Last fact-checked: 25 July  2024

Discover high-quality care at our dentists in Davao City, known as the melting pot of the Philippines, where the welcoming locals make everyone feel at home. Dental tourists can save up to 70% on dental treatment compared to the cost back home. 

Combine dental procedures with a holiday in a city rich in culture, natural beauty and wildlife. Davao boasts stunning scenery, with a landscape of hills, valleys, forests and volcanoes–all intertwined with the Davao River, which flows gracefully to the Davao Gulf.

Davao City offers all the amenities and facilities of a modern metropolis, making it a popular destination for business, medical and leisure travellers. 

Davao is a charming urban center, offering the best of urban lifestyles and amenities with a more relaxed feel. You can immerse yourself in the bustling city life, or within half an hour, find peace and tranquillity in the countryside, overlooked by the majestic Mt. Apo. Alternatively, you can visit the beach without spending hours travelling.

Filipino dentists offer comparable services to those offered by Western dentists, with regulated training, qualifications and professional registrations. Moreover, cross-border training and attempts to establish international standards mean that Davao City dentists are just as likely to be affiliated with professional organizations such as the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, or the International Association for Orthodontics, as are dentists in the United States.

Dental tourism has been around in the Philippines for decades and still ranks high among the top medical tourism destinations in the world, with cheap and frequent air travel making it a viable destination for low-cost dentistry for travellers from across the world, particularly Australia and New Zealand. If you’re feeling the pinch and finding dental prices at home to be  too much, then combining your dental care with a holiday could be the answer:

– The average cost of a single dental crown in Australia AUD $1,500; at a dental clinic in Davao City AUD $400

– The average cost of a root canal, post and crown in Australia AUD $2,400 at a dentist in Davao City AUD $300

– The average cost of a dental implant and crown in Australia AUD $6,000; a dentist in Davao City AUD $3,400

(Image by Bro. Jeffrey Ploquinto, SJ)

Take a look at Lim Dental Center, one of our top-rated dental clinics in Davao City.

Whether you want City, Mt Apo or Gulf views a host of accommodation options awaits in Davao City. Luxury five-star hotels, boutique and spa hotels are all available, as well as guest houses, Airbnb's, hostels and even homestays. Prices start from just AUD $10 a night.

Is It Safe?

Although there are travel advisories from the US, UK and Australian governments warning of travel to the island of Mindanao due to kidnappings and terrorist activities, these are largely confined to the Zamboanga side and islands in the Sulu Sea, located in the west. The island, at almost 38,000 square miles, is larger than some 125 countries – and the east side of Mindanao, where Davao City is located, is considered by many residents and visitors to be as safe as anywhere else in the Philippines.

Obviously, it is not worth putting yourself at risk, and there are indeed risky places that should be avoided (such as some parts in the west of Mindanao), but It is worth remembering that in today’s modern world very few places are considered entirely safe and terrorism, crime or natural disaster can strike anywhere, even in the relatively safe eastern parts of the island.

Common with Western countries, the best dentists are regulated (by the Philippine Professional Regulation Commission) and must be members of the country’s professional organization (the Philippine Dental Association) to practice.

Filipino dentists, especially those treating international patients, are keen to demonstrate their qualifications and professionalism, and as the world becomes smaller and standardization becomes the norm, it isn’t unusual to find dentists and clinics that are members of international professional organizations, such as the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, or the International Standards Organization, which provides certification across the world on the safety, reliability and quality of products and services.

We can’t stress enough how important it is to do some background checks–good and bad dentists exist everywhere–and we ensure our listed dentists are quality-checked. We also include real patient reviews and high-definition clinic photographs–reading former patients' reviews can help you make an informed decision. 

What Happens If Something Goes Wrong? Is the Work Guaranteed?

Our dentists provide warranties or guarantees on any lab work, for example, crowns, veneers or dentures, as well as on the work they performed. If something goes wrong, it will be resolved free of charge.

It is worth bearing in mind that only a very small percentage of our patients have experienced problems post-treatment, and these have been minor. However, understandably, safety and a rewarding outcome are concerns about having dental care anywhere, especially abroad. This is why we do stringent checks to ensure our dentists are reliable.

If you do experience any difficulties, we are here to be your advocate and will take up any issue on your behalf with your dentist and see that it is put right.

We would also recommend that you consider additional low-premium, medical complications insurance as while our dentists will fix their work free of charge, their warranties do not cover travel expenses you may incur, such as flight or accommodation charges.

Will My Dentist Speak English?

One of the legacies of American occupation is that English is spoken widely throughout the country. It is taught in schools, used in business and is one of the Philippines’ official languages. Dental tourists to the Philippines will not have any trouble communicating with the locals in and around major cities.

What Payment Methods Are Accepted?

Although cash is accepted everywhere, most dentists usually accept some other methods of payment, such as debit and credit cards, personal and traveller’s checks and bank transfers. Please check the clinic listings on our site which details the payment methods accepted at each individual clinic. Please also factor in that credit card payments are usually subject to a small processing fee of between 3-4%.

Is My Dental Insurance Accepted?

If you have dental insurance it may well make provisions for ‘out-of-network’ care, which means that even though your dentist in Davao City can’t bill your insurance company directly, you will be able to reclaim your charges once you are home.

This is not an unusual feature of US and Canadian insurance but may be more so in other countries. It’s always worth phoning your provider and discussing the matter with them–and making sure they send you the appropriate forms and documentation to bring with you if they do allow you to reclaim your charges.

