A Guide to Finding the Best Dentist in Chiang Mai

Need to see a dentist in Chiang Mai? 

Whether you’re looking for emergency care or a general checkup, Chiang Mai offers expats like you plenty of choices at all price points.  

By the end of this guide, you’ll find out where to go for dental care in Chiang Mai, including local clinics, international centers, and established hospitals. Plus, you’ll discover how much it’ll cost for common treatments here. 

If you want to save time, I recommend visiting Chiang Mai International Dental Clinic (CIDC) for your dental treatment. I’ll explain why throughout this guide. But in the meantime, get started by booking an appointment with CIDC using this form. 

That covered, let’s jump into the guide.

Disclaimer: This article may include links to products or services offered by ExpatDen's partners, which give us commissions when you click on them. Although this may influence how they appear in the text, we only recommend solutions that we would use in your situation. Read more in our Advertising Disclosure.

Why Visit a Dentist in Chiang Mai?

The largest city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has always had a strong dental culture. In fact, Chiang Mai University consistently ranks in the top three dental schools in Thailand. 

Many of the dentists who graduate from Chiang Mai University study under well-respected professors like Pimduen Rungsiyakull who, in addition to her qualifications in the field, has contributed to over 50 papers to ResearchGate.com alone. But this isn’t the only reason you should visit a dentist in Chiang Mai.

ISO and JCI Accreditations

Many of the Chiang Mai dental clinics I’ve listed below follow guidelines put in place by International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Joint Commision International (JCI). 

A dental clinic in Chiang Mai that follows ISO guidelines will use safe materials, instruments, and equipment, in addition to the latest digital technologies. Dental clinics that are JCI accredited are held to rigorous standards and practices. And JCI only certifies dentists that meet these standards. 

What does this mean for you? When you visit a dentist in Chiang Mai that is both ISO and JCI certified, you get safe, high-quality dental treatment like that offered at Chiang Mai International Dental Clinic (CIDC). This is the sister branch of the popular Bangkok International Dental Clinic.

Qualifications

Most dentists in Chiang Mai have graduated from Chiang Mai University. The Faculty of Dentistry at Chiang Mai University is considered one of the best dental schools in Thailand.

After getting a bachelor’s degree, many dental students continue their studies abroad, usually at reputable medical schools in countries like Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Afterward, they return home to practice dentistry in Chiang Mai.

So, the dentists’ qualifications in Chiang Mai are comparable to that of dentists in Bangkok and Western parts of the world.

Equipment and Technology

When visiting a dental clinic in Chiang Mai, you want to pick one that uses modern medical equipment. Usually, smaller clinics will only have a standard X-ray machine and one treatment room. So it’s best to pick a medium-to-large size clinic. 

These will have digital X-ray systems that take and send images straight to the treatment room, saving time and allowing the dentist immediate access to your images. Some clinics, including CIDC, even have their own 3D CT scans and dental laboratories.

Dental clinics in Chiang Mai also use similar dental technologies used in the West. For example, all-on-four treatment concept dental implants are one of the most popular dental implant technologies in the world. These are also widely used at dental clinics in Chiang Mai.

Sterilization and Disinfection Methods

Dental clinics in Chiang Mai use either heat, chemicals, or radiation to sterilize and disinfect their equipment. This lowers your risk of getting an infection either during or after treatment.

Treatment Approaches

Although most dentists in Chiang Mai follow the industry standards I’ve outlined above, where they differ is in their approach to treating you. This means you should consult with a dentist before getting treatment to make sure you’re comfortable with their methods. 

Here are some things to consider:

• Techniques: For example, will the dentist do your root canal in one visit, two visits, or three? What type of filling materials will they use? What kind of dental implant methods will they recommend?
• Conservative or interventional: Do the dentists want to “watch and wait” to see if your issue persists or gets better on its own or do they want to take immediate action?
• Holistics: Does the dentist look at your overall health when treating you? Do they offer metal-free options or have special protocols if you have underlying health conditions?
• Pain management: Do they offer anesthesia or sedation dentistry for anxious patients?

Dental Treatment You Can Get

In addition to seeing a general dentist, you can see many specialized dentists at clinics in Chiang Mai. These include aesthetic dentists, endodontists, implantologists, oral surgeons, orthodontists, periodontists, and prosthodontists.

Advertisement

Here are the practice areas of these specialists:

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

These specialists are mainly available at larger clinics though. So, for general treatment such as tooth fillings or cleanings, you can visit any clinic in Chiang Mai. For root canals, crowns, wisdom tooth removals, braces, and implants, it might be a good idea to see a specialist at a larger clinic instead.

