Dental tourism in Vietnam: Costs, clinics and tips

1. What is dental tourism?

Dental tourism refers to the practice of traveling to another country specifically to receive dental treatment. Although many people assume this form of tourism only exists when clinics offer premium services such as luxury facilities or airport transfers, the concept is actually much broader and more meaningful.

According to researchers like Hall, dental tourism is fundamentally a long-distance trip made with the intention of seeking dental care that is more suitable than what a patient can access at home. “Suitable” in this context may include lower treatment costs, higher treatment quality, or a combination of both. Bookman further explains that the goal is not always affordability. In many cases, patients travel because their local healthcare system cannot provide the level of expertise or technology they need, prompting them to look elsewhere for better options.

In modern healthcare, dental tourism has become a rapidly growing segment of medical tourism. Patients from countries where dental fees are high are increasingly realizing that they can receive equal or superior care abroad—often at a fraction of the cost—while still enjoying the added benefit of combining their treatment with travel and leisure.

Overall, dental tourism should be understood as a patient-centered journey to find the most suitable dental solution, whether that suitability comes from cost, quality, advanced technology, or overall treatment experience—not merely tourism in the traditional sense.

2. Why Vietnam is a top destination for dental tourism

A confluence of factors makes it an increasingly popular choice for international patients, particularly from Australia, the United States, and New Zealand. Key Advantages of Choosing Vietnam:

• Significant cost savings: Dental procedures in Vietnam can be 50-80% cheaper than in Western countries. For example, a dental implant that might cost $3.000 to $6.000 in the U.S. can be as low as $700 to $1.500 in Vietnam.
• High-quality care and modern facilities: Reputable Vietnamese dental clinics adhere to international standards, boasting modern technology like 3D CT scanners, CAD/CAM systems, and advanced sterilization techniques.
• Skilled and internationally trained dentists: Many dentists have received training and certifications from countries like France, Germany, the U.S., and Australia, and are often fluent in English.
• A beautiful and culturally rich destination: Patients can recover from their procedures while exploring Vietnam’s stunning landscapes, from the bustling streets to the serene beauty.
• No Waiting Times: Unlike in many Western countries, where waitlists for certain procedures can be long, clinics in Vietnam often offer prompt appointments.

3. Cost of dental treatment in Vietnam

The affordable cost of traveling to Vietnam, combined with dental care, is a big draw for visitors. While prices can vary depending on the clinic’s location, the dentist’s experience, and the materials used, the savings are always substantial. Here are the average costs for common procedures (in US dollars):

Average cost table for travel to Vietnam for dental purposes

Note: These are estimates and it’s always best to get a precise quote from the clinic.

See more: Detailed pricing for all dental services at Viet My Dental Clinic

4. Popular dental procedures for tourists

Dental clinics in Vietnam offer a wide range of services, from routine check-ups to complex full-mouth restorations. Among the most popular treatments among international patients are:

• Implants: Due to the significant cost difference, implants are a very popular treatment. Clinics in Vietnam use high-quality, globally recognized implant systems.
• Cosmetic dentistry: Including porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, and teeth whitening, all of which can significantly improve a person’s smile at an affordable price.
• Full-mouth restorations: For those with multiple dental problems, full-mouth restorations can be a life-changing and cost-effective solution when traveling to Vietnam.
• Braces: Both traditional braces and modern clear aligners like Invisalign are available at a lower cost than in many other countries.

5. How to plan a safe and successful dental tourism trip to Vietnam

1. Choose a reputable dental clinic

2. Verify your dentist’s qualifications

3. Schedule an online consultation

4. Book your treatment and travel in advance

5. Prepare your travel documents

6. Understand your treatment plan thoroughly

7. Review warranties and aftercare policies

8. Take your time to compare clinics

6. Top-rated dental clinics in Vietnam

Vietnam, especially Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, is home to many dental clinics that meet international standards. Here are some highly rated clinics:

• Viet My Dental Clinic (Many branches in provinces and cities of Vietnam).

Renowned for its well-trained staff, modern facilities, and professional service quality, this place deserves to be an ideal choice for traveling to Vietnam for dental purposes.

• Saigon Center Dental Clinic (Ho Chi Minh City).

This clinic is highly rated by international patients and specializes in dental implants and cosmetic restorations. The clinic is known for its experienced dentists and modern facilities.

• Westcoast International Dental Clinic (Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi).

With dentists from many countries, this clinic provides international standard care and has been serving the expat community and tourists for many years of experience.

• East Rose Dental Clinic (Ho Chi Minh City).

Popular with many dental tourists, this clinic is highly regarded for its high-quality custom-designed porcelain crowns and veneers.

• Serenity International Dental Clinic (Hanoi and Da Nang).

A convenient option for those traveling to different regions of the country, this clinic has a multilingual staff and a wide range of services.

7. Tips for safe and successful dental tourism

Dental tourism to Vietnam is not only a journey to take care of your smile but also a memorable experience amidst the charming beauty of nature, the quintessence of culture, and the warm hospitality typical of Vietnamese people. Get in touch with Viet My Dental today to begin your journey!