Is Davao City Wheelchair Accessible?

In common with other cities in the Philippines wheelchair access can be rather hit-and-miss, especially if you are a lone traveller. However, if you have someone with you it will be much easier to get around. The newer hotels are usually well-equipped for wheelchair access, although some of the older shopping malls lack disabled toilets or ramps.

Our dentists usually have wheelchair-friendly facilities, and some offer hotel pick-ups so getting to and from the dentist shouldn’t be an issue. Speak with one of our Customer Care team who will be able to help you find the best way of getting to one of our dentists.

(Image by: Kleomarlo)

You can visit at any time as our dentists in Davao City are open throughout the year, save for important holidays, such as Christmas.

In comparison with other parts of the Philippines, Davao’s climate is mild without a distinct hot and wet season. Outside the typhoon belt and lacking seasonal variations it is pleasant to visit, no matter what time of year.

Davao City is one of the safest cities in the country. That said, you should still be aware of petty thieves, such as pickpockets and bag snatchers who are waiting to strike if you aren’t paying attention.

Be aware that jaywalking is strictly enforced. If you do not cross the road at designated pedestrian lanes, you could face a fine or even imprisonment.

One of Davao’s most popular places to go is the Davao Riverfront Complex which provides a variety of attractions, including the Tribu K’Mindanawan–a cultural village that has extraordinary fire-dancing performances. Crocodile Park is also a big attraction–especially at feeding time, and the complex also has a Butterfly House.

For adventurous visitors to check out before any major dental treatment, discover the Deca Wakeboard Park—beginners and experts both welcome, or you can roll around in a giant plastic ball at the Zorb Park and Water Ball.

River rafting at the Davao Wild Water Adventure and ziplining at Zip City or Outland Adventure are available for adrenaline junkies, and the Eden Nature Park offers horse-riding fishing and camping.

If that all sounds too vigorous, then a walk around the Malagos Garden Resort with its orchid collection may be more your thing, or a visit to the Philippine Eagle Center, where you can see the Philippine Eagle, one of the world’s most endangered species.

Stroll leisurely around city parks, such as the People’s Park, and enjoy the peace and quiet–except at the weekend when you can take part in public Zumba. Or, enjoy the sunrise at the Baywalk and take in the views of the glistening bay, the David and Mermaid of Copenhagen statues and Mount Apo.

Unique attractions, such as D’Bone Collector Museum are worth seeking out. Exhibiting a range of animal skeletons from around the world it is a fascinating and thought-provoking experience, with knowledgeable staff who are informed about how the collection came about.

After all that, there is still plenty of shopping to do at the malls, such as SM City Davao and Abreeza Ayala Mall, as well as a huge array of restaurants and bars to recharge your batteries!

Travelling to Davao City

Flying In:

Davao is served by Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO), which is about an hour's drive from Davao City by car. Once in town, you will discover many ground transportation options. 

Taxi:

Taxis are the easier way of getting around Davao City, especially if you know where you’re going–as they are the fastest and safest way to get there. You can even send text messages for a driver to pick you up, almost like having your own chauffeur!

Jeepney:

Make like a local and hop on and off the jeepneys. The cheapest way of doing short trips across the city, they usually run 24 hours a day, and you can hail them anywhere, just like taxis.

Bus:

Buses are great if you are going north to south, or out of the city; otherwise, a taxi or jeepney may be better to get to your destination.

Water taxi:

The newest way of getting around Davao Gulf,  from waterfront restaurants to one of the local islands.

Car:

Most of the big car rental companies have offices here, although a local office is likely to be cheaper. If you don’t fancy driving you can always enquire about hiring a driver.

Distances to Other Places of Interest:

– Francisco Bangoy International Airport: 21 miles (35 km), 53 mins

– Arakan: 38 miles (61 km), 50 mins

– Tagum City: 48 miles (78 km), 1 hr 30 mins

– Bislig: 134 miles (216 km), 3 hrs 15 mins

– Butuan: 192 miles (308 km), 4 hrs 30 mins

– Zamboanga: 411miles (662 km), 9 hrs

Let us help you discover a world of great dental care in Davao City. choose a quality-checked dentist and book your appointment online quickly and conveniently with us right here. You can also contact our Customer Care Team on our toll-free number, or via our online chat facility, or drop us an e-mail–whichever is most convenient. We're always available, day or night.

Our website has real patient reviews, high-definition clinic photos and lists dentist qualifications and experience–and we guarantee the best prices–so book your dental appointment overseas with Dental Departures.

(Image: Scorpious 18)

(Main Image: Robert Ryan U Ong)

Sources:

Things to Do in Davao City. Website accessed: 24 July  2024. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g298459-Activities-Davao_City_Davao_del_Sur_Province_Mindanao.html

More people across Australia are delaying seeing the dentist. Website accessed: 25 July 2024 https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-19/cald-communities-oral-health-cost-pressure/101869732

10 Best Hotels in Davao City. Website accessed: 23 July  2024 https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/ultimate-guides/best-davao-city-hotels

Davao City. It’s More Fun in the Philippines. Website accessed: 25 July  2024.  https://itsmorefuninthephilippines.co.uk/davao-city/

ICOI–Bridging the Gap in Implant Dentistry. Website accessed: 25 July  2024. https://icoicampus.org/

ISO. Website accessed: 24 July 2024. https://www.iso.org/home.html