Risks

As I mentioned in the section above, dental clinics in Chiang Mai are safe to visit and most of them follow strict guidelines set in place by ISO and JCI. That said, there is always some risk involved with visiting the dentist, whether that dentist is in Chiang Mai or New York City. 

• Pain or discomfort: You might feel sore after fillings, cleanings, extractions, or root canals. This usually goes away in a day or two.
• Bleeding or swelling: Mild bleeding is common after extractions or deep cleanings. Swelling can happen too, especially after surgery.
• Sensitivity: Your teeth may become temporarily sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet after whitening or fillings.
• Allergic reactions: You may react to materials like latex, anesthesia, or metals used in crowns or fillings. But I’ve found that all Thai dentists will ask you if you have any allergies when you register.
• Infection: Although rare in clean, professional settings, any procedure that breaks the gum line — like extractions or implants — carries a small risk of infection.

Chiang Mai Dentists Prices

To save you time, I collected the prices for many common dental treatments at clinics in Chiang Mai and added them to the table below for quick comparison. I found these prices on each of the clinics’ websites. Also, I update these prices every six months.

Cost Comparison

The cost of dental treatment depends on the complexity of your case, the types of materials used, and the nature of the procedures.

Dental Clinic	Teeth Whitening	Crown (Standard Alloy)	Veneer (Composite)	Tooth Extraction
CIDC	THB8,900	THB11,000+	THB6,000+	THB1,200+
Dental World Chiang Mai	THB9,000+	THB10,000	THB4,000+	THB1,000+
Grace Dental Chiang Mai	THB13,000	THB14,500+	THB3,500+	THB1,500+
Chiangmai Dental4You	THB8,000	THB8,000	THB4,000	THB1,000+
Empress Dental Clinic	THB8,900+	THB8,000	THB6,000	THB500
Chiang Mai University (Premium Clinic)	THB10,000	THB10,000	N/A	THB350

Dental Clinics Vs. Hospitals In Chiang Mai

Costs for dental work at dental clinics tend to be less expensive when compared to costs at private hospitals. It’s also more convenient since they just see the dentist right away without having to go through many steps at the hospitals.

For these reasons, many Thais tend to visit dentists at clinics instead of private hospitals. 

That said, dental clinics could be more expensive than government hospitals in Chiang Mai. But you need to speak at least a little bit of Thai to use a government hospital. And expect long queues once there.

Also, the main reason Thais use a government hospital is if they accepted the 30-baht health care scheme.

International Vs. Local Dental Clinics in Chiang Mai 

People often get the wrong idea that international dental clinics are more expensive than local clinics. In fact, it isn’t always the case.

We know someone who got charged THB4,000 for a tooth extraction at a local clinic. International clinics only charge THB2,500 maximum for this procedure.

Best Dental Clinics in Chiang Mai

Here is a list of popular dental clinics in Chiang Mai recommended by expats. You might have seen their names often when browsing for dentists online.

All of them have English-speaking staff and offer a full range of dental treatments.

Balanced Perspective: Include potential downsides or limitations for each clinic rather than only positive aspects.

Chiang Mai International Dental Clinic

CIDC is a large dental clinic in Chiang Mai. It is located at Nimmanhaemin Road at Soi 3, directly above Starbucks Reserve. It is a popular clinic among tourists and expats in Chiang Mai.

CIDC can be your go-to dental clinic in Chiang Mai because of various reasons:

• Quality of treatment: Dental Corp PLC is the same company that operates Bangkok International Dental Clinic (BIDC), a JCI-accredited dental clinic in Bangkok. You can expect the same level of quality treatment at Chiang Mai International Dental Clinic (CIDC) as at BIDC.
• Experienced team and modern facilities: CIDC employs many experienced, English-speaking specialist dentists. And many of its staff teach at Chiang Mai University School of Dentistry. The clinic features modern equipment, including digital X-ray equipment, intra-oral cameras, and 3D CT scans. CIDC also has its own digital dental laboratory.
• Full range of treatments: CIDC is a one-stop dental clinic in Chiang Mai, offering a comprehensive range of treatments. These include general dentistry, dental implants, root canal treatments, prosthodontics, orthodontic braces, and cosmetic dentistry.
• Sterilization and safety standards: CIDC uses advanced dental sterilization technologies. The clinic follows JCI-compliant sterilization standards and ISO quality management controls to ensure cleanliness and safety.
• Pricing: While it’s not the cheapest option, CIDC can be cheaper than international dental clinics in Chiang Mai.

