Last fact-checked: 6 September 2023

Ultimate Guide to Dentists in Thailand

Thailand is world-renowned for its pristine beaches, delightful cuisine and undoubtedly,  low-cost dental care. You’ll be happy to know that dentists in Thailand offer the same treatments as in your home country - but for 50-70% less. 

Thailand has long been a destination that exceeds the expectations of many dental tourists. Anyone who has crossed borders for dental treatment knows of Thailand's stellar reputation. It is the ideal destination for combining a memorable holiday experience with affordable dental care. Imagine sitting on a beach in Phuket sipping fresh coconut juice, touring ornate temples in Chiang Mai and getting a relaxing Thai massage in Bangkok - indulge in the rich culture and festivity.

Thailand’s unsurpassed reputation continuously attracts an increasing number of Westerners each year for the superb quality dentistry, inexpensive treatments and ultra-modern facilities - particularly for patients seeking more extensive treatments such as implants or full mouth rehabilitation. 

Although the overwhelming factor in travelling abroad for dental work is cost savings (who can argue with prices 50-70% lower than at home?), Thailand’s expertise in healthcare, the array of available procedures, and its high service and hospitality standards ensure it remains a world leader, consistently ranking highly as a dental tourism destination. 

The exorbitant cost of dental care back home is causing many to skip out on dental work leading to further teeth and gums issues. Don’t let the high prices get in the way of receiving the treatment you deserve. Western patients in Thailand have been enjoying high-quality dental care and the opportunity to save 50% - 70% of the cost in their home country.

Here is a quick look at how much money you can save in Thailand:

• The average cost of a dental implant + porcelain crown in Australia is around $5,000 AUD; in Thailand, the same treatment and materials should cost around $2,000.
• A full-arch All-on-4 implant in Australia can cost you an average of $20,000 AUD per jaw; in Thailand, the same treatment per jaw and materials average around $13,500.

The same is true for cosmetic dentistry: from simple teeth whitening to dental veneers and composite bonding to more complex dentures and single implants, Thailand is internationally renowned for creating new smiles and better health for thousands of patients worldwide. Check out the price comparisons below on some of the most popular procedures.

Note: All prices above are based on average estimates at the time of writing. Any currency conversions are subject to exchange rate fluctuation.

What About Dental Packages in Thailand?

Save even more with all-inclusive dental package deals from Dental Departure’s network of clinics that specializes in international patient service. We make things easier for patients with deals that include all necessary costs in one treatment price.

The all-inclusive package deal typically covers all aspects of a more complex treatment, such as:

• Dental implant with crown and abutment
• Full-arch restoration All-on-X systems with immediate and fixed prosthetic teeth
• Smile makeover with a full set of veneers
• Full mouth restoration with crowns

No surprises - all prices are itemized on the bill at the time of payment. This pricing transparency eliminates annoying hidden charges that patients might have experienced back home - such as anaesthesia or sedation charges, laboratory fees, temporary prosthetics, taxes and administrative charges.

Some of our network clinics also offer accommodation and transportation as part of the package giving patients more opportunities to save a bundle of cash.

Contact our Customer Care Team about Dental Departures’ exclusive dental tourism packages and numerous cost-saving promotions–available through this site only.

Our partner clinics in Thailand offer the same wide range of treatments that you can find in the US/UK, Europe and Australia.

Popular treatments include: 

• Dental Implants, using industry-leading implant systems, such as Nobel Biocare®, Straumann® and Zimmer Biomet® to replace one or more missing teeth or a whole arch.
• Cosmetic dentistry, such as veneers, crowns, composite bonding and in-office ZOOM!® whitening treatment. 
• General Dentistry, includes filling, cleaning and extraction. 
• Prosthetic dentistry, such as designing and manufacturing custom-made dentures, crowns, veneers and implant-retained full-arch bridges. 
• Orthodontic treatment, common treatments include straightening teeth with metal braces, clear aligners (e.g., Invisalign®) and removable retainers.
• Periodontics, treating gum disease and other gum-related issues to prevent tooth loss and maintain healthy gums.
• Endodontics, or root canal treatment which involves removing infected tissue from the pulp inside the tooth and then sealing the root canal.
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery, typically involves wisdom or impacted teeth removal, treating TMJ disorders, sinus lifting and reconstructive jaw surgery.

