I am thinking of going to Vietnam for Dental work

So like the tittle says , I am thinking of traveling to Vietnam to have serious dental work done. I am now in the USA and we all know it is expensive here, I am only 54 years old and I have the need for the presentable smile. My local dentist started the work on me but it went terribly wrong. I lost Money and teeth that I now need to replace, I also have some broken molars and I may need a complete overhaul. I am in a low financial state and I cant afford to overpay or get taken advantage of again. Especially being a Foreigner in Vietnam and they thinking I have money to throw away. So who do you all recommend in Vietnam that is affordable and reputable? I was thinking for going for a Month if needed to have the work done. Yes I need allot of work. - @Alexandersalvia1

The cold hard truth is that there is no “magic option" available in Vietnam for people who want the best possible care AND want to pay the most affordable price.

You can have one or the other but the minute that you start making compromises on either end you will probably be dissatisfied with the total results AND/OR the cost.

I definitely have compassion for you and for what you've experienced, but the people who get the best results with dentistry in Vietnam are those who first and foremost look for the highest quality of care.

Based upon personal needs that often means a special clinic that caters to the needs of foreigners including English language spoken and English signs and a more modern presentation of the facility.

The most affordable dentistry here is available in clinics that almost never take care of a foreigner.

They are in local Vietnamese neighborhoods away from areas where foreigners tend to live or visit.

It's not that they are horrible but you will probably need a guide to go along with you and help with translation, and even then when you are in the midst of experiencing discomfort or you need a particular question answered it's going to be a very unsatisfactory experience for you.

Since you obviously don't want to go back to Cuba for your dental care I think your best option in North America is to travel to Mexico.

That will save you the airfare across the Pacific and back again.

You can also look at this other thread, but again, the minute you start haggling down on price you really are opening yourself up to substandard care.

Best of luck.

PS: For casual readers of this thread, the best dental care in Southeast Asia is generally considered to be available in Thailand.

However I know at least one Foreigner in Thailand who comes to Vietnam to get care in order to save money.

It's unclear whether the quality of care here in Vietnam is equal to that which is available in Thailand.

...The most affordable dentistry here is available in clinics that almost never take care of a foreigner.

They are in local Vietnamese neighborhoods away from areas where foreigners tend to live or visit...

- @OceanBeach92107

Timely post.

My GF and one of her girlfriends here in Phu Quoc visited a local dentist just yesterday.

This dentist caters only to locals, operating a one-man operation out of the ground floor of his home in a small hem. 

GF had X-rays, examination, novocaine injection, and filling. Cost was 400K VND (~$16 US).

Me? I go to a westerner-focused practice. Same services for me runs around 2 million VND (~$80 US). Five times the cost of a local, but still about one fifth the cost of having the same done in Canada.

Thankyou for taking the time to answer my questions

I went to Mexico and they quoted me close to 15,000 US dollars almost same price of the USA, the place was dirty and old equipment, Also the Dentist had to be called in and they couldn't answer 1/2 my questions. The recent Care that I had wasn't in Cuba it was in the USA here in Tampa FL.

I will check into Thailand

@Alexandersalvia1

Alex I have been in Vietnam (my first visit) for about 10 days. This country really is a breath of fresh air. Charming people with a level of disarming honesty that you will find difficult to match. Everything seems to work here - good infrastructure with an intuitive understanding of your requirements even though English is not widely spoken. The complete opposite( excepting Filipinos friendliness) to the Philippines a country I have been visiting for business and pleasure for many years now. That said if there is one bright spot in their level of service it is dentistry. Of course there are good and bad dentists and as previously stated in this thread go for the more expensive reputable practitioners and do your research.

I have visited Thailand on many occasions and without doubt their level of health care, particularly cosmetic, is up there with the best. A good friend of mine had his short vision sorted there and now has perfect long/short sight. No need for glasses.

Both countries worth considering. My guess is that the treatment prices will be similar.

Of course its all added expense for you but heck while there why not have a holiday. Both Thai's and Filipinos love a big smile. You can do that with confidence after the treatment

Edit: Just realised you are Cuban Alex. If there is one thing that Cuba is famous for it is its health care. They pioneered eye surgery for short sight. A certain irony there!

