The Pros and Cons of Dental Work in Thailand (2024)

If you’re considering getting dental work in Thailand (or even Googling it—that’s why you’re here, isn’t it?), you might feel crazy. It’s counterintuitive, at least if you grew up in the United States or Europe, to travel to a “poor” country to procure health services, let alone dental ones. Counterintuitive and maybe crazy—isn’t it dangerous to get your teeth done in Thailand?

Yes and no. Personally, I’ve had mostly good luck with dentists in Thailand, both in terms of ordinary cleaning, as well as cavities and even root canals. On the other hand, I’ve heard a few horror stories and have even briefly lived through one of my own, though to be fair it was an isolated incident. When it comes to dental work, Thailand is generally closer in quality and safety to most Western countries than you might think.

Indeed, whether you’re curious about taking advantage of low medical costs in general or have specific questions about dental tourism, Thailand is a country that demands a closer look. Continue reading to learn about my own experience with dentistry in Thailand, as well as answers to more objective questions about dental work in the Land of Smiles.

Need help arranging the logistics of your dental work in Thailand? Hire me as your Travel Coach!

Contents

1 Dental Work in Thailand: My Story

3 Benefits of Doing Dental Work in Thailand

3.1 It’s cheap

3.2 It’s fast

3.3 The range of services is comprehensive

3.4 So is the range of dentists

3.5 (And destinations)

4 Is Dental Work in Thailand Safe?

5 How to Choose a Provider for Dental Work in Thailand

6 Other FAQ About Dental Work in Thailand

6.1 Is dental work cheap in Thailand?

6.2 How much does a dental crown cost in Thailand?

6.3 How much does a tooth implant cost in Thailand?

7 The Bottom Line

Dental Work in Thailand: My Story

My Thailand dental experience began in late 2010, when my then-new blog was selected (shockingly) as one of 12 to help promote Thailand’s burgeoning medical tourism industry. Along with 11 people significantly more famous than myself, I flew to Bangkok and spend a week learning about the wide range of services people seeking medical (and dental) treatment could avail during their trips. It was during this trip that the horror story I referenced in the introduction (a teeth whitening so painful it made me want to pull all mine out) occurred.

Ironically, less than two years into the future from this trip, I find myself swearing by dental care in Thailand. Uninsured in the pre-Obamacare United States and having mostly neglected my teeth during early adulthood, I traveled to Thailand to have two root canal procedures, which are still intact as of October 2019. Additionally, about 80% of my bi-annual dental check-ups have taken place in Thailand during this time—and I haven’t had a single cavity. Indeed, the costs are so low I wouldn’t need to consider taking out title loans as I might’ve needed to do, had I done dental work stateside!

Benefits of Doing Dental Work in Thailand

It’s cheap

The cost of dentistry in Thailand is very low, though admittedly you’ll need to pay more than some websites are advertising in order to get quality card. In general, to be sure, you’ll need to check with prospective providers to see a price list, but I pay 1,200 Baht (about 40 USD) for cleanings, while each of my root canals cost about 30,000 THB, which paid for all of the several sessions I needed to have the procedure completed, plus all follow-up care.

It’s fast

I mentioned that I needed several sessions to have my root canal treatments completed, but the expanse of the procedure was still very quick, taking less than two weeks from start to finish. Moreover, I was able to begin treatment almost immediately upon giving the endodontist the go-ahead, which is really priceless. One of my favorite things about Thailand dental tourism is the lack of long lead times, whether for complicated procedures or even ordinary appointments.

The range of services is comprehensive

I mentioned some of the dental work in Thailand I’ve personally had done, but these are really only the beginning. On the clinical end, Thai dentists offer a full range of implant services, in addition to root canals, crowds and simple fillings. When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, the sky is the limit, whether you want to get teeth whitening (pro tip: Do a test on one tooth before they cover your whole mouth in the stuff!) or buy some killer veneers.

So is the range of dentists

The problem with finding a dentist in Thailand? It’s not too few available options—it’s too many! Whether you’re in major cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, or in some secondary cities and even rural areas, Thailand has probably the most dentists per square mile of any country in Asia. (Which makes sense, when you consider how much Thais care about their own smiles, especially compared to their Chinese and Japanese neighbors to the north and east).

(And destinations)

There’s an old saying (that applies to countries like Mexico and Turkey as well, and not just Thailand) that the benefit of medical tourism is you can take a five-star vacation and pay for your treatment, but still have money leftover compare to the price of a simple procedure back home. This is even more true when it comes to dental in Thailand. Why not ease the pain of a root canal with a sojourn to the ancient Thai capital of Sukhothai, or show off your new veneers amid the iconic scenery of Railay Beach in Krabi?

