How to Find the Best Dentist in Bangkok: Clinics, Prices, and More

After over a decade living in Bangkok, I’ve learned that dental care here isn’t just affordable, it’s world-class — if you pick the right clinic. 

But for many expats, finding the right dentist can feel overwhelming. After all, you have many options. You can pick from modern clinics that cater to medical tourists to small practices in local neighborhoods. You also sometimes have to contend with language barriers.

That said, by the end of this guide you’ll know how to find a dentist who meets your needs and fits within your budget. Plus you’ll know exactly what to expect when visiting a dental clinic in Bangkok for the first time.

If you’d rather skip this article and get personal advice on which dental clinic you should visit, fill out the form down at the bottom of this guide.

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Why Go to a Dentist in Bangkok?

I’ve visited six different dental clinics in Bangkok over the last 11 years of living here. Most dentists have been professional, trustworthy, caring, thorough, and well qualified. 

In fact, I’ve never left a dental clinic in Bangkok worrying that I paid too much for the procedure or feeling like I didn’t get quality treatment.

That said, here are some other reasons why you should visit a dentist in Bangkok.

• Treatment quality: Dentists in Bangkok are internationally qualified. After graduating, many of them study in countries like America, Germany, England, and Australia. Most of them also speak good English.
• Facilities: Dentists in Bangkok work in clean clinics with safe and modern equipment. Sometimes, facilities are better than those in your home country.
• Prices: The cost of dental care in Bangkok is affordable and more than twice as inexpensive as in the West. I paid only THB8,000 (US$235) for a root canal in Bangkok. If I had the procedure done in the States, I’d pay at least US$1,200.
• Treatment options: You can find all types of dental treatments here, from routine checkups to implants.
• Availability: There are many excellent dentists throughout Bangkok. It’s even possible to walk in and receive treatment on the same day.

Some doctors and nurses in Europe, America, and Australia even make it a point to get their dental treatment done while they vacation in Thailand.

If you see a dentist in Bangkok, you’ll be in good hands as long as you go to a legit clinic. And that’s exactly what this guide will help you with.

Types of Dentists

You have two choices for dentists in Bangkok: 

• General dentists
• Specialists

Often, if you visit a clinic for the first time without an appointment, you will see a general dentist. But if you contact the clinic in advance, you might see a specialist on your first visit.

Seeing a dental specialist usually costs more. But, because they have more experience, you might get better dental treatment and recover faster.

General Dentists

In Thailand, general dentists study for four years in a dental school. After that, they spend another two years training in a hospital to get their dental license.

General dentists can treat your teeth for:

• Cleanings
• Fillings
• Removals
• Checkups

Some general dentists can also take care of complex procedures like braces, crowns, root canals, and so on.

But if you want to play it safe it’s better to see a dentist who specializes in these procedures.

You can find general dentists in Bangkok at small clinics, large international centers, and hospitals.

Specialists

General dentists who spend another one-to-three years studying a specific dental field at dental schools become specialists.

Aside from their extra years of study, specialists deal with more complex procedures than general dentists.

For example, an endodontist might perform over 20 root canals a week. But a general dentist might see two of those cases in a week.

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You can find all type of specialists in Bangkok including: 

• Aesthetic dentists (crowns, whitening, veneers)
• Endodontists (root canal)
• Implantologists (teeth implants)
• Oral surgeons (oral surgery)
• Orthodontists (braces, retainers)
• Periodontists (periodontal disease and oral inflammation)
• Prosthodontists (replacing teeth)

In Bangkok, dental specialists work out of larger clinics and dental hospitals. Small clinics might have one or two specialists. 

Bangkok Dentist Qualifications and Licenses

All dentists in Thailand go through a rigorous education and training regime to become licensed by the Dental Council of Thailand.

In fact, according to Chulalongkorn University, it takes six years to finish a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program. Future dentists spend their first three years focusing on foundational sciences and preclinical studies. The next three years they go through clinical training and get hands-on patient experience. 

This aligns with the standard for dental education in Thailand, which the Dental Council of Thailand outlines.

If you want to know if your dentist is qualified, look for their dentist license. By law, they must hang it in the waiting room of their clinic.  

