Syria becomes a destination for cheap dental care, attracting expats and Jewish visitors
Syria has become a hub for affordable dental tourism, attracting returning Syrian expatriates, including Jews, after years when clinics mainly served Iranian and Iraqi Shiites under Assad’s rule; 'A Hollywood smile' can cost less than $1,000
Syria has become an increasingly popular destination for dental tourism, attracting both expats and Jewish visitors seeking affordable dental treatments. Jewish individuals who left Syria during the civil war and returned for visits are now combining dental care with their trips. Dental tourism in Syria is not a new concept, but the type of patients has changed along with the country's transformation.
Under Bashar Assad's rule, many Shiites, Iranians, and Iraqis arrived for treatment, but now under President Ahmed al-Sharaa's government, these groups are no longer welcome. Despite this, Syria's dental tourism industry is looking toward a new future and new clients.
Rita Badran, a dental student and tour guide in Syria, claims that Syrian doctors have a strong international reputation going back decades and have established hospitals worldwide. She explains that the medical sector deteriorated during Assad's rule and the civil war, causing many doctors to leave for other countries or remain in Syria and charge low prices.
During Assad's regime, waves of Shiites, Iranians, and Iraqis arrived for dental treatments, taking advantage of the low costs. Many of these patients, particularly Iranians and Iraqis, married Syrian women to continue returning to the country.
After the war and Assad's fall, many clinics closed, but this was preferable as there was little work for dentists or doctors due to low salaries. Syria is still not open to the world, and people are hesitant to visit. However, the country is recovering, and patients from around the world should receive treatment in Syria due to its affordability and good quality.
Rita Badran also provides free dental treatments to those in need. Currently, Jewish community members who no longer live in Syria, such as Bachor Simantov, return occasionally for visits, including dental implants and repairs. They also visit historical sites like the Semiramis Hotel, the Jewish Quarter, the synagogue, and the cemetery.
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