The Pros and Cons of Dental Work in Thailand (1)

Is Dental Work in Thailand Safe?

I can’t speak about Thailand dentistry in more than anecdotal terms, but I would say that getting dental work in Thailand (assuming you vet your potential providers thoroughly, anyway) is more or less safe. Most Thai dentists who deal with foreigners have been educated in the West, and proudly display their degrees in their offices (and, in some cases, on their websites). Many of the top dental clinics in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket are packed to the gills with foreign clients, most of them return visitors like myself.

Of course, whether for cosmetic procedures or clinical dental treatment, Thailand isn’t perfect. My own experience with teeth whitening (which, to be fair, was at a tiny clinic in Pattaya that closed shortly after I was there) was really terrifying, and I’m sure that some people haven’t been as lucky as I have with root canals—or, god forbid, veneers or even implants. Then again, it’s not like dental malpractice never occurs in Western countries.

The Pros and Cons of Dental Work in Thailand (2)

How to Choose a Provider for Dental Work in Thailand

On the surface, when searching for a dentist, Thailand can seem like a daunting destination as compared to the US, Australia or Europe—this was certainly the case in the early 2010s, when I was finding my way into Thailand’s dental tourism scene. Although certain medical and dental tourism Thailand search engines have existed over time, many people resort to random Google searches (not unlike the one that brought you here, perhaps ironically) to find a person to whom they will trust the most visible bones in their body.

When it comes to Thailand teeth, I will make two recommendations. The first, if you plan to be in Bangkok, is to visit one of the many locations of Bangkok Smile, whose dentists, services and even friendly support staff have never failed me. (I am not being paid a single Baht to say this, so please don’t worry!) The second, as reductive as this may sound, would be to use Google Maps! The reviews you find there, in sum, paint an accurate picture of what you can expect in each clinic, even if individual ones can be more or less dramatic.

The Pros and Cons of Dental Work in Thailand (3)

Other FAQ About Dental Work in Thailand

Is dental work cheap in Thailand?

Dental work is cheap in Thailand, but the Kingdom is not just a place for affordable dental work. Thailand, most importantly, is known for the quality of the service you receive and the kindness with which it is given, not to mention the value of enjoying a holiday in the Kingdom while you undergo treatment.

How much does a dental crown cost in Thailand?

The price of a dental crowd will depend on your Thailand dentist, as well as the procedure you have done; I’ve seen prices as low as 3,000 THB (100 USD) and as high as 30,000 THB (1,000 USD) per crown. For example, if you get a root canal and then need a crown, it’s going to be more expensive than if you simply crown a cracked (but not dead) tooth.

How much does a tooth implant cost in Thailand?

As is the case with crowds, the cost of a Thailand dental implant depends on other factors besides the implant. Regardless, you can generally expect an implant in Thailand to cost a fraction of what it would cost in the US or Europe.

The Bottom Line

Whether in Bangkok or the islands, and from services that ranges from cleanings and cavity fillings to root canals, implants and veneers, the topic of dental work in Thailand is a complex one to say the least. My goal, in writing this article, has been to help you simplify the process, whether that’s risk and benefit analysis or even choosing a dental provider in Thailand. There’s also the issue of precisely where in Thailand to travel to dental tourism—it does make a difference. Still feeling unsure about your dental trip to Thailand? Hire me as your Travel Coach and allow me to help you make the right decision.

The Pros and Cons of Dental Work in Thailand (2024)

FAQs

Is dental work good in Thailand? ›

Thailand also offers quality service that follows world class standards or international quality dentistry that so-called first world countries in the west enjoy.

Which is the best country for dental treatment? ›

The 9 Best Countries for Dental Implants
  1. Turkey. It's no surprise that Turkey is consistently ranked as one of the top countries for dental implants. ...
  2. Hungary. Hungary is well known for being one of the best countries for dental implants. ...
  3. Croatia. ...
  4. Czech Republic. ...
  5. Mexico. ...
  6. Germany. ...
  7. Thailand. ...
  8. United Kingdom.
17 Mar 2021

How much is dental treatment in Thailand? ›

How much does it cost to get teeth done in Thailand?
ClinicCrownsDental Implants
BIDCTHB ฿10-20,000THB ฿ 30-60,000
Truth Dental ClinicTHB ฿ 8,200-20,200THB ฿ 45-85,000
PMDC DentalTHB ฿ 16-18,000THB ฿ 80,000
Chulalongkorn University Dental HospitalTHB ฿ 8-16,000THB ฿ 70,000
23 Dec 2019

Is it safe to get dental work abroad? ›

Many dental clinics overseas are recognized by national associations. This indicates high standards of dental care and patient safety.

