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

After living in Bangkok for over a decade, I’ve learned one thing about dental care here: you can get world-class treatment at a fraction of the cost you’d pay back home.

The challenge isn’t finding a dentist in Bangkok. It’s finding the right one.

There are hundreds of dental clinics across the city, from high-end practices in Sukhumvit that cater to expats and medical tourists to smaller local clinics that offer lower prices. On top of that, quality, pricing, and English proficiency can vary quite a bit.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to find the best dentists in Bangkok based on my own experience living here. You’ll learn what to look for, what to avoid, and how to choose a clinic that fits your needs and budget. I’ll also walk you through what to expect during your first visit, so there are no surprises.

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Why Go to a Dentist in Bangkok?

After over a decade of living in Bangkok, I’ve visited seven different dental clinics here, from routine checkups to root canals. 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 a 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. In fact, many of them study in countries like the United States, Germany, England, and Australia, and can speak good English.
• Facilities: Dentists in Bangkok work in clean clinics with safe and modern equipment. Sometimes, the facilities are even better than in my hometown, New Jersey.
• Prices: The cost of dental care in Bangkok is affordable. I paid only THB 8,000 (US$235) for a root canal here. 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 legitimate 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

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

General Dentists

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. 

I wouldn’t mind getting treated by general dentists. In fact, for common procedures, I never chose a specific dentist. I just went to a dental clinic and got it done. And most of the time, the experience was good.

Specialists

You can find all types of specialists in Bangkok such as: 

• 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)

For complex procedures like implants, it’s better to see a specialist. However, they are usually more expensive than general dentists.

Also, unless you book an appointment in advance, you may not be able to see a specialist on your first visit, especially at smaller clinics where specialists are only available a few days per week.

Larger clinics are more likely to have specialists available daily.

Dental Treatment You Can Get in Bangkok 

You can get all types of dental treatment in Bangkok. But not every clinic offers everything, especially smaller ones. For complex procedures, it’s better to go to a specialized clinic.

Here’s a quick overview:

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Treatment	Where to Get It	What to Expect
Tooth extraction	Any clinic	Simple procedure available at any clinic. Walk-ins are usually fine.
Fillings	Any clinic	You can get fillings at any clinic, though smaller clinics may only offer composite resin and amalgam.
Teeth cleaning	Any clinic	Every clinic can do this, and the procedure is generally the same.
Braces	Most clinics	You can get them from most clinics. Options include metal, ceramic, and Invisalign. More options are available at larger clinics.
Root canal	Mid to large clinics	Normally takes 2 visits and is followed by a crown.
Dental implants	Specialized clinics	Bangkok is known for dental implants. It’s affordable with good quality. ITI Straumann is popular here.
Veneers	Mid to large clinics	Composite veneers and porcelain veneers are common options.
Crowns	Any clinic	Common materials include porcelain and ceramic.
Teeth whitening	Most clinics	Takes less than an hour. Zoom teeth whitening is popular here.
Cosmetic dentistry	Large clinics	Includes smile makeovers, reshaping, and whitening. Usually done at larger clinics.
Sedation dentistry	Large clinics only	Most clinics only apply local anesthetic. If you want sedation options, your choices are limited to larger clinics. BIDH is known for sedation dentistry.

Find out more:

• The Complete Guide to Getting Dental Implants in Thailand
• Braces in Bangkok: Dental Centers, Treatments, and Costs
• Cosmetic Dentistry in Thailand: Overview, Types of Treatments, & Costs

Types of Dental Clinics in Bangkok

There are various types of dental clinics in Bangkok, from street-side clinics to dental schools and international clinics.

They can generally be divided into five types:

• International dental clinics
• Chain dental clinics
• Privately owned dental clinics
• Dental schools
• Hospitals

However, for expats, I only recommend international dental clinics, chain dental clinics, and privately owned dental clinics. I’ve included dental schools and hospitals here to show you all available options and explain why I don’t recommend them.

