An intimidating trip to the dentist and a delightful vacation seems to be an odd combination, but you’d be surprised at the accelerating trend of dental tourism in Vietnam, which welcomes numerous tourists from all over the world annually for both medical reasons and traveling experiences.
Check out also: What makes Vietnam different from other Southeast Asian countries?
What Makes Dental Tourism in Vietnam Stand out?
Exceptional quality service. The authentic tools and appliances are based on advanced technology for optimal results, and the top-skilled dentists are well-trained with international standards.
What is more, dental tourism in Vietnam is credible. The dentistry industry receives active support from the government, and there are also cooperation programs with developed countries around the globe to ensure maintenance and care service even when the patients have left Vietnam.
Types of Dental Work Available in Vietnam
Dental tourism in Vietnam covers general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. The price and time spent on each service listed below are for reference only.
- Cleaning and Polishing (done within a day): cost around US$ 15 – 50 (~ VND 300,00 – 1,000,000)
- Whitening (1 hour): around US$ 150 – 400 (~ VND 3,500,000 – 10,000,000)
- Veneer/Crowning (up to 2 days): Depending on the materials and the complexity of the work, prices can vary from US$ 150 – 600 (~ VND 3,500,000 – 15,00,000)
- Implants (at least 2 days): from US$ 1,000 (~ VND 25,000,000), the price varies depending on the amount and complexity of work done, on one or both jaws
- Orthodontics: from US$ 1,000 – US$ 5,000 (~ VND 25,000,000 – 122,000,000), depending on the braces’ materials.
Implants and orthodontics may take up to a week for the follow-up procedures.
A Brief Guide to Dental Tourism in Vietnam – What Travelers Should Know
1. Look up and check out the clinic’s website and reviews; make sure you find a trustworthy business with credible dentists. It is best if you can message or call the place beforehand to ask about the service and the price or see if the staff are able to communicate well in English.
2. Plan your trip: some procedures might take more time than others, and some require aftercare. Don’t forget to plan your flight tickets, hotels, and itinerary accordingly. It is advisable to find a hotel near your desired dental clinic or around the city center for convenient transportation.
3. At the clinic: Don’t be afraid of asking questions once you’ve arrived. Request to have a look around and see if the cleanliness and equipment are up to par. You can even ask the staff to show you the dentists’ qualifications or speak to the dentist before agreeing to take any procedures.
4. After getting work done, take a few days off so that the pain and the medication wear off. Soon after, you’ll be able to explore the wonders of Vietnam with a fresh smile.
5. Final checkup: In case you have follow-up appointments, don’t forget to show up on time to get the checkup. Have the dentists double-check your teeth and give you a complete guideline on how to take care of the work.
Important Reminders for Travelers Regarding Dental Tourism in Vietnam
- Insurance is a must: It can provide extra protection in case anything goes wrong or some complications require a longer stay than planned. It is essential to check with the dental clinic beforehand if they accept your insurance or whether your insurance covers overseas dental work in Vietnam.
- Vaccinations: Though not compulsory in obtaining a Vietnam visa and dental procedures, but prevention is always better than cure, especially if it is your first time traveling to Vietnam. Learn about the vaccinations needed for traveling to Vietnam.
- Plan the post-work care: Take into account the healing time for your teeth to make a more thorough itinerary.
- Sign up with a companion: Have a friend alongside to provide care in case you take anesthesia or painkillers during the procedures, and of course, to join in the adventures afterward.
It’s better to have a company wherever you go
Recommended Dental Clinics in Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City
It is pretty easy to find a dental clinic with English-speaking staff (and English signboards advertising available services) in downtown Ho Chi Minh. If you happen to stay in a downtown hotel, tour around the area and you’ll very likely find a good one. That said, below are a few names for your reference.
Elite Dental
Address: 51A Tu Xuong Street, District 3
Working hours: Mon – Sat / 8.30 AM – 7.30 PM
Starlight Dental
Address: 2 Bis Cong Truong Quoc Te, District 3
Working hours: Mon – Sat / 8.30 AM – 7.30 PM
Ho Chi Minh City Odonto Maxillofacial Hospital (Benh Vien Rang Ham Mat, government-owned, famous among locals)
Address: 263-265 Tran Hung Dao Street, District 1
Working hours: Mon – Sun / 7 AM – 4.30 PM
Cam Tu Dental Clinic
Address: 4B Tran Hung Dao Street, District 1 (near Ben Thanh Market)
Working hours: Mon – Sat / 8.30 AM – 8 PM. Sun / 8.30 AM – 12 PM
Minh Khai Dental Clinic
Address: 199 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 1
Working hours: Mon – Sat / 8 AM – 8.30 PM
Hanoi
Australian Dental Clinic
Address: 4, Bui Thi Xuan Street, Hai Ba Trung District
Working hours: Mon – Sat / 8.30 AM – 7 PM. Sun / 8.30 AM – 5 PM
One Dental Clinic
Address: 8 Quang An Street, Tay Ho District
Working hours: Mon – Fri / 8.30 AM – 6 PM. Sat / 8.30 AM – 5 PM
Conclusion on Dental Tourism in Vietnam
Although dental tourism in Vietnam took a longer time to step in the market compared to other countries, lagging behind actually became an asset since the price and service are incredibly competitive. Now the country is one of the most renowned budget-friendly dentistry destinations for patients beyond borders.