That said, there is one minor con to visiting CIDC, and that’s its price points. CIDC tends to be a bit more expensive than other local dental clinics in Chiang Mai. But that’s to be expected when visiting a well-established international dental clinic. 

I recommend them for implants, root canals, and crowns because they have experienced dental specialists and modern facilities to handle these kinds of treatments.

You can fill out this form to make an appointment with CIDC You will also get a free oral examination and consultation.

Dental World Chiang Mai

Dental World Chiang Mai is another well-known dental clinic in Chiang Mai, conveniently located near Tha Phae Gate and Pratu Chiang Mai.

Dental World’s team of dentists is mainly composed of dental professors from Chiang Mai University.

They also have specialists including orthodontists, oral surgeons, aesthetic dentists, and even pediatric dentists.

Dental World is well equipped with modern facilities and equipment. They even provide laughing gas for those who suffer from anxiety about dental work. Dental World is known for braces, especially Invisalign.

When it comes to the treatment costs, prices here are similar to CIDC. They are not the cheapest, but also not the most expensive as well.

Grace Dental Care Clinic

Grace Dental Care Clinic, located on Nimmanhaemin Road, is one of the most well-known dental clinics among expats in Chiang Mai. In fact, it was one of the first international dental clinics founded in 2003.  

Grace Dental Care Clinic mainly targets expats or digital nomads who live in Chiang Mai.

In fact, it’s the only dental clinic in this article that doesn’t have a website in Thai language — their website is in English.

Most of the reviews of their services on Google Maps and Facebook page were written by expats.

But what makes Grace Dental Care Clinic attractive to customers is the reputation of their dentists, especially Dr. Korakot. She’s a prosthodontist and also one of the co-founders of the clinic.

Grace Dental Care Clinic offers various kinds of dental treatment including implants, oral rehabilitation, root canal treatment, dental cleaning, dental surgery, and tooth replacement.

In terms of pricing, Grace Dental Care Clinic is more expensive than other clinics. For example, they charge THB12,000 for Zoom teeth whitening while CIDC charges only THB8,500.

Chiang Mai Dental 4 You

Chiang Mai Dental 4 You definitely have the catchiest name among all the clinics. They offer a wide range of dental treatments.

Its clinic is a two-story shophouse located in Tha Prae Road, and it’s hard to miss the gigantic “Dental 4 You” signboard.

Dental 4 You was founded by Dr. Warut Muttarak. He studied dentistry at Chiang Mai University and completed a Masters in Implant Dentistry Program in the U.S. He also used to work as a lecturer at Chiang Mai University.

In addition to dental implants, Chiang Mai Dental 4 You also offers cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery, periodontic dentistry, and prosthodontic dentistry.

Although it’s a small clinic compared to others mentioned in this article, the overall service is good.

Empress Dental Clinic

Dr. Jarunee, the founder of Empress Dental Clinic, is a favorite dentist among expats in Chiang Mai.

Dr. Jarunee practiced at Grace Dental Care Clinic before she opened her own clinic at Klong Chonpratan Road. It’s a little ways out of town, but it’s convenient if you live near Chiang Mai Night Safari.

Now, Dr. Jarunee has a team of over 20 dentists working with her. Most of them graduated from Chiang Mai University. She’s quite in-demand, which is why if you go to her clinic, you will be treated by one of her associates instead.

Although Empress Dental Clinic’s dentists are good, the same group who deemed Dr. Jaruneed the best would rather go to a different dentist if she can’t do the work herself. 

Empress Dental Clinic prices are comparable to other dental clinics in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai Dental Hospitals

In Thailand, it is more common to visit clinics for dental treatment than to go to hospitals. But if you want to visit a dentist at a hospital in Chiang Mai, you can go to either a government or private hospital. 

There is no major difference between private hospitals and government hospitals when it comes to treatment quality and dentists’ expertise. The main differences are waiting times, types of services, prices, facilities, and medications used and prescribed.

Government Hospitals

In government hospitals, you’ll wait in longer queues. In fact, it can take hours just to see a dentist for a cleaning. Depending on how complicated your case is, you may have to wait weeks, months, or even a year for treatment.

In addition, government hospitals do not always have English-speaking staff. If you don’t know how to speak Thai, you might want to bring someone who can.

