Your Guide to Dental Tourism in Thailand

Dental tourism in Thailand is known for its cost-effective, affordable treatment. For instance, dental services that would cost hundreds of dollars in the US or Australia are only a fraction the cost here in Thailand. Dental insurance can also help keep your finances safe from out-of-pocket payment.

Are you an expat in Thailand seeking efficient dental treatment in Thailand? This guide by Pacific Prime Thailand will discuss dental tourism in Thailand, what makes Thailand an excellent destination for dental tourism, as well as the importance of having dental insurance and good oral health.

What is Dental Tourism?

Dental tourism, a subset of medical tourism (which is when expats travel overseas for medical treatment), is where expats travel overseas for dental treatment. The most common reason for dental tourism is local treatment is much more expensive than the selected destination.

In the following sections, we will be discussing the various benefits of dental tourism in Thailand, the best places for dental tourism in Thailand, recommended dental care facilities in Thailand, and crucial factors to keep in mind about dental tourism in Thailand.

Benefits of Dental Tourism in Thailand for Expats

Some notable benefits of dental tourism in Thailand for expats include affordability, cost-effective treatment, numerous kinds of facilities to choose from, high-quality equipment in said facilities, and more.

Below are brief descriptions of notable benefits for expats:

• Affordability: The biggest benefit of dental tourism in Thailand, even with travel expenses, is that dental treatment in Thailand is considerably cheaper than in the US and Australia. Many services that cost several hundreds to thousands of dollars are roughly a fraction the cost here in Thailand.

• Cost-Effective Treatment: For how affordable each dental procedure is, you get high-quality dental treatment thanks to highly-trained dentists using modern dental equipment. Regarding facilities, you also have numerous options to choose from, such as hospitals and clinics.

What’s more, with dental insurance coverage, you can also ensure access to quality dental treatment in Thailand without having to pay out of pocket.

Thailand Dental Tourism Cost Comparison

Many dental care procedures, such as fillings, different types of crowns, or implants, that would cost several hundreds to thousands of dollars in the United States or Australia are only a mere fraction the price here in Thailand.

Below is a dental tourism cost comparison of some of Thailand’s dental procedures compared to the United States and Australia.

Best Destinations in Thailand for Dental Tourism

Some of the best places in Thailand for dental tourism include Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Koh Samui. These are not only ideal places for dental tourism, but are also perfect tourist attractions. Below are brief descriptions on each dental tourism destination:

• Bangkok: Bangkok is home to popular hospitals such as Bangkok International Dental Hospital (BIDH), Bangkok Smile Clinic, and various hospitals throughout. Bangkok also features numerous central business districts (CBD) as well as hotels and accommodations. Check out the top dental clinics in Bangkok along with the contact information and cost before making a decision.

• Phuket: Phuket features numerous dental clinics such as the Dent Central Clinic, The Smile Gallery, and more. Located in the south of Thailand, Phuket also boasts diverse landscapes, beaches, coves, bays, and many more attractions you’d have to experience for yourself to know.

• Chiang Mai: One of the colder places in tropical Thailand, Chiang Mai is home to well-known names like the Chiang Mai International Dental Clinic (CIDC), Dental World Chiang Mai, and more.

• Pattaya: A popular party destination in Thailand, characterized by its nightlife, Pattaya’s most notable contributions to Thailand’s array of dental facilities include the Pattaya Smile Dental Clinic, the Digital Dental Center Pattaya, and more. Check out the top dental clinics in Pattaya along with the contact information and cost before making a decision.

• Koh Samui: Lastly is Koh Samui, a frequently recommended destination for both Thai locals and expats alike. Koh Samui’s notable dental facilities include the Koh Samui branch of Bangkok Hospital, Samui International Hospital, and more.

Recommended Dental Facilities for Dental Tourism in Thailand

Some recommended dental facilities for dental tourism in Thailand include the Bangkok International Dental Hospital, the Phuket International Dental Center, the Chiang Mai International Dental Clinic, and more. The following are brief descriptions of some of Thailand’s recommended dental facilities.

