The real cost of dental tourism in Vietnam for Australians

Dental treatment in Vietnam can cost considerably less than private dental care in Australia, but the price quoted by a dental clinic is only one part of the total cost.

Australians considering dental tourism should also account for flights, accommodation, meals, local transport, time away from work and any additional visits or aftercare.

For higher-value treatments, the overall cost can still be substantially lower even after these expenses are included.

What is the true cost of dental tourism for Australians?

The true cost of dental tourism is the total amount you spend on your dental treatment and the trip itself, not simply the price listed by the clinic.

A simple way to calculate the total cost is:

Estimated trip cost = Dental treatment + Flights + Accommodation + Meals + Local transport + Potential additional visits

Dental treatment is usually the largest expense, but it is not the only cost Australians need to consider.

For example, a crown may cost considerably less in Vietnam than in Australia. However, if you travel internationally only to have one crown placed, the cost of flights, accommodation, meals and local transportation may significantly reduce the amount you can save.

The situation can be different for a larger treatment plan involving multiple crowns, veneers or dental implants. When the difference in dental fees reaches several thousand Australian dollars, the potential saving may be large enough to offset the cost of travelling to Vietnam.

This is why Australians should ask: “How much will I actually spend on the entire trip from Australia to Vietnam and back?” rather than simply: “How much cheaper is dental treatment in Vietnam?”

The first question gives you a more realistic basis for comparing dental tourism with treatment in Australia.

What extra costs should Australians include in a dental trip to Vietnam?

Besides the dental bill, Australians should budget for the cost of getting to Vietnam, staying there during treatment and getting around while they are there.

The exact amount will depend on your departure city, treatment timeline and travel dates, but a realistic budget can include:

• Return flights from Australia: around A$500 - A$1,000+
  • A return economy flight from Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City can range from around A$500 for a good deal to A$1,000 or more depending on the airline, booking time and travel dates.
  • Current fare data shows return fares around A$500 - A$900 on some dates, while full-service or less flexible dates can be considerably higher.
• Accommodation: around A$30 - A$100 per night: For a mid-range hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, budgeting around A$50 - A$80 per night is a reasonable planning figure. A 7-night stay could therefore cost approximately A$350 - A$560, while higher-end hotels will cost more.
• Food and daily expenses: around A$20 - A$40 per day: Australians can allow around A$140 - A$280 for a 7-day stay for meals and everyday spending, depending on where they eat and their travel style.
• Local transportation: around A$5 - A$15 per day: Airport transfers, Grab rides and trips between your hotel and dental clinic could add approximately A$35 - A$100 for a week. Patients staying further from their clinic or making frequent appointments may spend more.
• A second trip, if required: potentially another A$500 - A$1,000+ for flights alone: Some complex treatments may require multiple visits. If a second trip is necessary, Australians should budget for another return flight as well as additional accommodation, meals and local transport.

A realistic travel budget example

For a patient travelling from Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City for 7 nights, a reasonable planning budget could look like:

For a 7-night trip from Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City, Australians could budget around A$1,000 - A$2,000 for flights, accommodation, food and local transport, before adding the cost of dental treatment.

How much can Australians save on dental treatment in Vietnam?

One of the main reasons Australians consider dental treatment in Vietnam is the potential difference in treatment costs. Depending on the procedure, clinic and treatment plan, Australians may save around 50% - 70% compared with private dental treatment in Australia.

The potential saving is particularly significant for higher-value treatments, such as dental implants, multiple crowns, veneers and full-mouth restorative work.

For lower-cost procedures, the difference may be less meaningful once flights and other travel expenses are included.

Typical dental treatment prices in Vietnam can include:

The potential 50% - 70% saving is particularly relevant when the dental treatment itself represents a large expense.

For example, a 50% saving on a A$10,000 treatment plan would represent approximately A$5,000 before travel expenses. Even after adding flights, accommodation, food and local transport, the overall cost could remain substantially lower.

By contrast, a 50% saving on a A$200 dental procedure would only save A$100. That amount could easily be outweighed by the cost of travelling from Australia to Vietnam.

This is why Australians should look at the absolute dollar saving, not just the percentage difference.

The larger the treatment plan, the more potential there is for the difference in dental fees to offset the cost of the trip.

However, these figures are indicative only. Actual prices vary according to the dentist, clinic, materials, implant system, number of teeth treated and complexity of the case. Australians should request an itemised treatment plan and quotation before comparing the final cost with treatment in Australia.

When does dental tourism in Vietnam make financial sense?

Dental tourism is more likely to make financial sense when the potential treatment savings are large enough to offset the cost and time of travelling overseas.

Dental tourism may be less financially attractive when:

• You only need one relatively inexpensive procedure.
• The potential dental saving is small.
• Flights are unusually expensive.
• You cannot take enough time away from work.
• Your treatment requires several separate trips.
• The additional travel costs are close to or greater than the potential dental saving.

It may be more worth considering when:

• You need several dental procedures.
• You have a larger restorative treatment plan.
• The difference in treatment fees is substantial.
• You can combine dental treatment with time spent in Vietnam.
• The treatment timeline can be planned before travelling.
• You have confirmed the expected costs and number of appointments with the clinic.

The key point is that dental tourism is not simply a decision about where dental treatment is cheaper. It is a financial comparison between two complete treatment journeys.

Is dental tourism in Vietnam worth it for Australians?

Dental tourism in Vietnam can be financially worthwhile for Australians, particularly when the potential treatment savings are substantial enough to offset flights, accommodation and other travel costs.

However, the right comparison is not simply Australia vs Vietnam dental prices. It is the total cost of completing your treatment in each destination.

• For a small treatment, travel expenses can outweigh the potential dental saving.
• For a higher-value treatment plan, the overall saving can remain significant even after flights, accommodation and daily expenses are included.
• For complex treatment, price should also be considered alongside treatment planning, dentist qualifications, materials, number of appointments and aftercare.

Ultimately, Australians should calculate the full cost before deciding whether travelling to Vietnam makes financial sense for their particular dental needs.

Planning dental treatment in Vietnam? Get an initial treatment review and estimated cost before you book your flight. Explore dental treatment options with Dental Trip.