You can find more details on each type of dental clinic below.

International Dental Clinics

Good for

• Those who want the best treatment possible
• Those who don’t mind paying slightly higher prices

I’ve been to both local and international dental clinics. If it was up to me, I’d go with an international clinic for anything beyond basic treatment, even though it costs more.

• Dentists are experienced and can speak English well
• Facilities are clean and modern, with equipment like 3D CT scans. They may even have in-house dental laboratories. 
• They use well-known international brands
• You’ll find specialists for almost every type of treatment
• Clinics are usually large and well-equipped (for example, BIDC has a seven-story building in Ratchada)

These clinics below are popular with expats who want the best treatment possible:

• Bangkok International Dental Center (BIDC): One of the largest clinics in Thailand and well known for dental implants. It was the go-to clinic of ExpatDen’s founder, Karsten, when he lived in Thailand. You can read his review here.
• Bangkok International Dental Hospital (BIDH): Feels like a private hospital focused on dental care. It has an operating room and recovery area, and is known for sedation dentistry. Read our review.
• Thantakit Dental Center: One of the oldest dental clinics in Thailand, established in 1945. Prices are among the highest, but it has a strong reputation.

Good to know: International clinics aren’t only for expats. Every time I visit BIDC, I see plenty of Thai patients there too.

Chain Dental Clinics

Good for

• Those who want to visit a clinic with a good standard in a convenient location
• They are also good for complex treatments, but specialists might not always be available.

Chain clinics have locations throughout busy areas of Bangkok, especially along MRT and BTS lines or inside big department stores. So, it’s very convenient to visit them.

They also have a good standard and facilities. The quality is generally reliable, although they may not have specialists available all the time.

Prices are usually slightly higher than privately owned clinics, but still cheaper than international clinics.

Below are some popular chain dental clinics in Bangkok:

• Smile Signature Dental Clinic: An affordable dental clinic chain with many branches across Bangkok, mostly in shopping malls and community centers. It’s a go-to clinic for Saran Lhawpongsaward, a project manager of ExpatDen. You can read his review here.
• Bangkok Smile Dental Clinic: Part of the Dr. Paulo Malo Global Network. Their clinics are located around downtown Bangkok, usually near shopping malls, hotels, and BTS stations.

Privately Owned Dental Clinics

Good for

• Those who want to visit a dental clinic closest to where they live
• They are good for common treatments. However, for complex treatments, you should check reviews and talk to a dentist first before making a decision since quality can vary.

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

Dentists at these clinics can handle general procedures and sometimes complex treatments, depending on their experience and equipment.

Facilities and quality vary. Some clinics have basic equipment, while others are comparable to brand-name clinics. Prices also vary a lot. For example, one clinic might charge THB5,000 for wisdom tooth removal, while another may charge only THB2,000.

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 treatment at dental schools can save you money, as rates are usually cheaper than private or brand-name clinics. However, they might not always be the best choice.

Here are some pros and cons:

Pros

• Most treatments are done by student dentists under the supervision of experienced instructors
• Both expats and Thais can get treatment
• A good option if you want to save money

Cons

• Making an appointment can be difficult. You usually need to visit in person or call
• Wait times are longer compared to regular clinics
• Although some staff speak English, you may need a Thai-speaking friend to help

There are three popular dental schools in Thailand:

• Chulalongkorn Dental School: A leading dental institution in downtown Bangkok with both student and special dental clinics
• Mahidol Dental Hospital: A well-known dental school with two locations in Phayathai and Salaya, offering both student and special clinics
• SWU: Prices are cheaper, but treatment options are not as extensive as Chula or Mahidol

In general, I don’t recommend dental schools for expats, as they are mainly for Thais. I’ve included this option in case you’re interested, but if you want professional dental work, it’s better to go to a clinic.

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 a 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.

