Isfahan University of Medical Sciences Health Information Management 1735-7853 9 7 2013 02 19 Potentials of Medical Tourism in the Field of Dentistry from View Point of Dentists in Isfahan, Iran* Potentials of Medical Tourism in the Field of Dentistry from View Point of Dentists in Isfahan, Iran* 1032 1038 12194 FA Alireza Jabbari, Assistant Professor, Health Care Management, Health Management and Economics Research Center, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Farzaneh Mahmoudi Meymand Health Services Management, Management Center for Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Kerman, Iran Fatemeh Nezamdoust MSc Student, Health Care Management, School of Public Health, University Research Committee, Mashhad, Iran Zahra Agharahimi Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Medical Informatics, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Leila Shojaei Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Medical Informatics, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Journal Article 2022 03 30 Introduction: In recent years, dental tourism had a growing trend. As a branch of medical tourism, in<br />dental tourisms people travel abroad to receive dental services which are with a higher cost in their<br />country. This study aimed to identify potential of dental tourism in Isfahan, Iran.<br />Methods: This was a qualitative study that was conducted in 2011 in Isfahan. Data collection was done<br />using a semi-structured questionnaire with directed questions that was completed through interview. For<br />measurement of the validity, the data of the qualitative study was checked with some participants to<br />ensure the acceptance rate (objectivity). Dentists who provided service for foreign patients during the past<br />year were selected.<br />Results: Out of 79 patients who were referred to dentists and participated in the study, 63.3% of them<br />were females. Reconstructive services were allocated the highest percentage (58.2) between the types of<br />services received by the foreign patients. 81.8% were with Iranian nationality residing abroad. Potential of<br />dental tourism in seven categories were the demand conditions, urban advantages of Isfahan, manpower<br />operating conditions, competitive conditions in the dental centers offering medical tourism, medical<br />tourism requirements, related and supporting industries and information strategies.<br />Conclusion: Despite suitable capabilities of ecotourism, professional staff and competitive advantage in<br />Isfahan, its position is not clear yet. To develop the dental tourism in Isfahan, It is necessary to strengthen<br />requirements for medical tourism, increase coordination of related and supporting industries, increase<br />information strategy and marketing. Introduction: In recent years, dental tourism had a growing trend. As a branch of medical tourism, in<br />dental tourisms people travel abroad to receive dental services which are with a higher cost in their<br />country. This study aimed to identify potential of dental tourism in Isfahan, Iran.<br />Methods: This was a qualitative study that was conducted in 2011 in Isfahan. Data collection was done<br />using a semi-structured questionnaire with directed questions that was completed through interview. For<br />measurement of the validity, the data of the qualitative study was checked with some participants to<br />ensure the acceptance rate (objectivity). Dentists who provided service for foreign patients during the past<br />year were selected.<br />Results: Out of 79 patients who were referred to dentists and participated in the study, 63.3% of them<br />were females. Reconstructive services were allocated the highest percentage (58.2) between the types of<br />services received by the foreign patients. 81.8% were with Iranian nationality residing abroad. Potential of<br />dental tourism in seven categories were the demand conditions, urban advantages of Isfahan, manpower<br />operating conditions, competitive conditions in the dental centers offering medical tourism, medical<br />tourism requirements, related and supporting industries and information strategies.<br />Conclusion: Despite suitable capabilities of ecotourism, professional staff and competitive advantage in<br />Isfahan, its position is not clear yet. To develop the dental tourism in Isfahan, It is necessary to strengthen<br />requirements for medical tourism, increase coordination of related and supporting industries, increase<br />information strategy and marketing. https://him.mui.ac.ir/article_12194_835bafd2c534a1830c0590774285ff88.pdf