How much is full teeth implants in Thailand? ›

1. Implant Full Bridge – 4 Implants and Bridge (10 Crowns)
Treatment TypeUnitTotal Price
4 Cortex and BridgeJaw฿440,000-฿450,000 ($12,890-$13,180)
4 Straumann and BridgeJaw฿420,000-฿500,000 ($12,410-$14,650)
Roxolid Implants (Normal Surface)
4 Straumann Roxolid and BridgeJaw฿460,000-฿470,000 ($13,470-$13,760)
2 more rows
4 May 2022

Is Thailand good for treatment? ›

All the hospitals in Thailand meet international standards in terms of quality of care and facility. Highly Trained Doctors with International Experience: With such a high rate of medical tourism, Thailand offers the latest and safe treatments performed by highly skilled and trained doctors.

Which country has the most advanced dental care? ›

Denmark. Denmark has been at the top of the list of countries with the best dentists for years now. And even with the ongoing pandemic and other obstacles, the dental care in this country has remained one of the best in the world.

Where is the dentist capital of the world? ›

Los Algodones: Dental Capital of the World. Los Algodones, a little Mexican town, has more dentists per capita than any other place in the world, and every day more than 3,000 people cross the Yuma border to get dental treatments.

Where is the cheapest place in the world to get your teeth done? ›

Costa Rica is the number one country in the world for cheap dental work. It has a number of dental practices that are both safe and state-of-the-art with the latest technology, treatments, and procedures that are perfected on an international dental standard. They have a number of US-trained practices, including Dr.

How much is a root canal and crown in Thailand? ›

The average root canal cost in the U.S. ranges from $700 to $1,500. The crown can cost you upwards of $800 to $3,000.
...
What are Root Canal Treatment Costs in Thailand?
Type of Root Canal TreatmentPrice per ToothDuration
Anterior/Incisor Tooth฿9,000 ($270)1-2 visits
4 more rows
19 Apr 2022

How much does it cost to get a filling in Thailand? ›

Cost of Dental Work in Thailand (USD)
ProcedureThailandUSA
Veneer (Composite)$200$900
Teeth Whitening per tooth$300$1,500
RCT (Molar) per tooth$420$1,500
Filling (Composite) per tooth$25$250
7 more rows

How much do fillings cost in Thailand? ›

Treatment Dental Costs
Dental Treatment FeesUnitThai Baht
Filling Replacments (Tooth coloured material)
Checkup and ConsultationvisitFREE
Tooth-colored Fillingsurface1,000
Additional charge for each Base and Sub-base materialcavity100
1 more row

Who is the best dentist in the world? ›

The List of TOP 10 Richest Dentists in the World
RankDoctor's NameNet Worth (approx)
#1Dr. Dan Fisher$ 1.1 Billion
#2Dr. Richard Malouf$ 1 Billion
#3Dr. David Alameel$ 900 Million
#4Dr. Clint Herzog$ 100 Million
6 more rows
4 Jan 2017

Is dental tourism a good idea? ›

According to medical tourism guide Patients Beyond Borders, Americans who travel for dental work could save as much as 90%. Here's an example: In the U.S., paying out of pocket, 4 crowns will likely run you $1,500 each, or $6,000 in total. Meanwhile, Dental Departures reports that a crown in Mexico costs around $500.

How can I save on dental work? ›

  1. Get treated at a local dental school. ...
  2. Reduce your number of yearly visits. ...
  3. Get a second opinion or reevaluate seeing a specialist. ...
  4. Look for a dentist that offers discount or in-house dental plans. ...
  5. Reconsider dental insurance—it might actually save you more money. ...
  6. Set up a payment plan with your dentist.
29 Jul 2021

How long do dental implants take in Thailand? ›

A typical dental implant procedure can take up to 18 months to be complete, and during that time, you will make several visits to your dental practitioner.

Are full dental implants worth it? ›

In many cases, the cost of treatment is just slightly higher than that of more traditional dental procedures. Dental implants are also a permanent replacement for lost teeth, making them a cost-effective option in the long run. And a good investment for individuals who want to avoid dental problems in the future.

How much are dentures in Thailand? ›

How much does denture cost in Thailand? The average price of denture in Thailand is $1450, the minimum price is $80, and the maximum price is $25000.