Thankyou for taking the time to answer my questions
I went to Mexico and they quoted me close to 15,000 US dollars almost same price of the USA, the place was dirty and old equipment, Also the Dentist had to be called in and they couldn't answer 1/2 my questions. The recent Care that I had wasn't in Cuba it was in the USA here in Tampa FL.

I will check into Thailand - @Alexandersalvia1

You seem to have a pretty good handle on the work that needs to be done. Before giving up on Vietnam, why not send an email to some of the dentists listed in our "Business directory" asking for quotes on the work needed? You might consider selecting under the "Sort By" option, "Recommandation" (sic), to see a practice's/clinic's member-recommendation score. A plus would be if you have prior written examination results from your past dental clinics, X-ray copies etc.

Best of luck, and please do let us know how this works out for you. It is, of course, a subject which comes up frequently on the forum.

(interesting suffix on your member name. wanted to try it back in Canada, but never got round to it)

Anecdotally, most Asian dental work is the same costs as most western countries.

Ive heard many favourable reports of Cuba, as being the best place outside of Canada and USA for dental work?

Always the main concern is what happens if you experience problems  once back  in your own country? Are you going to fly to Cuba for adjustments? Local Western dentists are hardly going to be sympathetic that you sought dental care overseas.

Facing huge costs for ongoing dental work, I opted for a complete extraction and full dentures, anchored with implants.

Not ideal, but satisfactory. Now one implant has failed and I can’t afford to replace it, but I’m coping. Overall savings and no toothaches for 15 years has been well worth it.

Your options are get a job with full dental plan, or dentures…?

Thank you all for your time and the feedback, I will check up on the advise from Aiden and try to communicate with some dentist.

NO I am not considering Cuba I have Family there and the Country is in Ruins and it has no resources to do much of anything. I have been in the USA since 1978.

I heard Vietnam was cheaper then Thailand and Philippines

and yes I would love to make it a Vacation.

Something I just realized is that Some of you think I am in Cuba and no, I was only born there but I been in the

USA for over 40 years and I am an American Citizen. I am sorry for the mis information

Anecdotally, most Asian dental work is the same costs as most western countries... - @Phap tri

HUH?!

Tell me, where in the west can I get full examination, X-ray (modern panoramic), anaesthetic, and a filling for ~$80?

A colleague of mine went to Chiangmai, Thailand for dental implants -- like four or five of them across the front of his bottom jaw. This was ~ 7 years ago. He paid about $1,000 per "hole". At about the same time, my aunt in

California got an estimate for dental implants that was about $4,000 per hole. I told her at the time, she could go to Thailand, stay in a 5-star hotel, have the work done, do a tour of Thailand. At four holes, the savings on just the work was $12,000, not including the hotel and tourism.

Prices have gone up since then of course. And the work in Chiangmai was done by the dean of the dental school, a US-educated dentist. My guy was really happy (and still is these years later) with the result.

Now, in California, USA, my dentist charges me $295 for a routine cleaning! That's just the hygienist, the dentist doesn't so much as talk to me, let alone look inside my mouth. I see the office twice a year, and the dentist looks in every other time.

Just sayin'

I have had considerable dental work done in Vietnam over a few years and the results have been great. I would highly recommend Global Dental in Hanoi, a very modern practice, great service and 20% of what I would be expected to pay in Ireland or the UK.

I still can't afford Thailand because it looks to be over 20,000 to 25,000 dollars if I pay 1,000 each

Ok good to know about Hanoi

I know for the work I need is going to cost allot, because I need a completely new Dental Mouth and to take out

6 broken Molars and all new implants so I may need 28 implants, I am saving up to get an inspection here and

an Actual Estimate to do all the work then I will use it to get Pricing.

I am wondering how Vietnamese are able to afford implants and Full mouth dental work when they earn so little?

...I am wondering how Vietnamese are able to afford implants and Full mouth dental work when they earn so little? - @Alexandersalvia1

They can't.

I've seen many a toothless grin here from those who've not kept up on their oral maintenance.

I spent a year in Thailand, and I can guarantee you that dental work in VN is much more affordable than it is in Thailand.

