Regular dental care doesn’t just ensure that you have a bright and beautiful smile, it also helps prevent potential health risks that stem from poor oral health including heart disease, respiratory conditions, and rheumatoid arthritis.

As an expat in the Land of Smiles, finding the right dentist can be hard despite the country’s medical tourism reputation. In this guide, I will go through the ins-and-outs of dental care in Thailand and how you can find the right dentist.

Importance of dental care

Proper dental care is important for maintaining optimal oral health which is integral to holistic health. Poor oral health can have significant consequences, increasing your risks to heart diseases and respiratory conditions.

Regular dental examinations can not only improve personal hygiene but also fix any discomfort you may experience in your teeth and oral cavity. Regular visits to your dentist is the best preventative care.

Finding the right dentist

Whilst Thailand is known for its medical tourism, finding the right dentist can still be a challenge. In Thailand, there are several dental care options you can choose from including dental hospitals, private clinics, and branded dental clinics. Each option comes with its own pros and cons.

Dental hospitals

Dental Hospitals are dental services that are provided in both government and private hospitals. The price and quality can vary depending on the hospital and the dental service.

Dental schools

Whilst the quality of the services in dental schools can be lower than the other options, they are the most cost-effective option you can get in Thailand. 

Private clinics

Private clinics can be found in convenient locations from along the streets to inside shopping malls. These clinics typically cater to more routine procedures but there are some that can also handle more complex procedures.

Branded clinics

These institutes are generally more expensive but provide better service and have superior facilities as well as state-of-the-art equipment. Branded clinics are preferred by expats and medical tourists due to the quality of service.

Secure the right dental insurance for your needs

As an expat in Thailand, securing comprehensive dental insurance is one of the best ways to access quality dental care services without having to pay out-of-pocket. 

There are two kinds of dental coverage in Thailand, routine dental treatment and major dental treatment. As the name suggests, routine dental treatments cover services that are common in routine check ups.

Major dental treatments cover complicated procedures like wisdom teeth removal as well as other orthodontic treatments. It is important to take note that major dental treatment plans may not cover the full cost of all the treatments. More expensive procedures such as orthodontic treatments typically have co-payment conditions.

What this means is that you are required to pay a portion of the costs before you can submit the claim to your insurer. Make sure to check with your insurer before undergoing these procedures.

Routine Dental Treatments

• Routine teeth cleaning

• Dental check-ups

• Consultations

• Simple fillings

• Tooth extraction

• Root canals

• X-rays

• Emergency operations

Major Dental Treatments

• Wisdom teeth removal

• Orthodontic treatment (e.g., braces)

• Bridgework and repairs

• Gingivitis and periodontitis treatment

• Denture repair and replacement

• Membrane treatment and root scaling

When securing dental insurance it is important to weigh your needs and budget to find the perfect plan that covers everything you need. Be sure to keep in mind that dental insurance plans often come with waiting periods of up to 12 months. 

If you are looking to secure dental insurance or health insurance in Thailand, feel free to email me at ajarn@pacificprime.co.th to learn more or contact my team at Pacific Prime Thailand today!