Dental implants can be highly pricey in Western countries, especially in the UK. On average, getting a partial dental implant in the UK can start from as high as £2500 or $3300. Despite being one of the permanent dental treatments that you might only need to do once in several years, getting dental implants abroad while doing vacation is also a great option (and affordable, too!), especially if you are planning to have a holiday in Asian countries, whose dental treatments are well-known worldwide.

How to choose the right clinics for dental implants abroad? What about the prices and procedure? This article will give you a walkthrough on all the information you need before getting dental treatments abroad.

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What to Expect from Getting Dental Implants Abroad

While it might seem unusual to get a dental implant while you are on vacation, it doesn’t mean that it’s not doable, since right now getting medical treatments abroad is increasingly common. Many countries have been developing convenient medical services for the tourists, for example by getting international certifications, sending their medical staff to learn abroad, training them with English, and building their online platforms so the tourists can access their services more conveniently.

However, what’s most interesting about getting dental treatments abroad is the price gap you will get from Western vs. other countries, especially Asians. Take example from the full mouth dental implant prices which can get to $2,000 - $3,000 in the UK, whereas in Malaysia the cost will be in the $750 - $1,500 range. 

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The Pros & Cons of Doing Dental Implants Overseas

Before deciding to go abroad for implants, it’s crucial to weigh the advantages and potential downsides. Below are the pros and cons of doing dental implants abroad.

Pros

• Simpler Procedure: Many international dental clinics have streamlined their process specifically to accommodate foreign patients, by providing all-online scheduling and consultation and making their public platforms as informative as possible.
• Wide Range of Treatments: Clinics abroad often provide a variety of dental treatments, from implants to cosmetic procedures, giving you more flexibility to address multiple dental issues at once.
• Cost Savings: Dental implants abroad can cost 50-70% less than in the US or UK. You could save thousands of dollars while still receiving excellent care.
• High-Quality Care: Many countries, like Malaysia and Thailand, have internationally accredited clinics that use cutting-edge technology.
• Vacation and Treatment: Some clinics offer packages where you can enjoy sightseeing and relaxation while getting your dental work done.
• Highly Trained Dentists: In countries with a strong medical tourism industry, many dentists are trained in Europe or the US, ensuring quality care.

Cons

• Follow-Up Care: Once you're back home, aftercare can be a challenge. While many dental clinics offer online post-treatment checkups and warranty, dealing with this can be a challenge once you are back home.
• Cultural Differences: Although many international clinics have English-speaking staff, there can still be cultural differences in communication styles and your expectations. This can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.

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How to Choose the Right Dental Clinics to Get Implants

If you have travel plans to a specific country and want to get a dental implant treatment during the vacation there, it is recommended to do your research as soon as possible. Some essential tips to select the right dental clinics:

1. Check the clinics reviews online

Look for patient reviews on forums, Google reviews, and other eligible medical travel platforms (like Medichoice). Read the testimonials and experiences of their patients about the treatments and services they got.

2. See if they have a proper website

A professional, well-maintained website indicates that the clinic is legitimate and trustworthy, particularly if they provide multiple language options for international patients. At minimum, the site should display the clinics’ services, treatments, staff, certifications, procedures, and contacts to acquire more information.

3. Get more information about their expertise and certifications

Most reputable clinics offering medical tourism packages will list their expertise and certifications (if possible) on their website. Some popular certifications include ISO, Joint Commission International (JCI), or local ones specific for each country, like Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) or The Korea Institute for Healthcare Accreditation (KOIHA).

Checking the credibility of dental clinics will help avoid malpractice or any inconvenience during the treatment.

4. Make sure they provide English-speaking staffs

Language barriers can be a significant issue when it comes to medical procedures, so it’s essential to confirm that the clinic has fluent English-speaking staff to facilitate clear communication. You can ensure this by contacting the available emails or phone numbers available on the clinics’ online profile.

5. Enquire detailed information through their channels

Contact the clinic and ask for detailed information about the procedure, costs, and recovery time. Ask if they offer any special packages for international patients, like airport concierge, hotel accommodation, or tour guide.

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The Well-Known Countries to Do Dental Implants Abroad & The Prices

Now that you have been informed more about getting dental implants abroad, here are some best countries with highly acclaimed dental clinics abroad. Not only offering the high quality and affordable services, these countries are also popular as the best medical travel destination in the world.

Malaysia

Price range: MYR 3,000 - 7,500 ($800 - 1,500)

Malaysia became one of the most recommended destinations for dental treatments, both reconstructive and aesthetics. 70% of the population can speak English fluently, particularly doctors and staff working in the health industry. Aside from that, Malaysia’s government is also very supportive of developing their medical tourism systems. Other than dental implants, you can also get more affordable prices in other cosmetic treatments, like veneers, contouring, or orthodontics.

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Thailand

Price range: THB 50,000 - 80,000 ($1,300 - 2,200)

Thailand has long been known as a hub for medical tourism, and dental implants are no exception. Prices for the procedure range from $1,300 to $2,200, significantly lower than in the UK and other Western countries.

Similar to Malaysia, Thailand has been very keen on developing their medical tourism, especially in aesthetic-related treatments. 

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Turkiye

Price range: TRY 15,000 - 40,000 ($750 - 2,000)

Would like to get a dental implant treatment abroad, but don’t want to go too far? Turkiye is one of the closest countries from the West to offer comprehensive treatments for medical tourists. If Thailand is the top choice for affordable reconstructive aesthetics surgery in the East, Turkiye is the best one from the West. The country offers a balance of affordability, advanced technology, and great after-care treatment, and most of its medical staff are well-trained in English, as their position is very close to Europe.

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Interested to get more information about getting medical treatments abroad? Stay tuned for our next article on Medichoice, your trusted medical travel assistant.