Dental work abroad? Yes, you read that right! It’s a great option if the cost of dental work is too high in your home country. Continue reading for more details.
Dental tourism has become a popular way for millions of people to combine dental treatment with a holiday.
Best of all, you’ll save huge amounts of money on all types of dental services especially higher-cost treatments such as dental implants, crowns, and even veneers.
Read this article to find out what to consider while choosing dental work abroad.
Your next dental vacation spot
Should I Travel Abroad for Dental Work?
The primary reasons to travel abroad for dental work are high treatment costs and lack of insurance coverage in one’s home country.
You can save up to 70 – 80% at a dentist overseas.
But keep in mind, that higher amounts of savings are only possible on extensive restorative and cosmetic dental work.
Along with savings, it is crucial to consider two other factors: additional costs and safety.
Therefore, while planning a dental tourism trip, thorough research is essential.
As a dental tourist, your additional costs may include air travel cost, travel & stay in the city, and cost of time away from work & home.
As a dental patient, things to consider are the experience of the dentists, the reputation of the clinic, safety protocols followed, and the quality of materials used.
When planning a dental trip abroad, keep the following factors in mind:
| Factors | Home | Abroad |
|---|---|---|
| Cost savings on dental work | ✗ | ✓ |
| Online consultations | ✗ | ✓ |
| Easy access to dentists |  |
✓ |
| No waiting for appointments | |
|
| Experienced & certified dentists | ✓ | ✓ |
| Standard equipment & materials | ✓ | ✓ |
| Standard sterilization protocols | ✓ | ✓ |
| Travel & stay cost | ✗ | ✓ |
| Cost of time away from work & home | ✗ | ✓ |
| In-person follow-ups | ✓ | ✗ |
| Vacation | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ Applicable ✗ Not Applicable 🤔 Depends
Mexico, India, Costa Rica, Thailand, the Philippines, Hungary, Colombia, Turkey, and Poland are the most popular destinations for dental tourists.
They offer affordable and quality care to patients.
Also, because recovery time—even for complex dental procedures—is relatively short, patients can spend the remaining time enjoying a vacation.
Why Is Dental Work Cheap Abroad?
You may be wondering why dental work is so cheap abroad.
Low salaries, low student debts, low cost of living, and lower real estate prices are some reasons.
However, it is important to realize that cheap does not mean low quality.
On the contrary, reputable dental clinics in these countries use globally renowned brands and maintain the highest safety standards.
They meet and often exceed international standards.
Below are a few detailed reasons for low-cost dental work abroad:
Even though, cost of equipment and technology in some of the countries like Thailand could be higher than many western countries due to higher taxes on imported goods; The cost of building a dental office is generally lower due to cheap labor costs. [1]
The low cost of living in other countries leads to lower treatment costs.
For instance, people traveling to Mexico from the US save about 70-85% on dental treatment. [2]
Due to the low cost of living, minimum wages, even for skilled workers, are significantly less than in the US. [3]
As a result, they don’t charge as much for the same procedures.
Dentists in the US spend more than 5,000 – 20,000 USD annually on malpractice insurance.
Meanwhile, a dentist in Thailand spends less than 1,000 USD per year. [4]
In countries like Mexico, the government subsidizes dentists’ education. So, dentists do not graduate with huge debts.
Additionally, many public dental schools offer free dental education when students pass a highly competitive university entrance exam in Thailand. [5]
What Is the Quality of Dental Care Overseas?
Dental tourism is an excellent prospect for those who lack insurance or whose insurance does not cover a certain procedure.
With that said, not all dental clinics deliver quality care. Therefore, you must exercise caution when selecting a clinic.
Many dental clinics overseas are recognized by national associations. This indicates high standards of dental care and patient safety.
Additionally, it is vital to choose a dentist who has received formal education to obtain a dental degree.
Look for one with international training and a good amount of experience for added safety.
Best Countries for Dental Work
Mexico, Thailand, Costa Rica, Turkey, and India are considered some of the best countries to travel to for dental work.
Other popular destinations are Vietnam, Cambodia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Colombia.
Here is some detailed information on these countries to help you decide.
Mexico is a people’s favorite country for dental work. It is an attractive destination for Americans due to its proximity to the US.
Mexican cities like Tijuana, Juarez, Cancun, Merida, Los Cabos, and Los Algodones offer affordable, high-quality care.
Indeed, Los Algodones has earned the title of “dental capital of the world.”
Dental treatment costs in Mexico are roughly one-third of what you can expect to pay in the US.