But if you really want to know, you can check the Dental Council of Thailand’s website for more information. You can find out if the dentist has a license by entering their first and last names. 

Language Barriers

Language barriers might concern you when visiting a dentist in Bangkok, but in most cases, dentists here can speak English. I’ve never had an issue communicating in English with my dentists.

Their level of English may vary depending on how often they treat non-Thais or what clinic they work in, but they can speak some English.

You have to remember, it takes a lot of schooling to become a dentist in Thailand. Because of this higher level of education, you can expect better English skills.

That said, if you are worried about language barriers, you can always bring someone with you who speaks Thai.   

Dental Treatment You Can Get in Bangkok 

You can get all kinds of dental treatment in Bangkok, from tooth extractions to implants.

But not all clinics can handle every treatment. Small clinics may only provide common treatments like teeth cleanings, tooth fillings, and extractions. 

For more complicated procedures, it’s best to find a good clinic that specializes in the specific treatment.

Below you’ll find a list of dental treatments you can get in Bangkok. Some of these treatments I’ve had. Others, friends of mine have had. Either way, I provide as much personal experience as possible in each section.

Tooth Extractions, Tooth Fillings, and Teeth Cleanings

You can get tooth extractions at any dental clinic in Bangkok because it’s such a simple procedure. 

At local clinics, you can just walk in and ask them for an extraction without having to make an appointment. For larger hospitals, you’ll need an appointment. 

Good to know: My neighbor Jim from Austria just had a tooth pulled from a local dentist around the Lasalle neighborhood of Bangkok. He said the process took less than 30 minutes and cost him THB1,900 ($56). Compare that with tooth extraction prices of US$1,500 in NYC. 

Root Canals

I know all too well about root canals, having had my first-ever procedure done in Bangkok in 2024. But I have to say, the process was not as painful as I thought it would. In fact, I felt nothing throughout both treatments.

I had my root canal done in two stages. First, the dentist cleaned out my existing root, applied antibiotics to the area, and put in a temporary filling. Next, a few weeks later, the dentist removed the temporary filling and antibiotics. Then he added a permanent filling.

He also recommended that I get a crown while I was at it. The dentist said after the root canal, my tooth could break, especially if I ate hard foods. But I opted to skip the procedure for now. So far, so good.

For the entire procedure, I paid only THB8,000 (US$235). I’d consider that an affordable root canal in Bangkok.

Good to know: Keep in mind that in many cases you can’t get a root canal on the spot. You have to make an appointment for this kind of procedure. But if you’re in a lot of pain, the dentist can prescribe you painkillers to get you by until your appointment.

Veneers

The most common material for a direct veneer in Bangkok is composite resin. You can get this done at any dentist in Bangkok. The whole procedure should take less than 30 minutes.

Indirect veneers are mainly available at modern dental clinics and hospitals. You can do both porcelain veneers and ceramic veneers there.

You need to visit a dental clinic at least twice for an indirect veneer.

On the first visit, the dentist will clean your teeth and make initial preparations for your veneer.

If the clinic is modern, they can do the process digitally, which will be more comfortable. Then, the dentist will apply the veneer on your second visit.

Porcelain veneers may come with a one-year guarantee. If the veneer breaks within this period, you can get it fixed for free, within reason. Normally, a porcelain veneer should last many years, up to 10 years or longer.

Dental Implants

Have a missing tooth? You can get dental implants in Thailand, whether it’s a single tooth, molar or even an entire mouth.

ITI Straumann is a popular dental implant system in Thailand. It is also the world-leading dental implant company, and its implant systems have been widely used throughout the world, including in the U.S., the U.K., and Australia.

When getting a dental implant in Bangkok, depending on your condition and the clinic you choose, you may be able to get an immediate implant on the same day. Alternatively, you can opt for a full implant procedure, which typically requires at least two dental visits over a six-month period.

My neighbors recently had a dental implant done at a local clinic and he paid THB45,000 for one implant over multiple sessions.   

Tip: Dental implants are a long and complicated process because once they put the stem in the bone, it takes a few months for the bone to grow around the implant. If you decide to do it, it’s better to go to a good dental clinic. They have modern equipment and implantologists on board.