• Bangkok International Dental Hospital (BIDH): Overseen by Thailand’s largest and trusted dental clinic network, this award-winning dental hospital features a variety of dental services ranging from various forms of dental implants to prosthodontics.
• Phuket International Dental Center: One of the oldest and most reliable dental practices in Phuket, the Phuket International Dental Center features numerous branches of dental services ranging from various areas of cosmic and general dentistry to orthodontic dentistry.

• Chiang Mai International Dental Clinic (CIDC): Managed by the Dental Corporation Public Co.,Ltd, in addition to offering various forms of cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and orthodontic braces, this dental clinic also features general dentistry, prosthodontics, as well as root canal treatment, and periodontal gum treatment.

• Pattaya International Dental Center (PIDC): Pattaya International Dental Center’s professional dental team aims to provide comprehensive, holistic dental care in all dental specialties, which include fillings, gum treatment, dental CT scans, braces, root canal treatment, and more.

• Samui International Hospital (SIH): Launched back in 1997 in response to the high demand for quality healthcare in Koh Samui, Samui International Hospital’s vast array of dental services include restorative, preventative, and cosmetic dentistry, consultations and second opinions, and more.

Factors to Consider About Dental Tourism in Thailand

While Thailand offers affordable dental care, there are some crucial factors expats should consider such as potential language barrier issues and care continuity. Below are descriptions of each key factor to consider about dental tourism in Thailand:

• Potential Language Barrier Issues: If you do not speak Thai, communication may be an issue in Thailand’s dental facilities. Fortunately, there are various private hospitals in Thailand such as Bumrungrad Hospital or Bangkok Hospital with English-speaking staff, which you can access through private health insurance.

• Care Continuity Across Countries: When you receive dental care from a different country, one thing to look out for is that your new dentist may not know your dental history and your current dentist back at home might not know your received treatment and why you got it. Thus, forward your dental records to your Thai dentist and, for a follow-up, forward your Thai dental records to your dentist back at home.

Dental Insurance for Expats in Thailand

If you’re an expat in Thailand, having dental insurance is strongly recommended as you can keep your finances safe from potentially overwhelming out-of-pocket payments for dental procedures.

There will be two types of dental insurance coverage available, Routine Dental Treatment and Major Dental Treatment coverage. Below are the areas covered under the routine dental treatment coverage:

• Routine teeth cleaning
• Dental check-ups
• Consultations
• Basic fillings
• Tooth extraction
• Root canals
• X-rays
• Emergency operations

On the other hand, the following are the areas covered under major dental treatment:

• Wisdom teeth extraction
• Orthodontic procedures (such as braces)
• Repair and bridgework
• Periodontitis and gingivitis treatment
• Denture repair and replacement
• Membrane treatment and root scaling

Do keep in mind, though, that your dental insurance provider will usually have a waiting period, which will typically last around 10-12 months (although this may vary depending on the particular insurer). During this time, basic and major dental services won’t be covered and you will have to wait.

Insurers do this to avoid any underlying pre-existing dental conditions and prevent policy abuse or fraud. If you have any questions regarding the waiting period duration, please contact your selected insurer for specific details.

Why Dental Care Matters

Beyond good looks and a beautiful smile, maintaining oral health is crucial for clear oral communication as well as eating. What’s more, maintaining dental hygiene also plays a huge role in overall wellbeing.

For instance, poor oral health can increase the risk of heart disease as bacteria from gum diseases can enter the bloodstream and attach to fatty plaques in the arteries, which causes inflammation and increases the likelihood of heart attacks or strokes.

Poor oral health is also linked to diabetes as high levels of blood sugar can also increase the risk of gum diseases, which, in turn, also makes it difficult to maintain blood sugar levels. Poor oral health has also been linked to premature birth, preeclampsia, and low birth weight in pregnant women.