A couple of years back I had three teeth done in Saigon (teeth #'s 1-1, 2-1, and 3-1), all damaged in sporting events and/or accidents. The subpar PFM (porcelain fused to metal) caps on each were removed, replaced with titanium posts and porcelain. Total cost for all three was 18 million VND (~$700 US). This included the fitting of three temporaries while waiting for the new teeth to be made at the denturist's office, about 3 days. Top notch work.

...I am wondering how Vietnamese are able to afford implants and Full mouth dental work when they earn so little? - @Alexandersalvia1

This question strongly implies that you did not read my previous answer to you.

Looks like you're just going to keep this up until somebody makes you an unsubstantiated and highly questionable promise that your "low financial state" won't be an impediment to you getting high quality dental care at the lowest possible price as well as also handling the expenses of crossing the Pacific Ocean and paying for temporary lodging while you are here.

I'm not being angry; I'm feeling very sad for you because you are exactly the kind of person who is well-primed to be scammed out of the little money they possess.

There are a lot of things that long time expats will recommend against doing via long distance and coming to a firm agreement about quality dental care has to be very high on that list.

You really need to come here first and let at least one Vietnamese dentist or oral surgeon actually take a look inside your mouth and do the x-rays necessary to see if you even have sufficient bone mass left to allow multiple implants in your mandible and maxilla.

On the one hand you have painted the picture that your mouth is pretty much a catastrophe but on the other hand you seem to feel that a good dentist can fix it all.

You are going to get an estimate based upon what you tell the dentist you want but that's not necessarily the same thing as what the dentist can actually do with your mouth in its current condition, once they complete a physical exam.

I truly hope you don't make a desperate trip here based upon pie in the sky promises.

Good luck!

The last time witch was 6 months ago I had 3 molar extractions. I had bone mass put back in for a future

implant. And yes I plan to send a panoramic x-ray of my teeth to get a real estimate. When I get ready to go I

will make it for 1 month to make sure it is plenty of time to do it all. MY career in marketing and sales is suffering

because I don't look presentable with missing so many teeth.

The last time witch was 6 months ago I had 3 molar extractions. I had bone mass put back in for a future
implant. And yes I plan to send a panoramic x-ray of my teeth to get a real estimate. When I get ready to go I

will make it for 1 month to make sure it is plenty of time to do it all. MY career in marketing and sales is suffering

because I don't look presentable with missing so many teeth. - @Alexandersalvia1

Bone mass put back? The last two dentists with whom I've worked  (which also happen to be the 2nd best -- most recent -- and best dentists I've ever had), commented extensively on the problem of bone loss. See also OceanBeach92107's post regarding sufficient bone mass. Bone mass put back *sounds a lot like* "bone graft." Have you had a bone graft? I checked with my friend, Google, and found this from the US government's health system. Vascularized vs. non-vascularized grafts comes up, too.

I wish you, Alexandersalvia1, the best of luck with navigating what has to be a big challenge.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3815501 … f%20cases.

One thing most ‘dental tourists’ don’t consider is  post work complications. Are you prepared to return, possibly numerous times to correct, which I doubt would be free either?

I’ve read many accounts of Western dentists being unsympathetic to patients who sought cheaper dentists outside their country. I’m sure they were quite happy to charge for the treatments?

Anecdotally, I’ve found prices equivalent to the scale charge rates in Canada, but I’m willing to accept that might have changed.

I badly need implants replaced, but can’t  even afford the Vietnamese rates.

My dentures are held in with implants, one of which has failed. I would probably also need a bone graft to accept new implants.

Have you considered Dentures?

Sure eliminates toothache and less implants or none, to accommodate.

You might want to consider Cuba, dental work has great reviews, and probably closer to return if need be?

@Phap tri

Yes a good point. As stated their economy has gone from bad to worse. There are regular power outages as they simply don't have the hard currency to pay for oil imports. Perhaps the health sector would welcome medical tourists and their greenbacks? That's assuming that not all of their best Dentists have left..