Find out more: The Complete Guide to Getting Dental Implants in Thailand

Braces

You can pick between five types of braces in Bangkok: 

• Metal
• Ceramic
• Damon
• Lingual
• Invisalign
• Brava by Bruis

Local clinics might only provide metal and ceramic braces. So if you’re interested in other types of braces, such as Invisalign, you need to visit a larger clinic.

You can read more about these treatments and options in our in-depth guide to braces in Bangkok.

Crowns

You can do both full and partial crowns at any dental clinic in Bangkok. The most popular materials for crowning are gold, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), porcelain, and ceramic.

To get dental crown treatment, you need to visit the dentist at least twice. 

The first time is for evaluating, cleaning, and preparing your crowns. During this visit, you will get a temporary crown. The second visit is to put the permanent crown in. After that, you may need follow-up visits for additional adjustments and re-checks.

Teeth Whitening in Bangkok

Teeth whitening treatments are the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatment in Bangkok. It can improve the appearance of one’s smile by removing or reducing discoloration, stains, or yellowing of the teeth.

This procedure is usually performed by a dentist, but home-bleaching kits are also available at dental clinics. 

Popular teeth whitening options and systems in Bangkok include laser teeth whitening, Philips Zoom WhiteSpeed, and POLA tooth whitening. 

The overall treatment takes less than an hour and costs between THB7,000 and THB12,000 in Bangkok. Home-bleaching kits are around THB5,000 per kit, depending on the brand.

That said, local clinics do sometimes run specials where you can get teeth whitening for under THB2,000, and the session lasts about 45 minutes.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Want to fix broken teeth? Reshape a front tooth? Straighten your teeth? Whiten them? Or increase your confidence in your smile?

Dental clinics in Bangkok provide a full range of cosmetic dentistry.

Many clinics, especially bigger, more popular ones, are very well-equipped and have cosmetic dentists on board. They can help you with any issues you have preventing you from smiling brightly.

Learn more: Cosmetic Dentistry in Thailand: Overview, Types of Treatments, & Costs

Sedation

Sedation dental treatments are procedures in which a patient is given medication to help them relax and manage anxiety. The goal is to help the patient feel comfortable and calm, allowing the dentist to complete the necessary work.

It’s commonly used for root canals, dental implants, and tooth extraction treatments, but you can request it if you have dental phobia or severe gag reflexes. 

There are different types and levels of sedation, including oral sedation, inhaled sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. The most common ones found in Bangkok are oral sedation, where you take a pill about an hour before your treatment, and inhaled sedation, where you breathe in nitrous oxide known as laughing gas.

Prices start around THB2,500 for mild oral and inhaled sedations. Only big dental clinics can provide sedation dentistry. One of them is BIDH.

Best Dentist in Bangkok 

In my experience, for general treatments such as teeth cleaning and filling, you can visit any dental clinic you find on the street as long as it looks legit. 

When it comes to more complicated treatments as seen below, you should consider other factors such as the dentists’ qualifications and experience, the clinic’s reputation, and the types of services and treatments offered.

• Root canals
• Braces
• Teeth whitening
• Dental implants
• Jaw surgery

In case you are not sure which clinic you should go, just fill out this form to get in touch with us.

Below is a list of leading dental clinics in Thailand where you can find the best dentists. They are separated into four types:

Brand Name Clinics

I’ve been to both local and brand name clinics. If it was up to me, I’d recommend sticking with a brand name dental clinic in Bangkok for various reasons even though it does come at a higher price.

• They tend to use well-known international brands and equipment and offer quality and expert treatment.
• They also offer more specialized services.

That said, these clinics below are popular with expats who want the best treatment possible. 

Bangkok International Dental Center (BIDC)

BIDC is one of Thailand’s largest and most popular dental clinics. Its headquarters is a seven-story building near the Thailand Cultural Center in Ratchada. To be honest, it’s the biggest dental clinic I’ve seen in Thailand. 

Whenever anyone asks which clinic they should go to in Bangkok, BIDC is my first suggestion.