Maintaining Good Oral Health

The key to maintaining good oral health is brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth. Avoiding tobacco products will not only help reduce the risk of cancer and further complications but also help maintain dental hygiene as well.

Regularly visiting a dentist at least once a year for cleanings will also help maintain good oral health as dentists can also help detect early signs of possible dental issues and address them while they are still manageable.

Conclusion

As you can see, with affordable, cost-effective treatment as well as many different facilities to choose from throughout the vast number of provinces, dental tourism in Thailand is a dream come true for expats looking to maintain oral health and access dental treatment without breaking the bank.

What’s more, a dental insurance plan will also help keep your finances safe from out-of-pocket payment in the event of major dental treatment resulting in large bills. However, it’s also worth noting that each insurer’s waiting time before any relevant dental procedures are covered will vary.

While dental costs in Thailand may vary depending on the particular facility you go to, you can always craft a safety net for yourself and your family with a health insurance plan. Having a health insurance plan will ensure your finances remain safe from out-of-pocket payment when seeking treatment.

Even if finding a health insurance plan may seem daunting, we are happy to tell you that it doesn’t always have to be a headache as we are here to help you.

As an experienced international health insurance broker, Pacific Prime Thailand has helped both local citizens and expats find a suitable health insurance plan, such as travel, international, maternity plans, and more, that match their budget range and specific healthcare needs.

Whether you’re an expat living in Thailand or a local Thai citizen yourself looking for adequate healthcare, our team of specialists will be more than happy to help you out with completely impartial advice at no additional cost.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Or, if you are interested in comparing different health insurance plans available from multiple insurers, feel free to get a free quote here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dental treatment cheap in Thailand?

Dental treatment in Thailand, in comparison to Western countries, is at least half to 90% the cost. The reason being is due to favorable government policies that reduce the financial burden on Thai dentists as well as the exchange rate between Thai baht and dollars.

Are dentists in Bangkok good?

Bangkok boasts clean dental facilities with a wide array of modern equipment and excellently-trained dentists, ensuring your dental tourism in the Land of Smiles is worth every penny.

How much does Invisalign cost in Thailand?

The exact cost of Invisalign will vary depending on the type of treatment and number of trays required. For instance, the Invisalign Go treatment will run you THB ฿79,000 ($2,310.62) while Invisalign Essential costs THB ฿90,000 ($2,632.35).

How much is a root canal treatment in Thailand?

The exact cost of a root canal treatment will depend on the type of tooth that was affected. For instance, the anterior root canal treatment will cost you THB ฿9,000 ($265) while the premolar and molar treatment are THB ฿11,000 and THB ฿13,000 ($324 and $382), respectively.

How much is a dental implant in Thailand?

The cost of a dental implant will vary depending on the implant type, the number of missing teeth, and the clinic. For instance, an implant for one tooth could range between $750-2,000 (THB ฿25,642.50-68,380) while all-on-four implants could range between $7,600-9,600 (THB ฿259,843.98-328,223.98).

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Thanyapon Rangubpis

SEO Executive at Pacific Prime Thailand

Thanyapon Rangubpis is an SEO Executive at Pacific Prime with over 4 years of experience in content writing and SEO optimization. She has worked with diverse industries such as Food & Beverage, Media & News, and Payments, refining her skills in crafting compelling and SEO-friendly content. Her recent focus has been on ensuring that Pacific Prime's insurance-related content resonates with the right audience through SEO strategies.

Passionate about staying abreast of the latest SEO trends and best practices, she dedicates herself to driving organic traffic and generating potential leads for the company's website. She understands that SEO isn't just about technicalities; it's about connecting with people. Whether she's conducting keyword research or implementing intricate technical optimizations to create purposeful content that satiates the audience’s curiosity.

Outside of work, she’s the type of person who enjoys her own space, where she can play games, add new books to her TBR list, and listen to podcasts. Exploring new restaurants is what she loves doing with her loved ones.

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