How to Get Your X-Rays Sent to a Clinic Abroad

Every reputable dental clinic abroad will ask for your X-rays before giving you a treatment plan. If a clinic quotes you without seeing any imaging, that's a red flag — they're guessing.

Getting your X-rays from your UK dentist to a clinic in Turkey or Hungary is straightforward, but most people don't know the process. Here's exactly how to do it.

What X-Rays Your Overseas Clinic Needs

For implant work, clinics need at minimum an OPG. For All-on-4 or bone grafting cases, most clinics want a CBCT scan. A CBCT in the UK costs £150-250. The same scan in Turkey costs £30-50 — so some patients choose to get it done on arrival.

Step 1: Request Your Records from Your UK Dentist

Under UK GDPR, you have the legal right to a copy of your dental records, including all X-rays. Your dentist must provide them — they cannot refuse.

The email to send:

"Dear [Practice Name], I would like to request a copy of my dental records under GDPR Subject Access Request, including all digital X-rays (OPG, periapicals, and CBCT if available) in their original DICOM format. If DICOM is not available, high-resolution JPEG or PNG is acceptable. Please provide these digitally via email or secure file transfer. I understand this request must be fulfilled within 30 days. Kind regards, [Your Name, DOB, Patient Number]"

Key points:

• They have 30 days to respond (most are faster — 1-2 weeks)
• They cannot charge for this under GDPR
• Ask specifically for DICOM format — this is the original high-resolution medical imaging format
• If they only have physical X-ray films, ask them to photograph or scan them at the highest resolution possible

Step 2: Understand the Formats

Most Turkish clinics accept JPEG or PNG for initial assessment. For detailed implant planning, they'll want DICOM if available.

Step 3: Send to Your Overseas Clinic

Most clinics communicate via WhatsApp or email. The simplest method:

WhatsApp: Attach the files directly in the chat. WhatsApp compresses images, so for CBCT scans, use email or a file-sharing service instead.

Email: Attach files directly if under 25 MB. For larger CBCT scans, use WeTransfer (free, no account needed, link expires in 7 days) or Google Drive.

What to include in your message:

• Your full name and date of birth
• When the X-rays were taken
• Any treatments you've already had
• What treatment you're enquiring about
• Photos of your teeth (front smile, upper arch, lower arch) — clinics find these helpful alongside X-rays

If Your Dentist Drags Their Feet

Some practices are slow to respond. If you don't hear back within a week:

1. Call the practice — a polite phone call often speeds things up
2. Remind them of the GDPR timeline — 30 days is the legal maximum
3. Offer to collect a USB stick — sometimes easier for the practice than emailing large files
4. Contact the ICO — If they refuse or ignore your request beyond 30 days, you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ico.org.uk). This rarely happens but the option exists.

Getting Fresh X-Rays in Turkey

If your UK X-rays are older than 6-12 months, or if you don't have a CBCT, many patients just get fresh imaging in Turkey.

Most Turkish clinics include an OPG in their initial consultation. Some include CBCT for implant cases. Ask what's included before you fly.

Using MyDentalFly to Share Your Records

When you complete a dental assessment on our platform, your dental chart, treatment history, and uploaded X-rays are shared securely with clinics you select. This means:

• Clinics get your complete profile before you arrive
• You get accurate treatment plans based on real data, not guesswork
• No chasing your dentist for records — upload directly

Timeline: When to Start

Starting early gives you time if your dentist is slow, and lets clinics provide detailed treatment plans rather than rough estimates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my UK dentist refuse to give me my X-rays?

No. Under GDPR, you have the legal right to all your personal data, including dental records and X-rays. They must provide copies within 30 days at no charge.

Are X-rays from 2 years ago still useful?

For a general assessment, yes. For implant planning, clinics prefer X-rays less than 12 months old because bone levels can change. Many clinics take fresh OPG and CBCT scans on your first visit anyway, often included in the consultation fee.

Do I need to bring physical X-ray films to Turkey?

No. Digital copies (JPEG, PNG, or DICOM) are standard. Almost all modern clinics work with digital imaging. Physical films are outdated and unnecessary.

Will my UK dentist be annoyed that I'm going abroad?

Some might be. It's your right to seek treatment anywhere, and you don't need to explain your reasons. Simply request your records under GDPR without discussing your plans if you'd rather avoid the conversation.