Finally, the prices you pay at government hospitals in Chiang Mai are much cheaper than at private hospitals. And the medications they prescribe usually come from Thailand. This makes them cheaper.

Private Hospitals

At private hospitals in Chiang Mai, you rarely have to wait more than a week to see a dentist. And on top of that, most staff speak basic English, with dentists having a good command of the language. 

But because private hospitals prescribe local and imported medications, it makes them a bit more expensive.

Chiang Mai University

You can visit a government-sponsored dental hospital at the Faculty of Dentistry of Chiang Mai University. They can handle general dental treatments including cleaning, tooth extraction, tooth filling, braces, root treatment, and dental implants.

You can choose between getting treated from dental students or lecturers. Treatments performed by dental students are inexpensive. You might pay only THB100 for a tooth extraction.

You don’t need to worry about the quality of treatment performed by students either. All procedures are closely supervised by experienced lecturers.

That said, wait times are long. Some patients have reported that they had to wait for six months just to get a tooth filling. If you want faster service or to be treated by a lecturer, you can visit its premium clinic.

As for prices, Chiang Mai University costs are not that different from other dental clinics in Chiang Mai.

McCormick Hospital

McCormick Hospital was the first hospital in Chiang Mai founded by an American missionary in 1867. It’s considered one of the cheapest private hospitals in the province.

Because of its competitive costs and quality treatment, its name often comes up in discussions about hospital recommendations.

McCormick Hospital has a dental clinic that offers a wide range of dental treatments including checkups, cleanings, tooth extractions, root canals, gum treatments, veneers, whitening, implants, and dental surgery.

In addition to McCormick, other private hospitals such as Bangkok Hospital in Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Ram Hospital, and Lanna Hospital also have dental departments. They are more modern than McCormick Hospital but are more expensive as well.

How to Visit a Dentist in Chiang Mai

Visiting a dentist in Chiang Mai is very simple. You make an appointment, visit, get your treatment, and pay the bill.

Make an Appointment

Making an appointment isn’t always necessary but I advise that you do so. Sometimes, you can walk into any dental clinic in Chiang Mai and, if you’re lucky, get treated without having to wait for a long time. 

But in other cases, you’ll have to wait quite a while if you don’t have an appointment. So, it’s always a good idea to make an appointment with the clinic you’re planning to visit. This way, you can see a specialist without having to wait.

To make an appointment, you can call, fill out a form online, or contact them through a messaging app such as Line.

Get Treated

On the day of your appointment, bring your passport or ID with you. Go straight to the information desk, register, then wait to see the dentist.

Dental treatment rooms in Thailand are the same as in many parts of the world. They are sterile rooms with a chair in the middle and some medical and dental equipment. 

Depending on your treatment, the dentist might send you to another room for X-rays or CT scans. In more modern clinics, the results will be sent digitally and automatically to the dental treatment room. Then, the dentist will diagnose you and provide further treatment plans.

You shouldn’t have issues communicating with dentists in Chiang Mai. Many of them speak good English. The dentist or his/her assistant may talk to you during treatment. Some may play relaxing music to keep you at ease.

Normal treatments don’t last more than an hour. Simple procedures like tooth extractions and tooth fillings may even take less than 30 minutes.

Pay the Bill

After the treatment, you will be sent back to the waiting area to pay your bill. You can pay by cash or QR code if you have a Thai bank account. 

Dental clinics in Chiang Mai and in other areas in Thailand don’t accept foreign currencies. So you should exchange your money into Thai baht before visiting the dentist.

Go deeper: Thai Baht: How to Get the Absolute Best Exchange Rates

Many clinics do accept foreign debit and credit cards. Just make sure to notify your bank before using your card in Thailand. For security reasons, many credit card companies may block overseas payments, especially if the charge is a large amount.

Advertisement

Also, paying by credit card is more expensive because credit card companies charge 2 percent for foreign transaction surcharges, on average.

Follow-Ups

Many dental treatments require follow-ups. For example, you need to see the dentist two to three times (sometimes more) for implants, root canals, and crowns. For teeth replacement, you may need to see the dentist five or more times.

Health Insurance

If you have Thai or expat health insurance that covers dental, you may only have to pay 10 to 30 percent of the total cost out of pocket. Keep in mind, though, that cosmetic dentistry is usually not covered by health insurance. In either case, check with your health insurance provider before visiting the dentist.

Dental Insurance

There is specific insurance for dental coverage in Thailand. It covers you for teeth cleanings, fillings, extractions, and root canals.

