Dental Tourism Risks: Another British Man Dies Following Cosmetic and Dental Procedures in Turkey
A tragic incident involving a British citizen who traveled to Turkey for medical tourism has once again cast a spotlight on the risks associated with seeking low-cost cosmetic procedures overseas. Mentor Rama, 36, a British citizen, sadly passed away in Istanbul after undergoing both a hair transplant and dental treatment on consecutive days.
The death marks another high-profile case that prompts renewed warnings from UK dental professionals and health officials regarding the potential complications and safety concerns linked to the growing trend of "Turkey Teeth" and other discounted medical tourism procedures.
Overview of the Tragic Incident
Mentor Rama traveled to Istanbul and underwent a hair transplant followed by a dental procedure on successive days. Shortly after returning to his hotel room in the Sisli district—a known hub for medical tourism—he began to feel unwell and subsequently collapsed.
Timeline: The incident occurred in November, and Rama was rushed to a local hospital, where he tragically died shortly after.
Official Response: Turkish authorities have launched an immediate investigation into the circumstances of his death, treating it as a possible "reckless homicide." Staff at the hair transplant clinic have reportedly been questioned.
Family Support: The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed they are providing support to the family and are in contact with local authorities regarding the investigation.
The Context of Medical Tourism Risks
This fatality occurs only months after another British man, 38-year-old Martyn Latchman, died in Turkey while preparing for a hair transplant procedure at a different clinic, highlighting an ongoing safety concern within the medical tourism sector.
Turkey remains a popular destination because procedures like dental veneers and crowns—widely referred to as "Turkey Teeth"—and hair transplants are often offered at costs 40 to 60 percent lower than in the UK.
However, the cost savings may come with significant, and sometimes fatal, risks:
Complication Rates: UK health officials have noted a steady increase in the number of patients returning from overseas with severe complications requiring costly remedial treatment back home.
Regulatory Oversight: Concerns persist over the standards of care, regulatory oversight, and emergency protocols in some of the high-volume, low-cost clinics abroad.
Dental and medical organizations strongly advise individuals considering procedures abroad to thoroughly research the qualifications of the practitioners, the standards of the clinics, and the contingency plans for post-operative care and complications.
Original Article Details
Original Title: Another British man, 36, dies after hair transplant and dental treatment in Turkey
Source: Oral Health Group (Content citing The Mirror and The Sun)
Publication Date: November 13, 2025