Dental Work overseas / "Dental Vacations"
Oct 3, 2009, 1:10 am
#46
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: K+K
Programs: *G
Posts: 4,868
A root canal in Southern California (one of the most expensive places in the US), done by a specialist costs around $1100 with an additional charge of around $900 for the required crown by a general practice dentist.
I am amazed by the unworried approach of many posters in threads such as this one who seen to have zero concerns about the issues in perhaps getting very sub-standard care overseas.
Several years ago I saw a story in one of the Thai English language papers about an American guy who came to Thailand for eye surgery and was blinded by the "top-notch" surgeon. When he considered some legal action to get some compensation he was basically laughed at by the Thai lawyers who explained that the Dr. was "connected" and the foreigner's complaint would go nowhere.
I am amazed by the unworried approach of many posters in threads such as this one who seen to have zero concerns about the issues in perhaps getting very sub-standard care overseas.
Several years ago I saw a story in one of the Thai English language papers about an American guy who came to Thailand for eye surgery and was blinded by the "top-notch" surgeon. When he considered some legal action to get some compensation he was basically laughed at by the Thai lawyers who explained that the Dr. was "connected" and the foreigner's complaint would go nowhere.
if i were to be blinded by a surgeon, here or abroad, compensation wouldnt be on my top list of worries.
Oct 4, 2009, 12:03 am
#47
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 5
In Bangkok, I would recommend Thantakit International Dental Center.
they have three locations, and will pick you up from your hotel and after your appointment, take you back (or anywhere if you ask the driver nicely)
Just visit the web site for a list of all their services and prices, as well as making an appointment.
they have three locations, and will pick you up from your hotel and after your appointment, take you back (or anywhere if you ask the driver nicely)
Just visit the web site for a list of all their services and prices, as well as making an appointment.
Oct 4, 2009, 5:40 am
#48
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Sunny Switzerland
Programs: BD / BA / AF
Posts: 4,388
I certainly wouldn't go to just any doctor overseas, but then I wouldn't do that at home, either. I would always research the quality of the doctor and seek testimonials from other patients before making a decision on where to get my medical care.
Oct 4, 2009, 6:12 am
#49
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Romania
Posts: 141
I am sharing some input here since I just finished some dental work 2 days ago, in Romania (where I live).
I needed a front crown, and it was made by porcelain (or something above, as I have asked for the best they have). It costed me aprox. $140 (the whole deal, tooth + work).
When they gave me the mirror, my first reaction was: Which tooth was replaced? I couldn't see any difference.
Most (or all) of the equipment and materials they use, come from the US or other Western countries.
Also, I am very afraid of dentists. But in the end, it was all a walk in the park.
I needed a front crown, and it was made by porcelain (or something above, as I have asked for the best they have). It costed me aprox. $140 (the whole deal, tooth + work).
When they gave me the mirror, my first reaction was: Which tooth was replaced? I couldn't see any difference.
Most (or all) of the equipment and materials they use, come from the US or other Western countries.
Also, I am very afraid of dentists. But in the end, it was all a walk in the park.
Oct 4, 2009, 7:43 am
#50
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Louisville, KY, US
Programs: QF Plat - OW EMD | DL Gold / Starwood Gold
Posts: 6,106
OP here
I'm glad to see this thread has re-surfaced.
Just to let everyone know, I had my dental work done here in the US with a local dentist.
Looking back, I really wish I had the work done overseas. For what I paid the dentist, I could have had a paid F or J ticket + a nice hotel + the work done outside the US based on a few prices I've seen.
I still need some minor work done that would be costly if done here, as such I am looking at overseas options again.
I am planning winter travel to Costa Rica and Europe. I'm leaning towards having the work done in CR, but would be open to having it done in Central/Eastern Europe if I can find someone reputable.
I'm open to specific suggestions / recommendations of dentists FTers have used in the past. PM or e-mail is also welcome.
Steve aka SDF_Traveler
Just to let everyone know, I had my dental work done here in the US with a local dentist.
Looking back, I really wish I had the work done overseas. For what I paid the dentist, I could have had a paid F or J ticket + a nice hotel + the work done outside the US based on a few prices I've seen.
I still need some minor work done that would be costly if done here, as such I am looking at overseas options again.
I am planning winter travel to Costa Rica and Europe. I'm leaning towards having the work done in CR, but would be open to having it done in Central/Eastern Europe if I can find someone reputable.
I'm open to specific suggestions / recommendations of dentists FTers have used in the past. PM or e-mail is also welcome.
