My experience with dental tourism
Wait—you went to Thailand… for the dentist?
Yes. Yes I did. And no, I didn’t lose a bet.
Welcome to the world of dental tourism, where people swap sterile waiting rooms and five-figure bills for tropical weather, smiling staff, and surprisingly affordable dental work. Think of it as getting your teeth fixed with a side of pad Thai and poolside recovery.
So what is dental tourism, exactly?
In short: it’s when you travel to another country—usually because the prices are waaay better—to get dental procedures done. We’re talking everything from routine cleanings to crowns, veneers, implants, and full smile makeovers.
Thailand happens to be one of the top destinations for this. Why? Because the dental clinics are world-class, the dentists often trained overseas, the equipment is modern, and the cost savings can be massive—even after flights and accommodation.
In this post, I’ll walk you through what to expect, how much it really costs, whether it’s safe, and what I wish I’d known before flying in for my appointment.
Booking experience
I went all in and got my dental work done at Bangkok International Dental Hospital (BIDH)—a clinic that looks more like a boutique hotel lobby than anything involving drills and needles. It’s sleek, modern, clean, and has that calming scent that says “everything is under control.” And honestly, from a clinical standpoint, it is. The facilities and quality of care are top-notch.
But here’s the thing: the treatment coordination is where things can take a bit of patience and time.
While the staff at the coordination desk do speak English—and you can contact them via phone, email, or even WhatsApp—they’re not exactly operating at lightning speed. That’s because they’re not just scheduling appointments like a regular receptionist would. They’re coordinating multiple dentists across departments, depending on your treatment plan. So, when you ask for a time slot or quote, there’s usually a delay while they run around confirming availability with the right specialists.
It’s not chaotic—it’s just not instant. So patience is key. Think of it more like working with a concierge than a call center: helpful, polite, and ultimately efficient, but definitely working on Thai time. If you’re trying to cram a root canal in between beach days, build in a buffer
The Facilities: Not Your Average Dental Clinic
Walking into Bangkok International Dental Hospital doesn’t feel like you’re about to get a filling—it feels like you’re checking into a boutique spa with a slight obsession for hygiene. The place is spotless, sleek, and equipped with what looks like the latest in dental tech.
Everything is clean, modern, and efficient. The dentists all speak English—or at least, you’re always paired with one who does—and they’re professional, clear, and surprisingly gentle. You’ll first meet with a nurse who takes your blood pressure and runs through some basic health questions to make sure you’re fit for whatever work you’re getting done. After that, it’s over to reception to officially check in.
Now, if you’re used to German-style punctuality, fair warning: appointments do tend to run a little late. Nothing dramatic—usually just 5 to 10 minutes—but enough that you’ll notice. Then again, maybe dentists everywhere run on their own mysterious schedule. Chalk it up to universal dental law.
Overall Experience: Surprisingly Smooth (and Slightly Chilly)
One thing that really stood out at BIDH was the range of sedation options. They offer everything from a mild numbing gel to full-on “knock me out and wake me when it’s over” sedation. I went with the latter for one of my more ambitious sessions (thanks, root canal), and the process was surprisingly smooth.
Before the big day, I was asked to visit a nearby hospital for a quick pre-sedation health check—just to make sure my body could handle several hours of deep dental dreams. It was precautionary and painless, and honestly, it added to my confidence that they take patient safety seriously.
When I woke up after the treatment, I was surrounded by three nurses, all making sure I was okay—which, after several hours unconscious, was weirdly comforting. However, here’s a tip I wish someone had told me: if you’re going under full sedation, dress warm. The air conditioning is absolutely cranked inside the clinic, and while you’re blissfully unaware during the procedure, your body isn’t exactly regulating temperature on its own. I woke up freezing and couldn’t get outside fast enough. For once, the sticky 38°C Bangkok air actually felt like a warm hug.
From start to finish, the experience at Bangkok International Dental Hospital felt incredibly professional—like a well-oiled (and well-scrubbed) machine. Every step was structured and reassuring, from the pre-treatment health checks to the moment you wake up with a new filling, crown, or whatever dental souvenir you’ve signed up for.
Once your treatment is done, you’re guided (a little groggily, in my case) back down to the cashier desk, where you settle your bill before booking any follow-ups. It’s a system that works—pay first, plan later—and honestly, the prices make it feel like you’re getting away with something.
And that is the big drawcard: the cost. Despite all the high-tech gear, expert dentists, and pristine facilities, the price tag is borderline shocking—in a good way. I ended up spending around 25% of what I was quoted in Australia, and that includes flights, hotel stays, and the full treatment in Bangkok. It almost felt like a sale on dental work, with a tropical getaway thrown in for free.
So yes, it’s a bit of a process to coordinate, and you might wake up shivering in a freezing room—but in terms of value, quality, and overall experience? Hard to beat.
Final Thoughts: Worth It? Absolutely.
All up, I’m super happy with the experience. The quality of care at Bangkok International Dental Hospital was excellent, the price was unbeatable, and let’s be honest—any excuse to spend a few days in Bangkok eating mango sticky rice between dentist appointments is fine by me.
That said, a few tips for first-timers:
Plan for multiple visits. Depending on your treatment, you may need to return for follow-ups. I had to fly back just to get two crowns measured—a 30-minute appointment that ended up costing me AUD$10. Bargain? Yes. But it would’ve been nice to combine it with another reason to be in Thailand.
Be upfront about your travel dates. The staff are fantastic, but keep in mind they may assume you live locally. There are plenty of foreigners living in Thailand, so unless you clarify that you’re flying in, they might casually ask you to “pop back next week.” Um… not unless Qantas is handing out free tickets.
Understand your specific treatment timeline. Ask early on what steps are involved, and how many visits you’ll need. Some procedures require healing time, lab work, or, as in my case, a surprise return trip just to get measured. It’s better to know upfront than to play dental bingo with your calendar.
Bottom line? You can’t go wrong with the service, the savings, and the side benefit of turning your dental work into a mini-holiday. Whether you’re Bangkok-bound or heading to one of the other popular hubs like Phuket, dental tourism in Thailand is absolutely worth considering—especially if your local dentist quotes you something that sounds like a second mortgage.
Ready to Fix Your Teeth and Escape to Thailand?
If you’re considering dental work abroad, here’s everything I personally used (and would recommend to others who want to keep their smile—and wallet—intact).
Need help coordinating it all.
Try smilecation.me – they connect you with top-rated clinics and can help book everything from appointments to accommodation.