Dentistry tourism abroad is not a new concept, with many patients already taking advantage of the top-quality dental care that is readily available at low, low prices in countries such as Mexico, Thailand, Costa Rica and Malaysia.
Modern, state-of-the-art facilities are springing up all over the world as countries vie for a slice of the increasingly lucrative international market. Compared to domestic costs, many patients from Western societies are discovering that they can save literally thousands on the price of their essential dental care, and all without compromising on the quality of care they receive.
The savings can be so substantial that many families take the opportunity to enjoy an exotic dental vacation with the money they save on their treatment costs.
Overseas Dental Holidays
With dental travel on the rise, let’s take a look at some of the more popular destinations for overseas dental holidays:
Mexico:
Mexico offers a unique blend of Meso-American and European cultures, from the influences of great ancient civilizations such as the Aztecs and Mayans to the Spanish colonization of the 16th century. Visitors can find anything from historical archaeological sites and old-world villages to bustling modern cities and spectacular coastal beaches. Mexico is one of only 18 megadiverse countries in the world and has sixty-seven national parks and numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites to explore.
Popular destinations include Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Algodones, Cabo, Mexico City and Mexicali.
Find our full list of dentists in Mexico here.
Thailand:
Thailand is in Southeast Asia and has long been a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. The country is renowned for its exotic beaches, mountainous rolling landscapes, eclectic cultures and tropical rainforests.
Particular tourist hotspots include Bangkok (the capital city), Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Koh Samui, There are over 100 national parks to explore, as well as historic temples, marine parks, water sport activities, mountain biking, horse riding and trekking opportunities.
Find our full list of dentists in Thailand here.
Costa Rica:
Located in Central America, this country offers a combination of glorious coastal beaches, spectacular volcanoes and tropical rainforests. Nearly one-quarter of its area consists of protected jungle teeming with biodiversity and exotic wildlife such as quetzal birds and spider monkeys. With coastlines along the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, there are countless opportunities for water sport enthusiasts.
Or, for those looking for something a little more sedate, there’s the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum in San Jose and UNESCO World Heritage Sites to explore that include the Cocos Island National Park, La Amistad National Park in Talamanca and Area de Conservation Guanacaste.
Find our full list of dentists in Costa Rica here.
Malaysia:
Malaysia, in Southeast Asia, is another megadiverse country comprised of dense jungles, white sandy coastlines and towering mountainous regions. Visitors can find remote jungle tribes in Malaysian Borneo or undertake tours and expeditions to explore the highlands of West Malaysia. Outdoor pursuits include caving, scuba diving and championship quality golf courses, as well as numerous national parks and zoos that house all manner of exotic wildlife.
From the colonial architecture of Ipoh to the ultra-modern skyline of Kuala Lumpur and the spectacular Petronas Twin Towers, Malaysia offers a range of experiences to suit every tourist.
Find our full list of dentists in Malaysia here.
Dental Tourism Prices - How Much Can I Save?
To demonstrate the potential savings that can be made by undergoing dental treatment abroad, here is a comparison of average prices in each country, compared to the average cost in the United States:
U.S.A Mexico Thailand Cost Rica Malaysia
(USD$) (USD$) (USD$) (USD$) (USD$)
Mouth Restoration
with 4 Implants 26,000 10,000 11,000 10,500 7,258
Dental Crowns 1,164 500 400 428 339
Dental Fillings 155 51 38 90 30
Dental Implants 3,913 1,250 1,900 1,780 1,909
Dental Veneers 1,245 477 360 438 498
Dentures 1,826 669 680 525 335
Root Canals 1,275 247 230 445 199
Teeth Whitening 668 174 215 415 348
[Note: these are estimated prices calculated at the time of writing. Please see our clinic listings for up-to-date prices.]
The Bottom Line
As you can see, dental tourism prices are significantly lower compared to domestic prices. Savings can be maximised by undergoing multiple treatments, or by having the whole family’s dental health care carried out while on your annual holiday abroad.
To book, get in touch with the Dental Departures Customer Care Team, with no upfront costs when arranging an appointment abroad.