The safety and quality of dental treatments in Thailand

Image via Edwin Tan via iStock

“Is it safe to get dental treatment in Thailand?” is perhaps one of the most frequently asked questions among those planning to seek dental care in the country.

It’s a valid question. You’re travelling across the world because you’ve heard that millions of people are doing it to get affordable yet high-quality dental care, so naturally, you want the best.

The short answer to the question is: yes, dental treatment in Thailand is safe. While it might sound almost too good to be true, Thailand’s reputation for safe, world-class dental care is well-deserved.

As with any country, the trick to getting the best results lies in thorough research and partnering with a trusted expert, such as Allied Health (Thailand), a medical tourism company led by Lt. Col. Dr. Chockchai Suwanakijboriharn M.D that serves tourists, expats, and locals.

Are the dental clinics in Thailand modern and hygienic?

It’s normal to be sceptical about dental clinics in a foreign country, but Thailand is popular for a reason. The number of dental clinics that meet international healthcare standards and hold accreditation from organisations like the Joint Commission International (JCI) is significant in cities like Bangkok or Phuket.

Forget outdated equipment and cramped waiting rooms. When you walk into top dental clinics in Thailand, you’ll find advanced equipment, comfortable facilities, and strict hygiene protocols. Some of these clinics often feel more like luxury wellness centres than traditional dental offices.

According to Allied Health (Thailand), cutting-edge technologies, such as digital X-rays, 3D imaging, and computer-assisted design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems, have become the standard in top dental clinics around the country. Therefore, you can be sure to receive accurate diagnoses and precisely crafted treatments.

In fact, you can find the newest advancements in dental technology in Thailand. Take same-day implants, for example. Once, you’d need to wait months after an implant before getting your crown. But now, some Thai clinics can fit your implant and crown in just one day, whether it’s a single tooth or a full-mouth restoration.

What about the quality of the materials?

Conference of two doctors over tooth implants in the meeting room
Image by gpointstudio via iStock

Affordable dental treatments don’t always translate to low-quality materials. Dental clinics in Thailand maintain high standards through stringent regulations and licensing requirements enforced by the Dental Council of Thailand.

As long as you go to a good and certified dental clinic, there’s no need to worry about veneers chipping after a month or crowns failing prematurely. They use internationally recognised brands, similar to those used in top dental clinics in Europe and North America, for all of the dental treatments they offer.

For example, many clinics offer dental implants using established brands like Straumann and Nobel Biocare. However, alternatives that are just as good are also available.

Are the dentists qualified?

Thai dentists are highly qualified and respected for their expertise on the global stage, and Allied Health (Thailand) only partners with dentists who are specialists and hold recognised qualifications in their respective fields. Rest assured that you will receive care from highly experienced professionals who stay updated on the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques.

“A lot of Thai dentists graduated from renowned universities overseas, like the USA and Europe. I would say that we [dentists] know not only the US dentistry, but also European dentistry and Japanese dentistry,” Asst. Prof. Dr Pakawat Chatriyanuyoke, D.D.S., part of the Allied Health (Thailand) team, told The Thaiger.

Thailand has its own leading dental schools as well, such as Mahidol University and Chulalongkorn University. These universities are known for producing highly skilled dental professionals who meet international standards.

Specialists in fields such as orthodontics, implantology, and cosmetic dentistry often pursue additional certifications internationally. That’s why you can find many dentists in Thailand who have membership and accreditation from organisations like the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI), and the European Association for Osseointegration (EAO).

In addition to formal education, the best Thai dentists regularly participate in global dental conferences and workshops to refine their skills. They’re also popular for their gentle approach and patient-centred care. They take the time to make sure you feel comfortable throughout the treatment process, be it a routine cleaning or a complex full-mouth reconstruction.

How much can you actually save?

Smiling woman getting her teeth checked by African American dentist at dental clinic in Thailand
Image by Drazen Zigic via iStock

If the quality’s just as good, how much can you actually save? And won’t travel costs cancel out any savings?

Here’s the thing, dental treatments in Thailand can cost up to 70% less than in Western countries. That’s right, even with the care that matches or often exceeds international standards, the savings are significant.

To put things into perspective, an all-on-4 dental implant in Thailand through Allied Health (Thailand) starts from $6,900 per arch. That price covers everything, including X-rays, CT scans, bone grafting, teeth extractions, a stay at a 4-star hotel, and even airport-to-clinic transfers.

Now compare that to the US, where the same procedure starts at around $12,000 per arch. And that’s just for the treatment itself. Extras like scans and accommodations? Those are all separate costs.

So, even when you factor in flights and accommodation, you’re still saving thousands of dollars on comprehensive care. And since Allied Health (Thailand) offers their services for free, you won’t need to set aside extra money to find the best clinics and dentists.

For many, the savings are so significant that they can combine their dental care with a holiday.

If dental treatment in Thailand is so good, why are there horror stories?

Like with any medical procedure worldwide, you may come across horror stories about dental treatments gone wrong, including in Thailand.

Some people are just plain unlucky, but more often than not, those horror stories stem from skipping proper research or falling for offers that seem too good to be true.

Remember, you’ll find bad dentists and good dentists anywhere you go in the world. Unfortunately, some clinics cut corners when it comes to hygiene, safety, and quality. Plus, with Thailand’s global popularity for dental treatment, there are always a few people trying to make a quick profit off unsuspecting patients.

The best way to avoid becoming the main character of a dental horror story is to work with a trusted medical tourism agency company like Allied Health (Thailand). Whether you’re a dental tourist, an expat, or a local, they make your research easier and foolproof.

Allied Health (Thailand) is led by a practising doctor, Lt. Col. Dr. Chokchai Suwanakijboriharn. With his years of experience in Thailand’s healthcare system, Dr. Chokchai and his team know exactly how to separate excellent clinics from the rest. Therefore, they only partner with dental clinics that meet strict safety and hygiene standards and are staffed by highly skilled professionals.

With their free service, Allied Health (Thailand) does the legwork for you, from finding the right dentists and presenting treatment options to providing a second medical opinion and booking your appointment.

Still, you have complete control. You’re the one who decides which clinic and dentist feel right for you. They simply give you a carefully vetted list of top-tier options, so whichever you choose, you’ll know you’re in safe hands.

If you’re interested in Allied Health (Thailand) services, you can contact them via WhatsApp at +66 64-141-6198 and email info@alliedhealth.co.th or visit their website.

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Cita Catellya

Cita Catellya is a journalist and writer who covers a range of topics from medical and property to leisure and tourism. Her career began as a copywriter 5 years ago, where she worked with several brands in Indonesia to help them increase their online presence. Cita writes in both English and her native Bahasa Indonesia

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