What are the pros and cons of living in Thailand? ›

The Pros and Cons of Expat Life in Thailand
  • Spectacular Scenery. One of the obvious benefits of living in Thailand is the amazing scenery all across the country. ...
  • Multicultural Community. ...
  • Thai Cuisine. ...
  • Friendly People. ...
  • Lots to Do. ...
  • Low Cost of Living. ...
  • Extreme Weather. ...
  • Expensive Accommodation.
19 Jan 2022

What is the quality of healthcare in Thailand? ›

Thailand represents one of the top-five countries in the world in terms of the greatest number of JCI-accredited healthcare facilities.

How long do dental implants last? ›

How Long Do Dental Implants Last? With regular brushing and flossing, the implant screw itself can last a lifetime, assuming the patient receives regular dental check-ups every 6 months. The crown, however, usually only lasts about 10 to 15 years before it may need a replacement due to wear and tear.

What countries have free dental? ›

A 2010 survey of 29 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development countries found that only five (Austria, Mexico, Poland, Spain and Turkey) covered the full cost of dental care and six (Belgium, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Japan and United Kingdom) covered 76–99% of the costs.

What is the number 1 dental school in the world? ›

Universidade de Sao Paulo

Where is the best place to live as a dentist? ›

Lynn, MA is the best city in the country for dentist jobs, where as Alaska is the best state in the country.
...
1. Alaska.
Total Dentist Jobs:13
Average Annual Salary:$191,103
Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$146,000
Highest 10 Percent Earn:$249,000
1 more row
6 Apr 2021

Are most dentists happy? ›

Generally speaking, dentists have a very high rate of dissatisfaction. There's a well-known statistic that dentists have an extremely high rate of suicide.

Where are dentists most in demand? ›

Projected Job Demand for Dentists (2020-2030): State by State
Overall RankStateAverage Annual Job Openings for Dentists
1California730
2Texas570
3Florida470
4Washington410
8 more rows
4 Jun 2021

How much does it cost to replace all your teeth? ›

The cost for this type of implant-supported dentures can vary from $7,000 to $90,000. The average cost for full mouth implants is about $34,000. A top or bottom set of dentures can cost about $3,500 to $30,000. Full mouth dental implants are strong and secure.

How much is a full set of teeth worth? ›

Multiple Dental Implants Procedure

This alternative is obviously for patients who need replacements for more than one tooth. For these people, multiple teeth implants for one person can range from $1,500 to $30,000. However, based on individual needs and changes, the price can be well over $50,000.

Which country has shortage of dentists? ›

Dentist Demand in Switzerland

This country is concerned about its citizens' oral and dental health. As a result, Dentists' pay is relatively high, as it is for most jobs in Switzerland.

How much are crowns in Thailand? ›

Phuket Dental Cost
Dental Treatment FeesUnitThai Baht
Crowns
Porcelain fused to standard alloycrown9,000
Porcelain fused to palladium alloycrown14,000
Porcelain fused to semi-gold metal alloycrown18,000 – 22,000
17 more rows

How much are dental implants in Bangkok? ›

Single tooth implant
BrandsImplantdental crown
Hiossen (39,000 baht)20,000 baht (580 USD)19,000 baht (545 USD)
Astra Tech (55,000 baht)30,000 baht(860 USD)25,000 baht (715 USD)
Struamann (59,000 – 65,000 baht)35,000 baht (1,000 USD)24,000-30,000 baht (685-860 USD)

What are full mouth dental implants? ›

What are full mouth dental implants? They are used to do a full mouth restoration in people that have suffered the loss of most of their teeth. They consist of several dental implants that embed in the jawbone, as well as a set of outer teeth supported by the implants. There are two common types of full mouth implants.

At what age do most dentists retire? ›

In a national income and retirement study of dentists throughout the country, the American Dental Association found that the average retirement age for dentists is 69. When Gallup did a survey of the general population, it concluded the average American is retiring at age 62.

What dentists make the most money? ›

Common high-paying specialties in dentistry include:
  • Periodontist. Periodontists specialize in gum health and care. ...
  • Prosthodontist. A prosthodontist specializes in treating and replacing missing teeth. ...
  • Endodontist. ...
  • Orthodontist. ...
  • Oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
25 May 2021

What is the highest dentist salary? ›

In May 2021, dentists made a median salary of $163,220. The highest-paid 10% earned at least $208,000 in the same year, while the lowest-paid 10% earned $63,880.