Read more: Ultimate Guide to Dental Implants in Thailand.

Dental tourists have been visiting Thailand for some years, with the numbers increasing annually. In fact, some people even arrange for their whole family to visit Thailand for their dental care. With a well-deserved reputation for good quality, affordable treatments, highly experienced dentists and modern, high-tech facilities -Thailand’s expertise is unsurpassed.

Here are some of the main reasons to book a trip to Thailand for your next dental holiday:

Highly Skilled Dentists and Advanced Dental Technology

Standards throughout Thailand are generally high and many hospitals and clinics pride themselves on providing quality clinical care and patient services. Thailand was the first country In Asia to achieve the internationally recognised JCI accreditation, a US-based initiative aimed at establishing globalized standards in healthcare quality. In fact, two of our most popular dental clinics –  Bangkok International Dental Center and Sea Smile Dental Clinic – are among the few dental practices in Asia to have received JCI recognition. 

Dentists in Thailand have undergone rigorous training, just as dentists in Western countries. In fact, many of our dentists have received at least part of their training in the US, the UK or Australia - and they are also likely to be members of the American Dental Association and the International Congress of Oral Implantology.

Furthermore, the best dental clinics in Thailand feature state-of-the-art technology, including digital panoramic x-ray, CT scanning equipment, 3D CAD/CAM and in-house laboratories – not always found in your clinic at home!

A Chance to Combine Treatment with a Memorable Holiday

Dental tourists travelling to Thailand can look forward to dependable care of the highest quality, and be spoilt for choice from the array of options available for a pre or post-treatment holiday. For an exotic escape, Thailand’s charisma compels visitors to discover every corner of this kingdom, arguably the best holiday destination in the world.

Tranquil coastlines, lush mountains and ancient artefacts combine effortlessly to stir the senses. The Thai people’s legendary hospitality, fascinating and mysterious while friendly and welcoming, epitomizes its "land of smiles" reputation. Along with mouth-watering cuisine, Thai massage and scores of activities to indulge in, it's easy to see why Thailand is so irresistible.

English Is Widely Spoken

Our list of certified dentists and their staff in Thailand are experienced in treating dental patients from around the world. Most of the hotels and restaurants in the tourist areas have English-speaking staff as well. You can expect English to be widely spoken around town–and close to fluency by internationally-trained dentists at our partner clinics.

Start now by taking a look at our top-rated clinics in Thailand:

Bangkok Clinics

• Bangkok International Dental Center (BIDC) - Main Headquarters
• Bangkok Smile - Dr Paulo Malo Global (soi Sukhumvit 5)
• The Ivory Dental Clinic

Phuket

• Sea Smile Dental Clinic 
• Phuket Dental Signature 
• A.B Dental Care Clinic 

Chaing Mai

• CIDC (Chiang Mai International Dental Center)
• Kitcha Dental Clinic
• GrandDent Dental Clinic

Pattaya City

• The Dental Design Center
• Ortho Smile Dental Clinic
• Dental Paragon Clinic Pattaya

Going abroad for dental care can be risky, particularly if you haven’t done enough research before your journey - but even if you did your homework, how do you really know which clinic is the best choice for you? 

Online reviews can be vague and sometimes confusing, and backgrounds and qualification checks on dentists are almost impossible to do from overseas. You don’t want to be left in the doldrums once you arrive in a foreign country or have to rearrange your plans while on a limited schedule.

Take your trip with peace of mind by booking with Dental Departures - the world’s #1 medical and dental travel agency. We work closely with Thailand’s top clinics to ensure our international patients get top-quality dental care along with transparency in pricing. We also work with thousands of dentists in other popular destinations like Bali, Mexico, Costa Rica, Turkey and many more. 

The facilities Dental Departures work alongside have all been rigorously checked to ensure they meet our high standards. We look into a number of areas, including local and international accreditations, dentist qualifications, criminal records and hygiene standards. We also personally visit each clinic, and only when we have verified our checks will they be listed on our site.

Other advantages of using Dental Departures:

• No upfront fees 
• 24hr customer support
• Best Price Guarantee, or we’ll match it
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your appointment
• Assistance with transportation and hotel booking 
• Access to our fully-verified patient reviews
• Receive exclusive promotions and discounted package deals through our site 

Where is Thailand?

Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia, sharing land borders with Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia, bounded by the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. International flights from around the globe provide non-stop routes to Bangkok and other major tourist destinations in Thailand including Phuket, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai and Pattaya. 

Its central location makes it the ideal hub for exploring the rest of Asia, particularly since a number of low-cost airlines now fly throughout Thailand and to neighbouring countries.

Thailand is one of the world’s premier tourist destinations – nearly 20% of Thailand’s GDP – including a rising number of international medical and dental visitors. Thailand's healthcare infrastructure is one of Asia's best; in fact, the world's largest international hospital – Bumrungrad International in Bangkok – serves more than 400,0000 patients from 190 countries annually.

Where Should I Stay?

Thailand has varied and plentiful accommodation options – from some of the finest luxury hotels in the world to budget beachfront bungalows. There are hotels for travellers of every type on every budget. Depending on the amount or type of dental treatment you are seeking, free or discounted hotel rates may be arranged through your appointment with Dental Departures. 

If your clinic is in the capital city- Bangkok, you’ll find many popular choices for accommodations. All ranges of hotel options are available in the Sukhumvit area as well as trendy boutique hotels and budget hostels. Many of our recommended clinics are located in Sukhumvit, which is easily accessible by the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway. 

Similarly accessible by train is the Silom area, which is the financial district of Bangkok where you’ll find several major luxury hotel chains and a few mid-range hotels. If you prefer to enjoy a spectacular water view from a 5-star hotel room and shop at luxury malls, try the Riverside district - situated along the Chao Praya River that meanders through the city into the Gulf of Thailand.

Phuket also offers some of the best accommodation options all around the island. Located on the west coast of Phuket island, Patong Beach is hugely popular and offers the widest selection of activities for tourists. Patong is known for its exquisite beach resorts, beautiful 3km stretch of sand, fun shopping and energetic nightlife. 

Opt for a more family-friendly Karon Beach which is not far from Patong. Karon Beach is quieter and less congested but offers wonderful accommodation options. Also situated on the west coast of Phuket, Kamala Beach is another great option for tranquillity and natural beauty. This area features several luxurious beachfront restaurants serving international and local cuisine.

Read more: Where to stay in Chiang Mai.

Please note that some dental clinics offer hotel-to-clinic shuttle services as well as discounts with their partner hotels. Contact our Customer Service Team to help you locate nearby accommodations.

Is it Safe?

Thailand is exceptionally safe whether you're exploring the sprawling capital city of Bangkok or visiting an elephant sanctuary outside Chiang Mai. Violent incidents against tourists are virtually non-existent. 

With around 30 million tourists visiting Thailand yearly, the Thai government has a keen interest in keeping things running smoothly including imposing severe punishments against those who commit crimes against tourists; however, it is wise to always take the usual precautions such as keeping your valuables with you or in the hotel safe and beware of pickpockets in crowded places. 

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

Our dentists in Thailand carry warranties on their work, as well as prosthetic lab work, such as dentures, crowns, and dental implants. While our best clinics provide the highest quality care, no dentist can guarantee 100% clinical success. 

For any rare complication, Dental Departures will work on your behalf to solve any problems, if you have booked an appointment through us. Less than one per cent of our patients experience any problems; in those instances, we work to see issues are put right.

What Payment Methods Are Accepted by Thai Dentists?

• Cash (in Thai baht, easily exchangeable nearly everywhere)
• Visa
• Mastercard

Credit/debit cards are the preferred methods of payment; check with your clinic which banks they accept. 

Thailand is a year-round destination, and its geography allows visitors to find suitable weather somewhere in the country. Generally, its location in the tropics means the weather is generally humid and hot but can be divided into the "hot," "cool" and "rainy" seasons. 

November to February is the cool season when the weather is pleasant; this also tends to be the busiest time. The monsoon season starts in June, progressing from afternoon showers to prolonged day-long downpours by September or October. Rainfall varies regionally – with the northeast the driest and the south the wettest.

Public holidays and national festivals, such as Songkran (Thai New Year) in mid-April tend to be busy, with accommodation difficult to book and transport tickets selling out. They are experiences not to be missed, but you will want to book everything well in advance to be sure of finding reasonably priced airfare and lodging during your dental trip.