@Alexandersalvia1 It really depends on how serious your needs might be. I am really surprised about your experience in USA as they have serious insurance liability. Sounds like your first visit should be to an attorney. If you sue their insurance  company then they may be obligated to put things back in order for you...Just a guess. Then no need for travel.

That said. I can personally recommend a dentist in Da Nang: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4vJ2EtbLcF5MoETp7

A female Vietnamese dentist that speaks excellent English and charges very reasonable rates. I had a root canal and crown and the whole thing was about vnd7mil. I have spoken with her at length and she is very open and honest. I have not experienced any discomfort there. For me this place is a big find as I have mostly had horrible experiences in VN with dentists both the ones that cater to expats and the locals. If you think locals just think whiskey and nitrous - primitive and not sure if they are medically trained. Starlight in Thao Dien did a horrible job on a crown for my wife that broke off in less than 2 years and they took 0 responsibility. That is a very expat oriented dentist with very high prices but say 50% less than the USA. Premier Dental is another expat oriented dentist but the dentists are all Vietnamese but charge expat level prices.

All of this said. If you are cash strapped and you need to have a month of dental care. Seems to me that your budget travel and food ALONE would be $4000 give or take a bit. You could still get a lot of good work done in USA, Canada, Mexico, and even the Caribbean (French islands have French dentists and Dutch ones have Dutch) - all more reliable and closer than VN.

Anyhow, best of luck!

@Phap tri

Lots of things have "great reviews" LOL

@Phap tri Sorry to hear about your implants failing. Are you in VN? You might want to checkout Smile Care Dental in Da Nang. They will be honest about what is needed and she does not upsell.

I ended up in court with a Lawsuit against The Dentist here in the USA, Tampa Florida that did the bad work on me.

I spent 550 dollars to sue the Dentist, and I had proof of the bad work he did on me witch I paid 8,000 dollars Cash.

Once I got to court the attorney representing the Dentist had the Judge throw out the Lawsuit because Dentist here in Florida are protected under chapter 776 and you can't law sue them and I didn't know that

I tried getting my own attorney and the cheapest quote I got was 8,000 or more

Cuba doesn't even have basic essentials for daily life.

I need Implants and allot of them now.

I still Feel Vietnam is cheaper then anyother place.

@Alexandersalvia1

I tried getting my own attorney and the cheapest quote I got was 8,000 or more

I thought that the USA invented the 'no win no fee' arrangement. If you had a strong case a lawyer would have taken it on. As it is they would have told you that under Florida Law its a non starter.

Somewhat surprised that you have Florida legislation in place that protects Dentists from being sued. Am amazed that has not been challenged in a federal court. I see that Governor Ron De Santis***. Maybe he is a qualified dentist?.. Welcome to the USA.

@Alexandersalvia1

Any reason you've not considered having your remaining teeth extracted and opting for a full set of dentures?

@Alexandersalvia1 Any reason you've not considered having your remaining teeth extracted and opting for a full set of dentures? - @Aidan in HCMC

Remember as a child Aidan Mum would say 'We're going to the dentist' and you (well at least I did) ball your eyes out.

Mum would say 'do you want to wear dentures like your grandmother?' Nuff said.

Admittedly dental work has come a long way over the last 30 years or so but personally I would prefer to hang on to my existing, or in Alex's case, whats left of them,tooshies

@Alexandersalvia1 Any reason you've not considered having your remaining teeth extracted and opting for a full set of dentures? - @Aidan in HCMC

Remember as a child Aidan Mum would say 'We're going to the dentist' and you (well at least I did) ball your eyes out. Mum would say 'do you want to wear dentures like your grandmother?' Nuff said.Admittedly dental work has come a long way over the last 30 years or so but personally I would prefer to hang on to my existing, or in Alex's case, whats left of them,tooshies - @Lotus Eater

My mom said the same thing. I guess that's why one of my siblings in Canada is a dentist.

Last year they bought a 2023 Porsche Carrera

From what little I know, today's dentures aren't your grandparent's dentures. A couple of posts to hold each rack in make them non-removable.

Remember as a child Aidan Mum would say 'We're going to the dentist' and you (well at least I did) ball your eyes out.
- @Lotus Eater

LOL!  You just reminded me of our visiting our (sadistic) childhood dentist.