Here’s why:

• More dental services: At BIDC, you can get a wide range of dental services, including teeth cleaning, whitening, braces, and dental implants, all at international standards.
• Qualified dentists: Most of the dentists at BIDC have trained overseas and hold dental certifications from the U.S., Australia, or Europe. It’s also good to know that BIDC’s dentists are so respected that they are picked to teach new dentists in Thailand.
• English skills: The staff and dentists can speak English. This makes it easy to explain your issues and communicate with the dentist during treatment. 
• New facilities: BIDC has over 20 treatment rooms and modern dental facilities. This means you don’t have to wait long to see a dentist.
• Prices: While it’s not the cheapest option, you get quality dental treatment from specialists in the newest facilities. Also, the price is on par with other leading dental clinics in Thailand.
• Convenient place to stay: BIDC’s Ratchada branch features a 30-room hotel within the dental center. This is ideal if you’re undergoing complex treatments like dental implants. Additionally, restaurants, cafes, and banks are available on the first floor of BIDC.
• Easy to get to: You can get to BIDC by MRT or you can drive and park on site. BIDC also has clinics in the Siam Paragon and Emquartier shopping malls.
• Accreditations and certifications: BIDC is accredited by leading organizations such as the Joint Commission International (JCI), the International Team for Implantology, and the International Standard Organization (ISO).

For these reasons, this is the only dental clinic in Bangkok that ExpatDen’s founder, Karsten, has been going to.

You can book an online appointment with them through this form and get a free dental checkup.

Learn more: BIDC Review: Why It is My Go-To Dental Clinic in Bangkok

Bangkok International Dental Hospital (BIDH)

Bangkok International Dental Hospital (BIDH) uses the same safety standards as hospitals in Thailand. It was also the first licensed dental hospital in the country. You truly get the feeling like you’re at a private hospital when you enter BIDH.

Here’s what makes BIDH stand out from other dental clinics.

• Operating room: BIDH is the only dental hospital in Bangkok to have an operating room for major treatments like jaw surgery.
• Sedation dentistry: BIDH separates itself from other clinics with its sedation dentistry. This method significantly lowers the pain and/or anxiety you might feel during treatment. For this reason, if you get anxious about visiting a dentist you should go to BIDH.
• Qualified specialists: While BIDH can be more expensive than other dental clinics, many of its specialists graduated abroad and are professors and lecturers at many of the top dental schools in Thailand.
• On-site dental laboratory: BIDH is one of the few dental hospitals in Thailand with an on-site laboratory. This allows them to create custom abutments for dental implants and produce exact shade choices for veneers and crowns on the spot.
• Less wait times: The on-site dental lab at BIDH also cuts treatment time by days compared to other clinics that send work to third-party labs.
• Technology: BIDH uses the most up-to-date and advanced dental technology, such as Digital Smile Customization. This shows you what your treatment will look like ahead of time so you’re happy with the outcome.
• Award-winning dental hospital: BIDH has earned awards for the Best Cosmetic Dental Center in Thailand and Best Dental Hospital of the Year in Asia Pacific at the Global Health and Travel Awards multiple times.

If you get anxious about visiting the dentist, I recommend BIDH due to their sedation dentistry. This will help lower your anxiety. You can book an appointment with them directly with this form. 

Learn more: Bangkok International Dental Hospital Review: Why You Should Visit

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Smile Signature Dental Clinic

Smile Signature is an affordable dental clinic chain in Bangkok. It has many locations throughout Bangkok, most of which are in shopping malls and community centers. 

• Low costs: Although its clinics are smaller than some other well-known clinics, Smile Signature is affordable yet still offers quality care and service.
• Cosmetic dentistry: Smile Signature is one of Thailand’s top smile makeover dental centers. It specializes in cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers, dental crowns, and composite fillings.
• Convenient locations: More than half of Smile Signature’s clinics are a few minutes’ walk from an MRT or BTS station, and they are open seven days a week.
• English skills: Most of the staff and dentists at Smile Signature can speak English. But I recommend you visit the Ratchada or Siam Square locations. These places are used to treating expats.
• English-speaking dentists: You can always call or email Smile Signature to request an English-speaking dentist.

You can get a wide range of dental treatments at Smile Signature, all of which will be performed by qualified and internationally trained dentists for a low cost. 

