The dental care market in Thailand was worth approximately $1.36 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to $2.48 billion by 2030. Prices are as much as 70% cheaper than in USA.
In this article, you will discover why Thailand is a great destination for dental tourism! In this guide, we explore the top-notch quality of dental services, cost-effectiveness, and the unforgettable experiences that await dental tourists.
Introduction to Dental Tourism in Thailand
What is dental tourism?
If you live in the United States, Great Britain, or France and want medical or dental care that would normally cost thousands of dollars or euros in your home country, you can go to another place.
This is called dental or medical tourism. In recent years, dental tourism has become more prevalent because dental care is getting more expensive in some countries and (relatively) less expensive in others. This enables patients to get affordable dental treatments from fully competent and skilled dentists in countries renowned for dental competence.
Why is Thailand a top destination for dental tourism?
Thailand is Southeast Asia’s most popular tourist destination, attracting tourists from every aspect of life. Tourists worldwide travel there for the green tropical climate, lovely beaches, exquisite dining, and excellent, low-cost dental treatments.
Dental care is the third most used treatment service by patients worldwide, making Thailand a popular destination for dental tourism.
The country features some of the world’s best healthcare facilities, which are also reasonably priced. You can also find basic and specialized dental services at incredibly inexpensive prices, saving you 40% to 80% above your home costs.
Quality Dental Services in Thailand
If you’re considering combining dental care and vacation, here are some strong reasons to visit Thailand for dental tourism in 2024.
World-Class Dental Care Facilities and Advanced Technologies
Thailand has cutting-edge healthcare facilities that match those available in Western countries. Major healthcare facilities in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket use cutting-edge medical technology and employ highly qualified experts. They are also approved by the world’s most reputable accreditation bodies, such as JCI.
All of the country’s private hospitals use modern equipment to ensure precise diagnosis and effective treatment. Some of the most widely used techniques in clinics include:
- Digital Panoramic X-ray and CT scan systems protect people from too much radiation.
- Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (3D CAD/CAM) allows personalized dental restorations.
Furthermore, the infrastructure of Thai dental clinics is highly luxurious, unlike those that appear to have a depressing environment.
Accredited and skilled dental experts
Thailand has a large number of highly skilled and experienced dentists who have graduated from leading Thai dental institutes, and some have received overseas training.
The country’s dental education system has a solid reputation in the Asian continent, and it is known for providing exceptional training and developing students’ clinical abilities.
Many dental experts receive training in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, and others.
While practicing overseas, Thai doctors acquire international experience, which helps them improve their skill set. When they return to work in Thailand, they provide the most recent, safest, and most advanced medical procedures.
Affordable Dental Care
The total expense of getting the most dental treatments in Bangkok draws many tourists to the Land of Smiles. Even if you need your teeth whitened, you can save 50% to 70% on all dental procedures and services in Bangkok compared to many Western countries.
Cost-Effectiveness of Dental Procedures in Thailand
Price comparison with other countries
Thailand’s modern dental facilities provide various dental treatments at very reasonable costs, including cosmetic and implant dentistry. Here’s a handy graph that shows how much you can save when you choose Thailand dental tourism over stateside or local dental treatment.
| PROCEDURE | THAILAND | USA | AUSTRALIA |
| Filling (Composite) per tooth | $25 | $250 | $300 |
| E-Max Crown | $600 | $2,000 | $2,200 |
| Zirconia Crown | $600 | $2,000 | $2,200 |
| All-Ceramic Crown | $600 | $1,500 | $1,800 |
| Single Implant (Titanium) | $2,200 | $5,000 | $5,500 |
| Teeth Whitening per tooth | $300 | $1,500 | $700 |
| PFM Crown | $500 | $1,100 | $1,600 |
| Veneer (Composite) | $200 | $900 | $860 |
| RCT (Molar) per tooth | $420 | $1,500 | $2,700 |
Even though the same brands are used, that’s almost one-third the price of the implants in the U.S or Australia.
Cost-Effective, not Cheap Dental Care
Although dental care prices in Thailand have dropped dramatically, this is more due to the currency rate and subsidized healthcare than to dental services being low value. It is simply less expensive than Western dental care.
From Straumann Roxolid to HiOssen to Cortex, you’ll note that the same brand name items and services offered in the United States are also available on Thailand dentistry tours. Still, they’re significantly cheaper for a particular reason.