What are the benefits of dental clinic? ›

The Benefits Of Regular Visit To The Dental Clinic
  • Early discovery and diagnosis of dental issues. Regular visits to your dentist make it easy for them to discover and diagnose dental issues early. ...
  • Improved oral hygiene. ...
  • Improved lifestyle. ...
  • Opportunity for expert advice.

Does dentistry have a good future? ›

There's no doubt about it—dentistry is a fantastic career for the future. Just as people will always need doctors, nurses and medical assistants to take care of their bodies, so too will people always need dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants to take care of their oral health.

Can you keep your teeth healthy without a dentist? ›

Limiting these types of foods and drinks improves your family's oral and overall health, which is especially important when you don't have access to dental care. Instead, try to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and lean protein.

What's the cheapest way to replace your teeth? ›

Dental Implants

A dental implant is the cheapest way to fix teeth after an injury, cavities, or rotten teeth. In addition, this method of tooth replacement is long-lasting. This is because your replaced tooth is on a strong foundation.

Can you ask for a discount at the dentist? ›

If you don't have insurance or your policy won't pay for a particular procedure, ask for a discount. Start by looking at the "fair" prices in your area for your procedure at FAIR Health and Healthcare Bluebook. If your dentist charges more, negotiate. You can also ask about paying over several months.

Who is the No 1 dentist in the world? ›

Dr. Dan Fisher

Who has better teeth America or UK? ›

A: Not really. From casual jokes to media portrayals, the myth that the British have worse teeth than Americans has played out over and over. But findings detailed by the British Dental Association suggest that this myth doesn't hold up against reality.

Which country has better dental care US or UK? ›

Overall, American adults were found to have a higher average number of missing teeth than their British counterparts: 7.31 versus 6.97, the study revealed. The difference was most pronounced in people between the ages of 25 and 64 years old.

Which dental treatment is best? ›

Here Are the Top 10 Dental Procedures for a Brighter Smile in...
  • Contouring/ Reshaping. ...
  • Orthodontics/ Braces. ...
  • Teeth Whitening. ...
  • Composite Fillings. ...
  • Dentures. ...
  • Implants. ...
  • Bridges. ...
  • We Want To See You Smile!
19 Dec 2020

Who has the strongest teeth in the world? ›

The animal with the strongest bite in the world is the Nile crocodile. These scaly predators can snap their jaws with a whopping 5000 pounds per square inch of pressure.

Which dentist has highest salary? ›

High Paying Dentist Jobs
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. Salary range: $259,000-$400,000 per year. ...
  • Endodontist. Salary range: $247,000-$387,500 per year. ...
  • Orthodontist. Salary range: $260,000-$375,000 per year. ...
  • Maxillofacial Prosthodontist. ...
  • Prosthodontist. ...
  • Periodontist. ...
  • Pediatric Dentist. ...
  • Dentist Private Practice.

Do American have better teeth? ›

A new study has shown that English people have better teeth than their US counterparts.

Do any countries have free dental care? ›

A 2010 survey of 29 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development countries found that only five (Austria, Mexico, Poland, Spain and Turkey) covered the full cost of dental care and six (Belgium, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Japan and United Kingdom) covered 76–99% of the costs.

How healthy are British teeth? ›

So do Americans have better teeth than Brits? Actually, it seems the teeth of Brits are actually healthier be than Americans' teeth. According to the latest figures from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the average 12-year-old child in the UK has 0.7 missing or filled teeth.

Where in America do dentist make the most money? ›

Cities With the Highest-Paid Dentists
CityAverage Annual Salary
Gainesville, GA$271,580
Burlington-South Burlington, VT$266,760
Rapid City, SD$262,070
Longview, TX$251,760
11 more rows
25 Apr 2022

Where does England rank in dental care? ›

The UK ranks joint second for dental conditions across Europe – despite having one of the lowest numbers of dentists per capita. In a study assessing the dental health of more than 25 European countries, Italy took the top spot, with Germany coming in second and Spain ranking third.

What is better than dental crowns? ›

A porcelain veneer is bonded to just the front surface of your tooth, while a dental crown covers your entire tooth. This tends to make veneers more aesthetically pleasing than crowns because they show less gum margin.

What is the most popular dental procedure? ›

10 Most Common Dental Procedures and How They Work
  • 1 – Teeth Cleanings. This is by far the most common reason people visit the dentist. ...
  • 2 – Teeth Whitening. Like cleaning, whitening is a relatively discomfort-less process. ...
  • 3 – Extractions. ...
  • 4 – Veneers. ...
  • 5 – Fillings. ...
  • 6 – Crowns. ...
  • 7 – Root Canal. ...
  • 8 – Braces/Invisalign.

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