Cancun, Mexico
Pros & Cons of Dental Work in Mexico
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable dental treatments. | The crime rate in Mexico is the highest in the world. |
| Dentists in Mexico practice as a group, enabling all specialists to work under one dental practice. | Continuous learning courses are not mandatory. Hence, some may fail to keep up with the latest advances. |
| Cultural diversity, along with a view of pristine Caribbean beaches, attracts tourists. | Language can serve as a barrier as Spanish is the most spoken language. |
| You can obtain prices via virtual consultation. | Few dentists may perform procedures without adequate training. |
Costa Rica is blooming as a dental tourism destination for Americans and Canadians.
Many quality-conscious dentists in Costa Rica are members of the American Dental Association, assuring a high standard of care.
Quality dental treatment combined with a visit to the country’s wildlife reserves and beaches makes for a perfect dental vacation.
Costa Rica
Pros & Cons of Dental Work in Costa Rica
Pros:
- Affordable costs for otherwise expensive dental procedures.
- Quality of care is comparable to the US.
- Healthcare providers are proficient in English.
- Relatively short waiting time.
- Short travel time of less than 3 hours from the East coast states like Florida, US.
Cons:
- The legal system isn’t the same as the US.
- Lack of liability in case of a mishap.
- Most locals do not speak in English.
Turkey is growing as a popular place for dental tourists from the UK and other European countries.
People can save 70-85% of the cost of dental treatment. It is because of favorable exchange rates (as 1-pound equals 12 Turkish lire).
In addition to this, tourists from European countries such as Belgium, Austria, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and the UK can enter Turkey without a visa. [6]
It further strengthens tourism within the country.
Several Turkish cities, such as Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir, are also famous tourist attractions.
Istanbul, Turkey
Pros & Cons of Dental Work in Turkey
Pros:
- Most dental clinics are certified by national organizations.
- Dentists are highly skilled and trained.
- Great prices for dental services.
- Low travel expenses from European cities.
- A prime destination for historical and natural heritage sites.
Cons:
- English is not the most spoken language.
- A few hospitals are not good at maintaining the documents of dental tourists.
- Female tourists must be aware of how to dress appropriately.
India serves as a hub for many international dental clinics.
Tourists from the US, UK, and other European countries travel here for dental treatment.
The cost of dental procedures in India is 60-70% less than in the US, Germany, Canada, and Australia.
Delhi, India
Pros & Cons of Dental Work in India
| Pros | Cons |
| High standards of treatment at a low cost. | Lack of consistent and uniform standards of dental work. |
| No waiting time due to a large number of private clinics. | Lack of government investment in healthcare infrastructure. |
| State of the art technology in dental clinics. | Lack of legal recourse. |
| It has various heritage sites that boost tourism. | Lack of uniform pricing in different clinics. |
| Easy to communicate as the dental staff speaks fluent English. | Huge variation in the cost of hotels depending on the city. |
Dental care is the third most utilized service in Thailand by foreign patients.
Indeed, dental treatment accounts for 11% of Thailand’s medical tourism market.
The cost of dental procedures in Thailand is 60% less than in the US and Australia.
Access to highly skilled dentists at an affordable price will attract you to dental tourism in Thailand.
Thailand
Pros & Cons of Dental Work in Thailand
Pros:
- Access to experienced dentists at an affordable cost.
- State-of-the-art technology in dental clinics.
- High-quality treatments are performed at a faster pace.
- English is a commonly spoken language by healthcare providers.
- Good travel connectivity with other countries.
- Exotic tourist attractions.
- Great tasting food and cuisine.
- No clothing restrictions for women and generally very safe for tourists.
Cons:
- Cultural and language disparity can lead to miscommunication with locals.
If you’re traveling abroad for dental work, you’ll probably want to stay close to your home country.
Check out this list of popular dental tourism destinations according to regional proximity.
| Popular Dental Tourism Destinations | Source Country |
| México, Costa Rica, Colombia | US and Canada |
| Vietnam, Poland, Thailand, India | Australia, Europe, US, New Zealand, UK, Netherlands, Denmark, Canada |
| Hungary, Croatia | UK, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, and the US |
| Turkey, Bulgaria | UK, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, US, Netherlands, and Ireland |
What Is the Cost of Dental Work Abroad?
The cost of dental work abroad offers savings of 70 – 80% compared to your home country.
All on 4 dental implants (per arch), for example, are priced at $9,000 – $10,000 in Mexico and $12,000 – $13,000 in Thailand.
They can be as low as $4,000 to $5,000 in India and Turkey.
