How to choose a dental clinic in Vietnam

Choosing a clinic is the decision that matters most. Price differences between good clinics are usually small next to the cost of fixing poor work later.

Check the paperwork

In Vietnam, a dental clinic needs a licence to operate from the provincial Department of Health, and each dentist needs a practising certificate. Ask the clinic for both numbers. Every clinic on this site has shown us its licence and its lead dentist's certificate. Read how we verify clinics for the details.

Ask who will treat you

A clinic is only as good as the dentist doing your work. Ask for the name of the dentist for each step, especially the implant surgeon, and how long they've done that procedure.

Get it in writing

Before you book flights, ask for:

• a treatment plan listing each tooth and what will be done to it
• an itemised quote, including scans, temporary teeth and medication
• the number of visits, and how many days apart they are
• the warranty terms, including what happens if something fails after you're home

Clinics that are confident in their work are usually happy to write this down.

Compare like with like

Send the same recent X-rays and photos to two or three clinics. If one plan is very different, for example 20 crowns where another suggests 8 veneers, ask each clinic to explain its reasoning.

If you book through an agency or facilitator

Some patients book through a dental tourism agency or facilitator instead of the clinic directly. Check the provider as carefully as the clinic:

• Ask which clinic and which dentist will treat you, then check that clinic's licence yourself.
• Ask how the provider is paid. Many are paid a commission by the clinic, which can affect which clinic they suggest.
• Get the treatment plan from the clinic's dentist, not a sales coordinator.
• Find out who you contact if something goes wrong after you're home: the clinic, the provider, or both.

A trustworthy provider answers these questions plainly and in writing. Our article on dental tourism packages lists what to check before you pay for a package.

Red flags

Be careful with a clinic that pushes you to decide on the day, won't say who the dentist is, quotes only a single package price, or promises results that sound too good, such as a full set of crowns in two days with no consultation.