Some of its more popular branches are near Siam Square, Sukhumvit, Ratchada, Phahon Yothin, and Onnut.

You can book an appointment in advance with this link to request an English-speaking dentist.

Bangkok Smile Dental Clinic

Bangkok Smile is part of the Dr. Paulo Malo Global Network. This international network of dental clinics focus on the Malo Dental care techniques.

Bangkok Smile has five dental clinics around its downtown area. All of them are near shopping malls, hotels, and BTS stations. 

But its flagship location on Sukhumvit 5 is the only one you can visit to get Malo dental techniques such as one-day implants. 

It also has its own in-house dental laboratory to produce custom crowns, dentures, night guards, and more. Because of this, its crowns and implant devices are priced slightly less than its competitors. 

You can also find a complete range of dental treatment here, including treatment for halitosis or chronic bad breath, at its TheraBreath clinic. 

Thantakit International Dental Center

Thantakit Dental Center has been around since 1945. This makes it one of the more established dental clinics in Thailand. Many expats from the U.S., U.K., and Australia some here for medical tourism. 

Many of these expats say that Thantakit is very thorough and reliable when it comes to planning your dental treatment. 

There are currently two clinics in central Bangkok. Thanakit’s main clinic is in Huai Kwang. 

If you need restorative dentistry services, such as dental implants, veneers, and root canals, you should visit this location. 

It operates a smaller clinic in the All Seasons Place commercial plaza. You can get quick consultations and general dental work done here. 

Keep in mind though that prices at Thantakit are among the highest in all of Thailand. 

Privately Owned Dental Clinics

You can find privately owned dental clinics on the streets and inside malls of Bangkok. They are usually owned by one dentist but could have a few dentists working there.

Dentists at privately owned clinics can handle general procedures and do complex treatments depending on the dentist and the equipment.

Facilities and quality at privately-owned clinics vary. You might find private clinics with basic equipment or similar facilities to brand-name clinics.

As for prices, you might get a quote of THB5,000 for wisdom tooth removal from one clinic and a quote of THB2,000 from another.

Tip: If you choose a privately owned clinic, check customer feedback. You can also visit for a simple procedure, such as a cleaning, to determine whether you’d want to return for more complicated treatment.

Dental Schools

Getting dental treatments done at dental schools can save you money because rates are typically 50 percent lower than private or brand name clinics. But they might not always be the best choice. Here are some pros and cons of using a dental school.

Pros

• Most dental cases are handled by student dentists, but they will be supervised by experienced dentists or instructors.
• Both expats and Thais can get treatment at dental schools in Thailand. 
• It’s a great option if you want to save money.

Cons

• Making an appointment is tough because you must either visit the dentist school in person or call. 
• You might have to wait longer to see a dentist when compared to wait times for standard dentists in Bangkok.
• Although receptionists can speak some English, you might need a Thai translator or a Thai-speaking friend to book for you (if you can’t speak Thai).

In general, I don’t recommend dental schools for expats, as they are primarily for Thais. But I’ve provided you with the info just in case you’re interested. In the end, if you want professional dental work, you should go to a clinic.

Chulalongkorn University (Chula) 

Chulalongkorn Dental School is a leading dental institution in Thailand located in downtown Bangkok. It has a student dental clinic and a special dental clinic. 

The student clinic provides dental services done by student dentists under the supervision of an instructor. Costs are low, but not all treatment options are available. It operates Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM.

Chula Special Dental Clinic 

The special dental clinic in Chula is a full-service clinic. They can do dental implants, crowns, and orthodontic work. 

The costs are significantly more than the student clinics and on par with private clinics. You can see their price list here. It’s open seven days a week.

Mahidol University (MU)

Mahidol Dental Hospital is another well-known dental school in Thailand with two locations – Phayathai and Salaya. Similar to Chula Dental, it has a student clinic and special clinic. 

The Phayathai location includes nine floors of dental services that offer a variety of dental treatments comparable to those found at BIDC, except cosmetic dentistry. 

Srinakharinwirot University (SWU)

SWU is one of the top public dental schools in Thailand. It offers dental services treated by undergraduates, graduate students, and dental professionals at different price ranges. 

A standard root canal at SWU would cost roughly THB1,000 for an undergraduate, THB4,000 for a graduate student, and THB8,000 for a specialist. 