The brands used are similar to the western countries. However, some cheaper brands are also available.
The lesser expensive dental implants are not necessarily inferior in quality, but they may be just newer to the market.
Refer to the cost comparison table below for the prices of the most popular dental procedures:
Average Price of Dental Work Abroad (in USD)
| Country | All on 4 (per arch) | Dental Implant | Zirconia Crown |
| Mexico | $9,000 – $10,000 | $800 – $900 | $450 – $550 |
| Thailand | $12,000 – $13,000 | $800 – $900 | $500 – $600 |
| Costa Rica | $9,000 – $10,700 | $750 – $850 | $400 – $500 |
| Turkey | $4,000 – $5,000 | $680 – $780 | $260 – $360 |
| India | $4,500 – $5,500 | $400 – $500 | $180 – $250 |
| US | $24,000 – $32,000 | $5,000 – $6,000 | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Australia | $29,500 – $ 35,000 | $5,500 – $6,500 | $2,200 – $3,200 |
| Canada | $22,000 – $32,000 | $4,600 – $5,600 | $2,000 – $3,000 |
*Prices are case-dependent. Request a quote for the latest prices and deals.
On average, a single dental implant price can range from $400 to $1,200 abroad, as opposed to $4,000 to $6,000 in the US, Canada, and Australia.
Save 70 - 80% on dental work abroad!
Get FREE quote!How To Find a Reputable Dentist Abroad?
If you are looking for a dentist who offers quality dental treatment at an affordable price, below are some of the tips to get you started:
Work with a Reputed Dental Tourism Company
Contact a reputed dental tourism company for a better experience. Below are some of the advantages of working with a reputed organization:
- They maintain a repository of the best dental clinics in the selected location.
- Treatments are customized for each patient.
- They assist with customized travel packages, saving time and effort.
- Connection with reliable partners lowers the risk of getting duped.
- They have a local network on the ground, who ensure your needs are met and manage any unforeseen problems that may arise.
- They are flexible when plans require change or modification.
Working with a dental tourism company, therefore, saves you money while making your trip a safe & hassle-free experience.
Decide on a Location
Decide on a location for dental treatment abroad. Prioritize if you are looking only for dental work or you’d like to combine it with a vacation.
Choosing a location near home saves on travel time and cost.
But for the adventurous, traveling to an exotic location could be an exciting and unique experience.
Shortlist Dental Clinics
Once you decide your destination, the next step is choosing the right dental clinic. Here are some things to consider while making your selection: [7]
- Pay attention to the qualifications of the dentist.
- Verify the dentists and dental clinic registration
- Look for the experience and specialization of the dentist.
- Check if dental clinics are certified by national and international bodies.
- Look for patients’ testimonials on the clinics’ websites to understand levels of satisfaction and quality of care.
- Take feedback from patients who underwent similar treatment at the clinic.
Obtain Virtual Consultation
Once you decide on a dental tourism company, let them know your needs. Obtain a virtual consultation with the in-house dentist in the country of choice.
Discuss your needs and share the relevant X-rays and reports of the previous check-ups.
During the consultation, you can discuss the following details:
- Preferred language of communication
- Experience of the dentist
- Sterilization & Safety protocols followed
- Quality of materials to be used
- Number of days required for the procedure
- Success and failure rate
- Risks of developing post-treatment complications
- Retreatment options (only if needed)
- Treatment guarantees
- Methods of payment
- Sharing of treatment records before and after the procedure
Make a Final Decision
After gathering all the relevant information, analyze the details. Assess what works best for you, make an informed decision, and choose a dentist abroad.
Stay Near the Clinic
It is recommended patients book a hotel near the clinic.
This is one of the reasons working with an agency is essential: they can recommend nearby hotels for the convenience of visiting the dental clinic, especially when undergoing complex dental treatments such as full mouth reconstruction or an All On 4.
Often, when patients book a hotel on their own, they do not consider the travel time and traffic required to travel to each clinic.
This is another great reason to work with a knowledgeable and experienced dental agency that is familiar with different hotels near the clinic.
How To Find A Dentist Abroad?
What Are the Pros and Cons of Dental Tourism?
Like anything else, dental tourism has its pros and cons.
While considering a trip abroad, it is crucial that you understand the good aspects as well as the bad.