Insurance and Finance Options for Dental Travelers
There are various insurance coverage options available for dental tourism in Thailand
Hospital-provided insurance
Some hospitals in Thailand have customized insurance policies for dental tourists, which may include dental treatments along with expenses.
International Health Insurance
Numerous international health insurance companies cover dental procedures received abroad. These plans often include inpatient and outpatient treatment, emergencies, and transportation.
Travel Insurance
Some travel insurance packages cover unexpected dental medical expenses incurred while traveling overseas, especially in Thailand.
Best Places/Sites for Dental Work in Thailand
So, what are the top dental destinations in Thailand? Although the best dental clinics in Thailand can be found in the country’s big cities, Bangkok and Phuket are the most popular spots for dental tourists.
Bangkok is also a major entertainment and tourist hub featuring multiple attractions. It is home to the Bangkok International Dental Hospital (BIDH), the Bangkok Smile Clinic, and the Thantakit International Dental Center, along with several clinics and dental schools where you can get the cheapest procedures. People from every corner of the world visit this city for pleasure, work, study, and dental and medical care!
Bangkok
Phuket
Phuket is Thailand’s biggest island. It is roughly 800 kilometers south of Bangkok. Phuket offers a variety of adventure activities, including parasailing, jet skiing, and diving. One more common activity is island hopping tours. The beaches are gorgeous and calm, ideal for people looking to unwind.
It has various JCI-accredited dentistry clinics and centers to choose from. While you’re in paradise, get your teeth fixed at a Phuket dentist center.
Best dental clinics in Thailand
Thailand was among the first Asian countries to receive JCI accreditation. It is an international healthcare effort based in the U.S. ISO and JCI-accredited dental clinics in Thailand include:
- Sea Smiles Dental Clinic.
- Bangkok International Dental Centre
Other than that, these are some of the well-equipped private hospitals with dental units and dentists who speak English:
- Bangkok hospital.
- McCormick Hospital.
- Medpark Hospital.
- Bumrungrad International Hospital.
- Bangkok International Dental Hospital, or BIDH.
- Samitivej hospital.
You can get world-class dental care for a relatively low price in places like Phuket, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai.
Planning Your Dental Tourism Trip to Thailand
Finding a reputable dental clinic
Though Internet research and Google reviews make it easy to find dentists, here are a few factors to consider when choosing a dental center in Thailand:
Dental specialists
Go for clinics with several dental experts, such as orthodontists, periodontists, endodontists, and oral surgeons.
Patient Reviews
Read reviews and testimonies from former patients to learn about the clinic’s level of care, hygiene, and overall satisfaction of patients.
Dental Technology
Ensure the clinic uses cutting-edge dental equipment and techniques for examination and therapy.
Dental Services
Consider if the clinic provides comprehensive dental services, such as preventative care, general dentistry, cosmetic operations, and specialist treatments.
Preparing for dental appointments in Thailand
Dentist appointment systems in Thailand vary depending on the provider.
At hospitals, people can either make an appointment ahead of time or show up and wait to see a dentist. Whereas for specialists and private dentists, you must plan an initial examination, routine checkup, and follow-up consultations if further work is required.
Note: The hospital can provide a cost estimate for your dental treatment, which will include any additional charges such as lodging, transportation, and meals. This might help you plan your budget.
Things You Need to Know Before Visting Thailand for Dental Work
- Uber Taxis, tuk-tuks, and the “Sky Train” provide easy transportation from the airport to the city center.
- Some clinics and hospitals provide shuttle services.
- The cheapest months to fly to Thailand are October and November when an airline ticket costs around $359 (online booking is available).
- Suvarnabhumi Airport is the primary airport in Bangkok. It connects several countries with multiple flights every day.
- According to the Thai embassy, passport holders from 55 countries do not need a visa to visit Thailand. This list includes most European countries, the United States, Canada, etc.
Conclusion
If you are thinking about traveling abroad for dental surgery, choose a place that is both economical and provides high-quality service. And that makes Thailand the best choice.
The country features high-quality hospitals and skilled dentists that provide dental care for 75% less cost than the United States, Canada, and many European and Western countries. Ensure a pleasant dental holiday along with an affordable dental trip!