Its treatment options are not as extensive as those of Chula or Mahidol, but SWU does offer dental implants, tooth extractions, and general dental care.

SWU is conveniently located near MRT Petchaburi.

Hospitals

You can also see a dentist at government and private hospitals in Bangkok. Facilities, qualities, and prices depend on each hospital.

If you go to a government hospital, prepare to wait a long time to see the dentist. We know someone who waited two years to get his jaw fixed.

Going to a private hospital for dental work isn’t the most popular method either, since private hospitals charge for nurses’ and hospital fees.

Bangkok Hospital is known for dental treatment. However, in our opinion, it’s more convenient to go to a leading clinic such as BIDC. You pay less and get similar quality of treatment. 

In Bangkok and also other parts of Thailand, you should go to the hospital if you get sick or injured or to get a health checkup, but not for dental work.

Prices

The cost of seeing a dentist in Bangkok depends on:

• Which clinic you go to: A top dental clinic will cost more than a private clinic because these clinics typically have better facilities and only hire experienced dentists.
• Facilities provided at the clinic: More facilities often mean higher prices.
• Dentist’s expertise: Experienced dentists are likely to charge more than less experienced ones.
• The complexity of your case: A clinic might charge THB1,200 to pull out a tooth, but the same clinic might charge someone else only THB800 for the same procedure if their case is less complex.

You can find the estimated costs of dental work for various dental clinics in the table below. Prices are in Thai Baht per tooth.

Clinic	Tooth Removal (THB)	Teeth Whitening (THB)	Crowns (THB)	Implants (Single Implant) (THB)
Local Clinic	800 – 1,500	8,000	10,000 – 13,000	45,000 – 70,000
Smile Signature	1,200 – 1,800	9,500	13,000 – 14,000	49,000 – 85,000
BIDC	1,300 – 2,000	9,500	13,000 – 25,000	35,000 – 70,000
BIDH	1,300 – 2,000	9,500	13,000 – 25,000	35,000 – 70,000
Thantakit	1,500 – 2,500	10,000	15,000 – 25,000	55,000 – 85,000
Bangkok Smile	1,500 – 2,500	7,500 – 9,000	11,000 – 15,000	55,000 – 85,000
CU Dental School	100 – 2,000	n/a	1,900 – 20,500	75,000

Emergency Dental Care in Bangkok

As a father of two children, I’ve had my fair share of emergencies — one of them being a dental emergency. 

One day, my daughter decided to chew on ice, knocking out what I thought was one of her permanent teeth. With her bleeding from the mouth and me worried that she’d lost a grown-up tooth, we put the tooth on ice hoping to save the nerve and ran to our local private hospital. 

I imagined they’d somehow get the tooth back into her gum. But unfortunately, the hospital had no dentist on call. So we were told to come back the next day. Later that night, I realized she had a tooth growing in behind the one that fell out, so it was no emergency at all. 

But if you’re experiencing a real dental emergency in Bangkok, you can get treatment 24 hours a day at the following places:

• Bangkok International Dental Hospital
• Dental Hospital Bangkok
• Bumrungrad International Hospital Dental Center

Getting Dental Insurance Coverage

You can get coverage for dental work through either Thailand’s Social Security system or insurance.

Let’s take a look at both options and how they could cut the cost of your dental work.

Social Security

If you work legally in Thailand, you’re entitled to Social Security benefits. You get dental coverage with these annual limits per treatment:

• THB900 for tooth removal, filling, and cleaning combined
• THB1,500 for prosthodontic treatment of a few teeth
• THB4,400 for prosthodontic treatment of all teeth

Although the coverage doesn’t amount to much, consider it a freebie from the Social Security taxes you pay every month.

Social Security set up direct billing with thousands of dental clinics in Thailand.

If you get dental work done at these clinics, you don’t need to pay anything upfront as long as the price is under the coverage limit that we mentioned above.

There is no official list of these clinics anywhere. Clinics with the direct billing system set up normally have Social Security stickers and logos followed by the Thai memo:

“สถานพยาบาลแห่งนี้ให้บริการผู้ประกันตนกรณีทันตกรรม ทำฟัน ไม่ต้องสำรองจ่าย”

or:

“This clinic is under Social Security. You can get dental coverage without having to make an advanced payment.”