Pros and Cons of Dental Tourism
| Pros | Cons |
| Incredible savings due to affordable dental work. | All follow-ups must be done remotely. |
| No long waiting periods for dental procedures. | Some may experience post-op complications. |
| Ability to book procedures online. | Research is required as not all clinics offer quality care |
| Boosts the local economy. | Language can serve as a barrier. |
| Access to reputable doctors and the latest technology. | Lack of knowledge of the city for first-time travelers. |
Source: IOSR-JDMS, [8] NCBI [9]
Nonetheless, with proper research, and working with a reputable agency, the pros outweigh the cons of dental tourism, making it a feasible option.
Dental Tourism Packages
We are associated with several clinics worldwide special treatment packages along with additional facilities.
These offers vary by clinic. Here are some of the discounts provided:
Current Specials
- Free consultation and check-ups.
- Free panoramic X-Rays and temporary crowns.
- Lab warranty on crowns, bridges, and veneers for 3-5 years in case of a manufacturing defect.
- Warranty on implants, inlays, dentures, and composite fillings.
- Cost-effective veneers (for instance, 20 porcelain veneers for $8,000 or 16 for $7,200).
- Provision for free replacement of a new dental implant if the implant fails during the surgical healing stage.
- Special discounts on procedures such as teeth whitening, crowns, and bridges.
Package Facilities
- Pick and drop facility from the airport.
- Discounts on accommodation in recommended hotels.
- Dedicated parking facility.
- Pick and drop facility from hotel to clinic.
- In-house labs to reduce the treatment time.
- Assistance with completing insurance papers.
- Multilingual staff.
- Multiple payment options.
*All the services, packages, warranties vary with the procedure, location, and the clinic selected.
Talk to our case managers to learn about the latest deals, terms & conditions on warranties provided at your favored destination.
Don't have dental insurance? We got your back!
Talk to usRed Flags When Choosing a Foreign Dental Clinic
Choosing the right dental clinic abroad requires in-depth research. During which you may come across red flags.
Here is what you should watch out for:
While searching online, verify the authenticity of dental tourism agencies.
Check for the credentials of your shortlisted dental clinics and dentists.
Many buy fake reviews to look real. Carefully assess patients’ reviews to determine if they are real or fake.
Try to contact these patients personally and ask about their experiences.
Dental tourism companies may try to entice you with heavy discounts to get you in the door.
For example, they might assure you of cheap flights, cheap dental procedures, and attractive exchange rates.
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
A reputable clinic will provide you with a tentative treatment plan with precise pricing.
If a dentist or clinic seems reluctant to do so, they may not be trustworthy.
Clinics following sterilization protocols of international standards give assurance of quality care.
Enquire about them over a virtual consultation. Proceed further only if you are satisfied with what you’re told.
Advanced dental technology provides a faster, less painful, and more comfortable experience.
The use of old technology indicates a lack of funding, resources, and ultimately a lower standard of care.
It’s better to know about the state-of-the-art technology in dental clinics before deciding further.
Look for dentists who are willing to provide treatment plans as per your requirements.
Sometimes, dentists may add additional procedures for extra bucks.
Your dental records contain information about past diagnoses, treatment plans, and procedures.
If the dentist abroad doesn’t ask for these records they are missing out on important information relevant to previous treatments.
Follow-up visits are an essential component of successful treatment.
Check with your dentist if they have provisions for follow-ups for overseas patients.
What Are the Effective Measures To Take After Treatment?
For a dental treatment to be successful, patient cooperation is a must. Below are some of the measures that you can adopt post-dental work: [10]
Post Treatment Complications
After Care & Follow-up
Before initiating any treatment abroad, ask if you can get follow-up care in your home country.
Some treatments, especially dental implants, require regular maintenance with your local dentist.
There are over 200 different implant systems.
To avoid any confusion, ask your dentist abroad to provide you with a record of the dental implant used.
The record contains information such as the name of the implant, the serial number as well as the specific size and dimension.
You can also request that your overseas dentist use dental implant brands that are available in your home country.
What To do if You Face Problems with Your Treatment?
Even though most patients have successful treatments when visiting a dentist abroad, a few can face problems as well.
Dentistry is not an exact science, and no matter in which country the treatment is performed, a certain number of dental procedures can fail.
If you are still within the country
- Contact your dental tourism agent and inform them of the problem
- Visit the dentist and tell them of the problem you are facing
If you have already returned to your home country
- Contact your dental tourism agent and inform them of the problem
- Contact the clinic, explain the situation and see if they have a local dentist, they can refer you to for an evaluation.
- Consider returning to the clinic.
How To Pay for Your Dental Vacation
Dental tourists usually enjoy 50-70% savings on dental work abroad.