His name was Dr. O'Driscoll. Of course all the kids called him Dr. Oh Drill Skull.

@Aidan in HCMC

Presumably when you return to Canada  you get a discount?

@Aidan in HCMCPresumably when you return to Canada you get a discount? - @Lotus Eater

When I lived there, 100% discount.

If I ever do go back to Canada I'll be toe-tagged and bagged, or in an urn.

@Aidan in HCMCPresumably when you return to Canada you get a discount? - @Lotus EaterWhen I lived there, 100% discount.If I ever do go back to Canada I'll be toe-tagged and bagged, or in an urn. - @Aidan in HCMC

lol. Coincidentally my cousin from Toronto (another Alex but female) came to visit me in Bath for a couple of weeks in June.  Poor soul had lost her mother, husband & brother in the space of 1 year. At 65 she still has a mortgage and what surprised me was the average wait for medical care  in Canada is the same as in the UK - 18 months.😬

The UK has free dental care but few Dentists offer this. I go private but a full 30 minute teeth clean costs me about C$140 which I think is reasonable.

A  dental crown around C$800. I don’t think my dentist drives a Porsche though🤣

As said above, you best bet by far is Mexico if you live in USA.

My brother goes to Mexico City for all dental work.

It's very professional and a quarter of what you would pay in USA.

When i lived in Saigon, I needed a crown. Went to Dentist, which was great, professional, but the Dentist told me that the problem with crowns in Vietnam was that the material came from China and there was not guarantee as to the composition of the actual materials. You may think you are getting gold and you are but mixed with possibly other heavy (bad) elements.

I waited until I was back in USA.

@Wxx3

I have a mouthful of porcelain crowns all done in Hanoi and they are perfect. Maybe your dentist had something against the Chinese, many do.

@Wxx3

Sounds like you did that a while ago or maybe that dentist only dealt with a specific vendor.

You can get about any now. And from Germany as well.

Some interesting observations and comments regarding dental work in various locations.

My take is this. Many individuals seem to swear by their own dentist. As long as the work was done without too much pain and the treatment lasted then he/she must be good. Some dentists have a favourable bedside manner but that does not necessarily make them competent. Ultimately though when ‘in Rome’ you have to go by recommendation unless you trust online reviews implicitly .

It can be a lottery.

Curious to know if any reader has had a root canal treatment. A friend of mine stated that the dentist cannot use an anaesthetic as they have to know when the nerve has been reached?😬

As said above, you best bet by far is Mexico if you live in USA.
My brother goes to Mexico City for all dental work.
It's very professional and a quarter of what you would pay in USA.
When i lived in Saigon, I needed a crown. Went to Dentist, which was great, professional, but the Dentist told me that the problem with crowns in Vietnam was that the material came from China and there was not guarantee as to the composition of the actual materials. You may think you are getting gold and you are but mixed with possibly other heavy (bad) elements.
I waited until I was back in USA. - @Wxx3

The highly regarded dentist we used in Hội An for my wife's & Bonus Daughter's crowns offered 3 quality levels.

Made in China was cheapest and made in Germany was the most expensive (can't recall what the middle option was) but I opted for the German material, based on my high regard for German products after living there for 5 years.

The difference in price was significant (3 or 4 times more, as I recall) but I opted for the best.

I think the materials used will have a lot to do with the final price.

I often see ads on FB for local Đà Nẵng dentists offering to do implants for less than ₫2 million VNĐ (less than $80 USD each) but they are undoubtedly making that offer based on using the cheapest, most-questionable materials for the implant post only, without including the added cost of the actual crown.

The wise foreigner wanting the highest quality work done should be prepared for a very significant cost increase in both the quality of the implant as well as the crown.

Add to that the possible "foreigner tax" when using a place that hasn't been previously well-recommended.

Made in China was cheapest and made in Germany was the most expensive (can't recall what the middle option was) but I opted for the German material, based on my high regard for German products after living there for 5 years.

- @OceanBeach92107

Thinking back, I'm pretty sure the middle option was either for Japanese or Korean dental appliances.

@Lotus Eater

I have had root canal treatment in Hanoi with plenty of anaesthetic.