Should Cruise Lines Have a Dentist Available? - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

LuLu · 03-08-2009, 12:02 AM

Having dental problems on a cruise ship do happen and can be quite uncomfortable. Do you feel cruise lines should have a dentist available?

Char · 03-08-2009, 12:37 AM

I voted NO.

While it would be nice to have a dentist on call 24/7 the price would be sky high. I'm sure the medical staff could handle minor dental emergences.

cruisin' chick · 03-08-2009, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Char

I voted NO.

While it would be nice to have a dentist on call 24/7 the price would be sky high. I'm sure the medical staff could handle minor dental emergences.

I was thinking this too. Hopefully, the infirmary is well stocked for dental emergencies and the medical staff is knowledgeable about dental issues.

I was close to having a dental problem on my pregancy cruise as I had a temporary crown on a tooth that kept falling off (apparently changeable gums is a problem with expectant moms). My permanent crown wasn't going to be ready until after the cruise so I had to be extra careful while eating and stick to soft foods.

luckybluesman · 03-08-2009, 03:54 AM

I'll just send mine out to be fixed.

*Lars* · 03-08-2009, 07:34 AM

NO, check your teeth before you go on a cruise. I really dont see why a cruise ship should have a dentist onboard.
If something happens and you do need to see a dentist the infirmary have contact details for dentists ashore.

canarymoon · 03-08-2009, 09:37 AM

I don't particulary think so...
Seeems rather unrealistic to expect that someone else (be it a cruise line or whomever) whould be prepared to take complete care of you and solve every possible problem for you.

djgifford · 03-08-2009, 10:23 AM

No, I don't think so. Believe it or not some people actually have dental work done in Mexico... apparently cheap and they do a great job, from what I have heard.

As far as helping onboard... I did have a crown come loose for no apparent reason... the infirmary nurses were so nice... they gave me a denture repair kit for free... it was all they had... the glue in that package was amazing! The glued crown lasted for years afterward! LOL...

dolores

nealberk · 03-08-2009, 12:25 PM

One of our members has suggested that we add a crown reafixing kit to our list of "must bring" items.

Generally I would expect the ship infirmary to be able to perform minor things like this (but after our Norrdam experience, I am not sure about anything)

Lanky Lad · 03-08-2009, 12:29 PM

Cunard used to have one on QE2. I think it would be good on a long cruise like a world cruise where you may have quite a few days at sea.

nealberk · 03-08-2009, 12:57 PM

And be in places where it might be a bit difficult to find a dentist - like the middle of the Pacific ocean.