The main limitation is the waiting period of 65 days. After you purchase dental insurance, you won’t be able to make claims for dental expenses for 65 days, with the exception of accidents. It also doesn’t cover dental implants, braces, or cosmetic dentistry.

You can compare plans and buy dental insurance from CheckDi.

Social Security

If you work for a company in Thailand, you’re entitled to social security. With social security you get some perks like annual health checkups and dental coverage.

Here’s what you get for dental coverage:

• THB900 a year for tooth extractions, fillings, cleanings, and wisdom tooth removal
• Tooth replacement for up to THB4,400 within five years

It isn’t a lot, so you should think of it as your annual free dental cleaning. 

If you want to use your Social Security benefits, tell the dental clinic. They will give you the Social Security form and a receipt. Fill it out, attach the receipt, and send it to the Social Security office in your district, either through mail or by visiting in person.

FAQs About Dentists in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Vs. US

As an American, I’ve found that in Thailand, dentists are a lot more thorough when explaining what they have to do to treat you. Whereas when I lived in the U.S., it felt like the dentist office was a revolving door and the more the door revolved, the more money the dentist made. So they didn’t spend too much time on small talk or explanations.

In Thailand, it’s quite different. My current dentist who treats my family explains everything to us without rushing us out the door. And he always leaves the option to us on how we’d like to proceed with any treatment.

Finally, the costs are much less expensive here in Thailand. In fact, when my family and friends visit, they always go for teeth cleanings because of the lower prices.  

Dental costs and quality of treatment in Chiang Mai aren’t that much different from other parts of Thailand. So, it’s safe to say that if you had dental work done in Bangkok, like I have, you can easily gauge what to expect in Chiang Mai. 

Are Dentists in Chiang Mai Qualified and Trustworthy?

Yes, many dentists in Chiang Mai are highly qualified, with many having international training and certifications. Because the city is home to one of the top dental schools in all of Thailand — Chiang Mai University — it has a strong reputation for quality dental care. In fact, many expats trust clinics in the province for both routine and specialized treatments.

Is Dental Care in Chiang Mai Affordable Compared to My Home Country?

Dental treatment in Chiang Mai is more affordable than in countries like the U.S., Australia, or most of Europe. Even high-end clinics like CIDC offer competitive pricing, making it a popular destination for expats and those seeking dental tourism.

Do Dentists at Chiang Mai Dental Clinics Speak English?

Most private clinics and dental hospitals in Chiang Mai have English-speaking staff, including dentists. Communication is generally smooth, especially in clinics that cater to expats.

Can I Get Advanced Procedures Like Implants or Orthodontics in Chiang Mai?

Yes, Chiang Mai offers a wide range of dental services, including implants, root canals, crowns, bridges, orthodontics (like braces and Invisalign), and cosmetic treatments. Specialists are available in most of the clinics I’ve mentioned throughout this guide.

How Long Is the Wait Time for Appointments at Dental Clinics in Chiang Mai?

Wait times are typically short. Many clinics do take same-day appointments for basic dental treatment, but you can book an appointment for more specialized procedures within a few days.

Do Dental Clinics in Chiang Mai Dental Accept Insurance?

Some clinics accept international insurance, but it might be easier for you to pay out-of-pocket and submit a claim afterward. It’s always a good idea to check in advance with both the clinic and your insurer.

Can I Walk In, or Should I Book in Advance?

While some clinics in Chiang Mai do accept walk-ins for basic procedures, I recommend booking an appointment in advance, especially for more complex treatments.

What Safety and Hygiene Standards Do Dentists in Chiang Mai Follow?

Reputable clinics in Chiang Mai adhere to strict hygiene and sterilization protocols, often in line with ISO and JCI standards. Many clinics prominently display their certifications and hygiene procedures in their waiting areas.

Can I Get Teeth Whitening or Other Cosmetic Treatments in Chiang Mai?

Yes, you can get cosmetic dentistry in Chiang Mai. Treatments like teeth whitening, veneers, and composite bonding are not only available but also more affordable than in many Western countries.

Related Articles

• Braces in Bangkok: Dental Centers, Treatments, and Costs
• The Complete Guide to Getting Dental Implants in Thailand
• How to Find a Dentist in Bangkok: Clinics, Quality, Prices, and More
• BIDC Review: Why It is My Go-To Dental Clinic in Bangkok
• Bangkok International Dentist Hospital Review: Why You Should Visit