I live in Europe. How do I arrange dental treatment in Kurdistan?

Patients from Germany, Sweden, the UK, the Netherlands and elsewhere travel to Dr. Khalid Saeed in Duhok, many fitting treatment into their yearly family visit. The usual question is whether veneers or a Hollywood smile can be completed during that visit. In many cases yes, provided it is planned in advance. Summer is when most of the diaspora visits Kurdistan and also a busy time for clinics, so getting in touch in spring helps. See our guide to treatment during a summer visit.

Duhok has no operating airport, so most patients from Europe fly to Erbil International Airport (EBL). Some European cities have direct flights in certain seasons; at other times you connect via a hub such as Istanbul. Alternatives are Sulaimani or Baghdad airports if your family lives there, or travelling to Turkey and crossing by road at Ibrahim Khalil near Zakho. Entry and visa rules depend on your nationality and change over time, so check them with official sources before you travel.

In Duhok, treatment starts with an examination and X-rays where needed, then digital smile design and a mock-up, then a written plan before any preparation. Veneers are designed with Dr. Khalid and made at Creative Art Dental Lab in Dubai, then fitted in Duhok, and you can spend the lab gap with family. Dental implants usually need a healing period, so many people split them over two trips. Costs in Iraq are often lower than in many European countries, but price is not the only factor: compare written plans.

Before you leave you get a review appointment, written aftercare instructions and a copy of your plan for your dentist at home, who can carry out routine check-ups and cleaning. For anything concerning the cosmetic work, send photos to the clinic on WhatsApp first. If you already have a plan from a European dentist, you can ask for a second opinion from abroad. See also our guide for patients from Germany.

• In spring: send photos and holiday dates on WhatsApp
• Get a preliminary assessment and appointment outline
• Book flights to Erbil once you know the rough schedule
• First appointment the day after arrival; spare days before leaving
• Take your written plan and material details home for your dentist