If a clinic doesn’t have a direct billing system, you can hand in your claim at any Social Security office up to two years after you get dental treatment.

You need to bring these documents:

• SSO dental coverage form (สปส.2–16)*
• Medical certificate
• Receipt
• Signed copy of your passport
• Copy of the first page of your bank account passbook**

*Provided by the dental clinic.

**Not required if you’re reimbursed in cash.

You can also give power of attorney to someone you trust, like a human resources officer in your company, and ask them to make a claim for you.

In my case, I just go to a clinic partnered with the SSO. It’s a hassle-free process.

Find out more: The Complete Overview to Social Security in Thailand for Foreigners

Health Insurance

Dental coverage provided by health insurance varies greatly between plans and providers.

In general, dental coverage is typically available only as an additional option, requiring an extra payment to obtain. It primarily covers preventative care, such as cleanings and check-ups, or emergency treatment.

For example, if you have an accident that results in a broken tooth, your health insurance may cover the cost. However, if you want to get a dental implant, health insurance may not cover it.

Again, coverage heavily depends on the specific plan and provider. Read our guide to health insurance in Thailand to find out more.

Dental Insurance

If you plan to visit a dentist regularly for routine check-ups, you might want to look into dental insurance.

It comes with coverage for general dental treatments, including cleanings, tooth extractions, fillings, and root canals.

You can also make claims for dental treatment expenses caused by accidents.

However, dental insurance comes with a 65-day waiting period. And it doesn’t cover cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, or braces. 

Dental insurance can be bought from CheckDi.

In addition to dental insurance most insurance companies offer dental coverage as an add-on. But you might have to wait nine to 24 months before you can use your dental coverage.

The dental coverage from private insurance works like Social Security coverage but you get a higher limit and coverage for all dental treatment.

You can find out more about Thailand expat insurance.

Visiting the Dentist

When you visit a dentist in Bangkok you face the same process as you would back home. You make an appointment, arrive early, see the dentist, and pay the bill.

Make an Appointment or Walk In

Although you don’t need to make an appointment, you should do so. This way, the clinic can match you with the right dentist or specialist when you arrive.

To make an appointment you can call the clinic, send a message on Facebook, email them, or fill out the contact form on their website. 

My preferred way of making an appointment is to walk in and talk to the staff. This way, I can also get a feel for the clinic and their English-language skills. 

If you want to see a certain dentist, let them know when you send your message.

Arrive Early

After making an appointment, you should arrive at the clinic at least five to 10 minutes before your appointment.

If it’s your first visit, get there 15 minutes early so you can register.

Certain clinics may ask for your passport so bring it with you. You can also use a government-issued ID like your Thai driving license.

If you have insurance, you should tell them when you register.

If you show up without an appointment, staff screens you and sends you to a dentist that can help you at that time.

Normally, you see a general dentist. But you can ask to see a specialist.

Vital Checks

If you visit JCI-accredited clinics like BIDC or BIDH, they will also perform vital sign checks before you see the dentist. This practice is especially important if you require more complex treatments, such as implants or surgeries.

See the Dentist

The dentist might send you for x-rays before you get treated. This depends on your dentist.

General cleanings and checkups take from 10 minutes to more than an hour, depending on your case.

If your case is too complex, a general dentist might refer you to a specialist or set up an appointment where a specialist comes to the clinic to see you.

Once you get treatment, the dentist sends you to the lobby where you pay the bill.

Pay the Bill

Most of the time you can pay for your visit in cash. But you can also scan with a QR code if you have a Thai bank account. 

You can use credit cards at brand-name dental clinics and some privately-owned clinics.

If the clinic you visit doesn’t have direct billing set up with your insurance company, the clinic gives you the necessary paperwork so you can make a claim, including a receipt and a medical certificate. 

After you pay, you get an appointment card for a follow-up visit or to schedule further treatment, if needed.

Although some clinics may accept cash in other currencies such as USD, EUR, and GBP, it is recommended to pay in Thai Baht at clinics as it provides a more favorable exchange rate.