Is Thailand Wheelchair Accessible?

In Bangkok and most major cities, high curbs, uneven footpaths and pedestrian bridges flanked with stairs make navigating wheelchairs challenging and buses barely stop long enough even for the fully abled to hop on. Some hotels are wheelchair-friendly, and many Thai dentists can help with shuttles from the airport and hotels. The BTS Skytrain and MRT subways are all wheelchair accessible but wheelchair users should avoid getting on during rush hour as the trains tend to be fully-packed.

What Else Is There to See and Do in Thailand?

Aside from its world-renowned beaches, historic temples and warm hospitality, Thailand has a diverse natural environment. With more than 100 national parks and over 20 marine parks, the country is filled with unique flora and fauna. Trekking, mountain biking and horse riding are great ways to get out and about exploring the rainforests.

Thailand is the perfect destination for those wishing to learn a new skill on their holiday, or just to try something completely different. Thai cooking, Thai boxing and Thai massage are all popular subjects that can be studied in a matter of a day or over the course of an entire holiday. Other popular activities - preferably before any major dental treatment - are scuba diving, rock climbing, golf lessons and even flying lessons.

Getting to Thailand

Visitors can fly to Thailand on non-stop routes from most countries to Bangkok International Airport (BKK), other major airports include Phuket, Chiang Mai and Krabi.

Getting Around in Thailand

• By air: Getting around Thailand is easy and inexpensive with cheap and plentiful domestic flights. Discount domestic airlines such as Air Asia and Nok Airways scoot millions of tourists around the country every year. 
• By train: The rail system in Thailand is generally comfortable, clean and efficient. Rail journeys generally take longer than the bus, but are more comfortable. At holiday times and weekends, tickets sometimes sell out well in advance. It is best to book ahead at a station through an agent or from the State Railway of Thailand.
• By bus: Cheap, but most buses are not particularly comfortable.
• By car:  Exploring the country in a rental car is an economical way of seeing the real Thailand.  Most roads are in good condition and road signs are in both Thai and English. Most of the international car rental companies are widely represented. You will need an international driving licence.

Tourist Visas

Thailand operates tourist-visa exemptions for many different nationalities, including those from Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada, the UK and most of Europe. Visas are issued upon arrival for these nationals- but your passport must be valid beyond six months from the date of entry into the Kingdom. 

Distances and Flying Times to Thailand (Bangkok)

• New York: 7518 miles, 19 hours
• Los Angeles: 7172 miles, 18 hours
• Montreal: 7218, 18 hours
• Sydney: 4073, 10 hours
• Auckland: 5175, 13 hours
• London: 5156 miles, 13 hours

Search our listings to find a dentist, compare prices, check out our verified patient reviews and select a dentist that matches your condition and destination. Then get in touch with our Customer Care Team if you'd like to know more about receiving quality dental care in Thailand, or see below for ways you can easily book an appointment online, at no charge to you.

Sources

Patient-related and financial outcomes analysis of conventional full-arch rehabilitation versus the All-on-4 concept: a cohort study. Website accessed 2 August 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24394342/

Thailand’s tourism myths: 7 things you can’t believe. Website accessed 2 August 2023. https://internationalliving.com/au/3-top-asian-countries-high-quality-dental-care-low-cost/

A Family Adventure in Medical Tourism. New York Times. Website accessed 2 August 2023.https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/08/travel/frugal-family-medical-dental-tourism-bangkok-thailand-vacation.html?module=inline

Joint Commission International. Website accessed 2 August 2023. http://www.jointcommissioninternational.org/About-JCI/

International Congress of Oral Implantology. Website accessed 2 August 2023. https://www.icoi.org/

Where to stay in Bangkok - our favourite areas & hotels. Website accessed 2 August 2023.  https://nerdnomads.com/where-to-stay-in-bangkok

Phuket province. Website accessed 2 August 2023. https://www.hotels.com/go/thailand/phuket

Where to stay in Chaing Mai. Website accessed 2 August 2023. https://www.twowanderingsoles.com/blog/where-to-stay-in-chiang-mai

State Railway of Thailand. Website accessed 2 August 2023.https://www.railway.co.th/Home/Index