Save yourself up to 70% on dentistry in Thailand

Thailand is the home of Medical Tourism with a long established reputation for healthcare quality. An estimated 1.4 million worldwide medical tourists travelled to this low cost country in 2006, with many thousands of these being dental patients from Europe, Australia and the United States.

Dentists in Thailand - Additional Information

Dentists in Thailand combines the ethical responsibility of western dental bodies with a strong social aspect informed by the country's buddist roots. Education is comparable to the world's best dentistry programs - a 6 year university career is usually followed by 3 years of public service dentistry. Specialties have their own associations, encouraging continuing education - a requirement for the modern dentist and soon to be incorportated into Thailand's legal dental requirements. Healthcare is well regulated with strong data-protection laws and a centralized complaints system.

Of course part of Thailand's appeal is due to its natural beauty and cultural riches. These combined with high dental standards and low costs make Thailand a popular choice. Our most popular destinations in Thailand are Bangkok and Phuket.

You can also consider other Asian countries for your dental treatment, i.g. Sinagapore, the Philippines or India.

Dentists in Thailand - Prices

The following price guide indicates estimated cost of Dentistry in Thailand. Please note that this is a guide only and you should always check with your dentist directly.

Dentists in Thailand - Qualifications

Thai Dentists complete a six year course in one of Thailand's 8 governmental dental universities or 1 private university. Graduates from one of the government institutions are required to spend 3 years following the completion of their degree in the public dental system. Following graduation there are 10 areas of dentistry that practioners can specialise in including general dentistry, orthodontics and prosthodontics. Dental nurses and therapists also receive specialised training in Thailand.

Dentists are registered with the Thai Dental Council and may be members of a number of professional associations: the largest being the Dental Association of Thailand. While ongoing education is not mandatory it is recommended by each of the specialist branches of dentistry within Thailand. Organizations such as the Thai Association of Orthodontists offer continuing education courses and update their recommended practices - keeping in continual contact with their peer organizations across the world.

Dentists in Thailand - Patient Rights

Organizations

The Thai Dental Council is the central organization for registration of dentists. A number of associations exist covering the range of specialties recognised in the kingdom. Complaints fall under the jurisdiction of the Council.

Dental Ethics

Ethics are an integral part of Thai society and are heavily influenced by Buddhist ideals. The Medical Council is responsible for promoting ethics throughout Thailand's medical professions.

Complaints

The Medical Treatment Profession Act (1982) has a unified approach to the rights of patients across the countries medical professions. Following a written complaint the Dental Council will initiate an investigation. The Council has the power to issue warnings, suspend practitioners for up to 2 years or permanently revoke the right to practice.

Where harm has been done patients may follow legal proceeding through the courts: Though the process has a reputation for being difficult for non-nationals.

Continuing education

Each specialty encourages the principle of continuous learning. Continuing training is not mandatory though legislation is in draft at present.

Data Protection

A general data protection law exists - Official Information Act of B.E. 2540. It has provisions for the protection of medical information. Disclosure of information without a patients permission is covered by the Medical Profession Act and may result in criminal proceedings.

Resources

Thai Dental Council
Dental Council website (in Thai - English version content planned)

Thai Dentistry Map - the single best source of Dentists in Thailand information. Check location and contact a Dentist directly.