Word Doc)