But you also need to account for air travel, stay, local transportation, and food expenses.
Even with these additional costs, you can still save plenty on out-of-pocket expenses using these payment options:
Dental Insurance
Traditional travel insurance policies do not cover the expenses incurred for a dental vacation.
However, given the booming medical tourism market, insurance companies have developed products that cover: [11]
- Cost of additional treatment in case of complications.
- Cost of treatment if you are dissatisfied with post-treatment abroad.
- Follow-up fees of local dentists for continuity of care.
Personal Loan
You can opt for a personal loan [12] if you need to pay for your treatment up front. Personal loans are cheaper than credit cards and have fixed interest rates.
They are easy to apply for, and repayment depends on your interest rate and loan terms.
Mentioned below are some of the companies that provide loans customized to your needs:
| Country | Loan Companies |
| USA | eFinancing |
| Canada | MediCard |
| Australia | Total Life Credit |
If you require assistance with financing options, talk to our case managers.
Is It Safe To Get Dental Work Done Outside the US?
Dental tourism is a booming industry in the US.
You would be surprised to know that this industry is expected to generate more than $52 billion by 2023.
Due to the increasing healthcare cost, Americans are looking for cheaper alternatives.
Americans spent around $2.6 billion on medical and dental tourism. US Bureau of Economic Analysis [13]
Here are some of the benefits that you can experience:
- Affordable procedures such as dental implants, veneers, and root canals.
- No waiting lists for appointments.
- All types of dental treatments are available.
- High quality of work with personalized care.
US Patient Review
US Patient Testimonial
Things to consider before you choose a destination for dental vacation: [14]
✓ Run extensive research on the shortlisted clinics.
✓ Go through the patients’ testimonials.
✓ Check past patients’ recommendations.
✓ Speak to shortlisted dentists.
✓ Enquire about the quality of materials.
✓ Verify the credentials and experience of the dentists.
✓ Check the sterilization protocols in use.
✓ Discuss the estimated number of days required
✓ Finalize once you feel confident!
✓ If possible, plan few days for unplanned sittings.
✓ Check if you need any vaccinations before travel.
✓ Check the travel advisories proposed by your country.
Is It Safe To Get Dental Work Done Outside Australia?
With the rise in dental costs, Australians are looking for dental work abroad for savings.
For instance, a crown in Australia will cost you around $1,500, but you would pay $700 in Thailand.
The idea of enjoying a vacation also lures people. Countries outside Australia, such as Thailand and India, offer 70-80% cheaper treatments.
You will be satisfied with the minimal waiting time, easy access to dentists, and the latest technology.
Australian Patient Review
Australian Patient Testimonial
✓ Contact a credible dental tourism agency.
✓ Check for the qualifications of dentists.
✓ Speak to shortlisted dentists.
✓ Enquire about the quality of materials.
✓ Find out if dental clinics are certified by national authorities.
✓ Enquire about the infection control protocols.
✓ Discuss the estimated number of days required.
✓ Check if any vaccinations are required.
✓ If possible, plan a few days for unplanned sittings.
✓ Go through the travel advisories proposed by your country.
Conclusion
Dental tourism allows you to access affordable, high-quality dental care while traveling to exotic destinations.
However, you must be mindful of possible risks while deciding on dental work abroad and it is always best to work with a reputable agency experienced in the destination you are considering.
Get the best deals for your chosen destination. We ensure you get a quality and safe dental experience.
FAQs
Mexico, Thailand, Costa Rica, the Philippines, Hungary, Cambodia, Colombia, Turkey, India, and Poland are the most popular destinations for dental work.
The best option for you depends on regional proximity, cost savings, and travel preferences.
People can save 40% to 80% on dental treatments abroad.
For instance, Americans save 45%-65% in Costa Rica and 40%-65% in Mexico on dental procedures.
Meanwhile, people from the UK save 70% – 85% on dental treatments in Turkey.
The benefits are most substantial when you undergo extensive dental work such as dental implants, veneers, multiple root canals, and cosmetic dental procedures.
Mexico, Thailand, Costa Rica, India, Colombia, Cambodia, and Turkey are the cheapest destinations for dental tourism.
About 25% of dental tourists worldwide visit Mexico. [15]
You should also factor in the cost of air travel, accommodation, and travel preferences.
Despite these additional expenses, dental tourists still save a lot of money.
A success rate of over 95% makes dental implant procedures a safe and popular choice among people looking for dental work abroad.
A dental implant procedure done under aseptic conditions by a skilled, experienced dentist is your best bet.