Procedure	International Clinics (THB)	Chain Clinics (THB)	Privately Owned Clinics (THB)	Dental Schools (THB)	Hospitals (THB)
Cleaning	1,500 – 3,000	1,200 – 2,500	1,000 – 2,000	500 – 1,500	2,000 – 4,000
Filling	1,200 – 2,500	1,000 – 2,000	800 – 2,000	500 – 2,000	2,500 – 4,000
Tooth Extraction	1,200 – 2,500	1,000 – 2,000	800 – 1,500	100 – 2,000	1,500 – 3,000
Root Canal	10,000 – 15,000	9,000 – 13,000	6,000 – 10,000	1,000 – 8,000	12,000 – 18,000
Crown	13,000 – 25,000	11,000 – 20,000	10,000 – 15,000	1,900 – 20,000	15,000 – 30,000
Veneers (Composite)	6,000 – 8,500	5,500 – 8,000	5,000 – 7,000	n/a	8,000 – 12,000
Veneers (Porcelain)	16,000 – 18,000	14,000 – 17,000	12,000 – 15,000	n/a	18,000 – 25,000
Teeth Whitening	9,000 – 10,000	7,500 – 9,500	2,000 – 8,000	n/a	10,000 – 15,000
Dental Implant (per tooth)	50,000 – 90,000	45,000 – 80,000	40,000 – 70,000	~75,000	60,000 – 100,000
Full Mouth Implants (All-on-4)	280,000 – 320,000	250,000 – 300,000	220,000 – 280,000	n/a	300,000 – 400,000

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, it’s better to do so:

• You can see a dentist right after you arrive
• The clinic can match you with the right dentist or specialist

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

If you want to see a specific dentist, let them know when you contact them.

Walk-ins are possible, but you may need to wait or might not be able to see a specialist if needed.

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.

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.

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 can be 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 may get an appointment card for a follow-up visit or to schedule further treatment, if needed.

Note: 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.

Emergency Dental Care in Bangkok

As a father of two, I’ve had my fair share of emergencies, including a dental one.

One day, my daughter bit on ice and knocked out what I thought was a permanent tooth. We rushed to a private hospital, hoping they could fix it, but there was no dentist on call. We were told to come back the next day.

Later that night, I realized it was just a baby tooth, so it wasn’t an emergency after all.

Anyway, 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
• Bumrungrad International Hospital Dental Center

Getting Dental Insurance Coverage

You can get coverage for dental work through Thailand’s Social Security system or insurance, but coverage is limited.

Since dental care in Bangkok is relatively affordable, most people simply pay out of pocket.

Anyway, 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.

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.

Are Dentists in Bangkok Qualified?

Yes. All dentists in Thailand must go through formal education and be licensed by the Dental Council of Thailand.

According to Chulalongkorn University, in general:

• Dentists must complete a 6-year Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program
• The first 3 years focus on foundational sciences
• The next 3 years involve clinical training and real patient experience

This follows the national standard set by the Dental Council of Thailand.

If you want to check a dentist’s qualifications look for their license displayed at the clinic (this is required by law) or search their name on the Dental Council of Thailand’s website.

In addition, many Bangkok dentists have 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.

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?

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.

Can a Dentist in Bangkok Speak English?

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

That said, the level of English can vary depending on the clinic and how often the dentist treats non-Thai patients.

In general:

• International clinics: Dentists speak very good English
• Chain clinics: Communication is usually fine
• Local clinics: English may be more limited

It also takes years of education to become a dentist in Thailand, so you can expect a decent level of English overall.

If you’re still concerned, you can always bring someone who speaks Thai with you.

Need Help Finding a Dentist in Bangkok?

If you’ve made it this far but still aren’t sure which dentist to choose, you’re not alone. With so many options, it can be hard to decide.

You can fill out the form below, and we’ll recommend a dentist based on your needs, budget, and the type of treatment you’re looking for.

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• 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