Top Dental Tourism Destinations By Continent

The Americas

If you're from the United States or Canada, you'll probably want to look for affordable and quality dental care somewhere in the Americas. Mexicomay be most convenient to you, and dentists in border towns are already expecting you. 

That's just the tip of the iceberg. Much cheaper and very quick dental care is available all over Mexico. Prices (and sometimes quality) will vary depending on whether you choose an English-speaking dentist with a fancy clinic or a Spanish-speaking dentist working out of a home clinic.

Costa Rica is another popular dental tourism destination. Dental implants tend to be between 50 and 60 percent cheaper than in the US, and cosmetic dentistry and bridges are both less expensive there as well. What's more, a great many dentists practicing in Costa Rica are licensed by the American Dental Association, adding an additional level of confidence. 

Europe

Hungary, the country with more dentists per capita than any other country in the world, is a very popular dental tourism destination. Agencies that organize everything from your dental treatment to sight-seeing are available to dental tourists, and Budapest is a charming city that will make the pain that comes with your treatment less unpleasant. If you're from the UK, you may save over £1,000 for a dental implant this way, and rural clinics are even cheaper. 

Just south of the border, Serbia has even cheaper dental care on offer. You can expect extremely quick dentistry and skilled dental surgeons. Do be aware that you will almost always have to attend a separate X-ray facility. You get what you pay for — don't go to the cheapest dentist you can find. This will inevitably be an 80-year old who offers spirits instead of instead of anesthesia.

Asia

Thailand, one of Asia's most popular tourist destinations in general, is also famous for its medical tourism. Many people go to get cosmetic surgery here, with varying results. Dentistry will give you similar mixed results, but there are indeed many excellent dental clinics in Thailand. Your key is to know people who live locally and can give you reliable recommendations. Dental treatments that would cost you four digits in the US will cost you three digits in Thailand. 

India is, for many people, the ultimate dream destination. Besides its extremely rich history and many cultures, India also offers highly-skilled medical professionals, including in the dental field. At reputable dental clinics, the best possible dental implants currently go for US$700, while zirconia crowns cost US$200.

General Tips For Dental Tourists

The above countries are very far from the only good options for dental tourists; they just give you some idea of what you might expect if you are hoping to travel abroad for dental treatment. It is important to keep in mind that dental treatment in other countries does come with risks.

See Also: The Shocking Truth about Dentists: They Over-treat

Here are some questions you can look into before deciding to have dental treatment in a particular country, and at a particular clinic:

• Is the dentist licensed with a dental association? What exactly are their credentials?
• What are the hygienic conditions at the clinic like?
• What will happen if you suffer complications? Will your dentist provide corrections free of charge?
• If you need to complain, is there any recourse?