In an unusual research project, dental systems research group, Software Advice, asked Americans what issues would persuade those considering overseas dental care to cancel and get treatment at home. US dentists are frustrated that Americans go overseas for dental care, and some dentists suggest that this may be because they are unaware of the range of dental treatment and the range of prices available in the USA, and that once travel and accommodation costs are taken into account, the saving may not be significant. US dentists feel they can offer better care. So dental systems research group Software Advice surveyed a random sample of 1,155 U.S. patients to identify what issues might persuade those most likely to travel for dental care to reconsider their travel plans. Only among those that said that they could perhaps be persuaded to cancel their travel plans, 39% would reconsider more expensive care in the U.S. if they were educated on the health risks associated with dental care abroad. Overseas countries and dentists may dispute this allegation, but some US dentists argue that risks could be substantial, including the potential for additional damage following a botched procedure. As a result, a course of action that patients hope will help them save time and money could actually result in worse outcomes and higher costs. American dentists hope that if they take the time to explain this to patients, they may be able to retain patients’ business while keeping them protected from health-related, financial, and legal consequences. The survey makes the flawed assumption that there are health risks involved for all potential dental tourists. It asked patients how they would like to be informed of these risks. The results showed that the majority of patients (43%) would prefer to have an in-office conversation with their dentist. In-person communication is one of the most effective ways to decrease anxieties and remind patients of the benefits and value of local certified dental care, followed by a poster or brochure, website, and new patient packet. The survey asked people about their primary concerns before undergoing dental care, and cost was the most prevalent answer at 41%, followed by no concerns at 35%, time for treatment recovery at 16%, and pain/fear at 9%. The survey suggests that those who live in the Western states are the most eager to seek a bargain overseas, with 25.5% of respondents living in the western part of the U.S. This is followed by the South at 10.1%, Midwest at 9.9%, and Northeast at 8.2%. Bearing in mind the many millions who get treated in the USA, dental tourism is a mere pinprick when it comes to numbers, and is never going to challenge the livelihood of American dentists. The survey suggests that dental tourism is growing, although there are no figures on the number of Americans actually going overseas for dental treatment. The survey does point out that web based information on dental treatment and prices in the USA and globally is becoming more easily available, and that while patients educate themselves about their choices, dentists need to have an honest conversation with their patients about the advantages of staying in the country for their dental care, not the least of which is patient familiarity with the dental team, U.S. regulated care, and immediate access to care if they have any problems. Perhaps the most interesting thing about this survey is as a reminder that educated informed patients have more control, and a threat of dental tourism can bring about improvements in how dentists treat their customers.