Are Bangkok Dentists Properly Qualified and Trained to International Standards?

Most top Bangkok dentists have degrees from prestigious Thai universities plus additional training in places like the U.S., Australia, or Europe. In my experience of having cavities filled and root canals done, they use the same up-to-date techniques you’d find in the West.

How Much Cheaper is Dental Work in Bangkok Compared to Other Countries?

You’ll typically pay about one-third of Western prices, with implants costing US$1,000 instead of US$3,500 and crowns around US$400 versus US$1,200. Even basic cleanings are US$40 compared to the US$150 you’d pay back home.

Do Bangkok Dentists Speak English Well Enough to Understand Me?

Dentists at international clinics along Sukhumvit Road and in Silom or near major hospitals typically speak good English. Dentists at local clinics may have more limited English skills, so you should go there and talk to them in person to get a good feel for their language skills.

What’s the Best Way to Find a Reputable Dentist That Other Expats Recommend?

Expat Facebook groups offer a lot of honest recommendations from people who’ve actually been to a dental clinic in Bangkok. But if you really want to find out, ask a long-term expat for advice. As for me, I found my most recent dentist just by walking into a local clinic and talking to the staff.

Or simply fill out this form to get a recommendation from the ExpatDen team.

Will My International Health Insurance Cover Dental Treatment in Bangkok?

Most international health plans only cover emergency dental work unless you bought a specific dental add-on. Given the affordable prices in Bangkok though, it’s usually not too costly to pay out-of-pocket for dental work.

How Do Bangkok Dental Clinics Compare to Western Standards of Hygiene and Sterilization?

The best Bangkok clinics use sealed instruments, autoclave sterilization, and single-use items that meet or exceed Western standards. In my decade here, I’ve found dental offices to be clean, often exceeding the cleanliness of offices I visited back home.

Can I Get all My Dental Work Done During a Short Visit to Bangkok?

Basic procedures like fillings, cleanings, and even crowns are done in just two to five days at most quality clinics. Implants, however, require multiple visits with months of healing time in between. 

Are the Dental Materials Used in Bangkok the Same Quality as in Western Countries?

The last time I checked, top Bangkok clinics use identical materials from major global brands like 3M, Nobel Biocare, and Straumann. Always ask the dentist which products they will use for your treatment, as some budget clinics might substitute lower-quality alternatives to lower the costs.

Do I Need to Book Appointments Far in Advance or Can I Walk in for Treatment?

Most international clinics make appointments within two to three days for routine care, while specialized treatments might require booking one to two weeks ahead. Some local clinics accept walk-ins for basic services, but I always recommend calling first to confirm.

Which Dental Clinic Should I Go?

In my experience, there are four key things you should consider:

• Dentist Quality: If it’s a simple procedure like cleaning or filling, the dentist’s skill might not matter as much. But for complex treatments, a good dentist can make a huge difference. I once met someone who got braces from a less experienced (but cheap) dentist and ended up needing corrective treatment from other dentists. In the end, it cost her more money—and caused more pain—than if she had just gone to a good dentist from the start.
• Location: The clinic should be easy to get to. That said, for major procedures like dental implants, I wouldn’t mind traveling a bit further to see a highly skilled dentist.
• Price: It should still be within your budget. If you need to pay a little more to see a more experienced dentist, it may be worth it. Just be cautious with clinics that are too cheap. It could be a red flag.
• Accessibility: I have two neighbors in their 70s who use canes and walkers. Sadly, they can’t visit their local dental clinic in Bangkok because the building doesn’t have an elevator. If you have any mobility issues, be sure to check with the clinic in advance.

Taking all this into account, I recommend BIDC. Many people on the ExpatDen team have visited in person and were happy with the experience. I’ve also heard plenty of good reviews from the community.

Or you can fill out this form here to get an advice from our ExpatDen team.

Related Articles

• Braces in Bangkok: Dental Centers, Treatments, and Costs
• The Complete Guide to Getting Dental Implants in Thailand
• A Guide to Finding the Best Dentist in Chiang Mai
• BIDC Review: Why It is My Go-To Dental Clinic in Bangkok
• Bangkok International Dentist Hospital Review: Why You Should Visit