Steve aka SDF_Traveler
Oct 4, 2009, 8:28 am
#51
Join Date: May 2008
Location: BWI/WAS
Programs: UA 1K, RCC, HH GOLD, SPG, OMNI, KIMPTON, A-CLUB
Posts: 216
German dental professionals have been consulted world wide to help in forensic cases where the only means of identifying a subject are a few badly degraded teeth or mandibular structures. They have an amazing degree of successful findings.
Oct 4, 2009, 8:37 am
#52
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: 60137
Posts: 10,498
Oct 4, 2009, 12:46 pm
#53
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Romania
Posts: 141
Some of the missconceptions come from the fact that public healthcare is total crap (at least here). I wouldn't go to a public hospital even if they pay me 6 figures to do it.
On the other hand, I never paid and will pay any health insurrance, since the private clinics have fantastic prices, great doctors and everything is smooth.
Some time ago, I got an internal bleeding from an untreated gastritis.
I picked up the phone, and 30 minutes later my blood samples were already being shipped to the lab for analysis. 45 minutes later I was back home with my medication. 48 hours later I had the results and the treatment.
2 visits to the doctor + 2 separate analysis + some heavy and expensive drugs and 2 kinds of antibiotics, costed me something less than $200.
They are even located on the most expensive street here (in terms of real estate), have their own parking in the front of the building, accept credit-cards, etc.
This is one of the paradigms of underdeveloped countries.
Most of the population lives in extremly poor conditions, but if you have a decent amount of money in your account (something like the equivalent of a nice salary in the US or Europe) you can get far better than those in the US or Europe.
Unfortunately 80% of people in my city live in misserable conditions.
But I can find almost any model of Vertu phones ($10.000+), any high-end jewelry or luxury products, in the local mall.
On the other hand, I never paid and will pay any health insurrance, since the private clinics have fantastic prices, great doctors and everything is smooth.
Some time ago, I got an internal bleeding from an untreated gastritis.
I picked up the phone, and 30 minutes later my blood samples were already being shipped to the lab for analysis. 45 minutes later I was back home with my medication. 48 hours later I had the results and the treatment.
2 visits to the doctor + 2 separate analysis + some heavy and expensive drugs and 2 kinds of antibiotics, costed me something less than $200.
They are even located on the most expensive street here (in terms of real estate), have their own parking in the front of the building, accept credit-cards, etc.
This is one of the paradigms of underdeveloped countries.
Most of the population lives in extremly poor conditions, but if you have a decent amount of money in your account (something like the equivalent of a nice salary in the US or Europe) you can get far better than those in the US or Europe.
Unfortunately 80% of people in my city live in misserable conditions.
But I can find almost any model of Vertu phones ($10.000+), any high-end jewelry or luxury products, in the local mall.
Oct 4, 2009, 1:47 pm
#54
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Usually Paris and Rome, but could be just about anywhere
Programs: Flying Blue
Posts: 294
I use Healthy Smile Dental Clinic in Silom Complex in Bangkok. The dentist speaks good, if hesitant English. A simple tooth cleaning is about $15US. I don't recall the exact prices now, but for everything from having a wisdom tooth out to a ceramic crown (both procedures I've had done there), their prices were considerably lower than the fancier clinics in Bangkok (and a tiny fraction of US prices). They serve locals and foreigners and have another branch across town for more involved procedures. As other people have pointed out, the savings will more than pay for your vacation.
Bangkok is also the destination for many expats throughout Asia who need medical care or just a simple check-up. Many hospitals, like Bumrungrad or BNH, offer services that are as modern and efficient as anything you'd find in Europe or North America. I've used the former and both my father and step-mother have been hospitalized at the latter, with no complaints whatsoever about the care and attention provided.
Bangkok is also the destination for many expats throughout Asia who need medical care or just a simple check-up. Many hospitals, like Bumrungrad or BNH, offer services that are as modern and efficient as anything you'd find in Europe or North America. I've used the former and both my father and step-mother have been hospitalized at the latter, with no complaints whatsoever about the care and attention provided.
Oct 4, 2009, 1:56 pm
#55
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Usually Paris and Rome, but could be just about anywhere
Programs: Flying Blue
Posts: 294
Anyone know the price of 4-quadrant root scaling? (basically deep gum cleaning)
Even though I have generally very good insurance from my employer, that procedure is a 700$ out-of-pocket expense here
I figure if its in South asia (singapore, kl, etc) as opposed to South EAST asia, the quality is no different than at home in the US
I might do the same for Lasik procedure... the trip might pay for itself?
Even though I have generally very good insurance from my employer, that procedure is a 700$ out-of-pocket expense here
I figure if its in South asia (singapore, kl, etc) as opposed to South EAST asia, the quality is no different than at home in the US
I might do the same for Lasik procedure... the trip might pay for itself?
Oct 4, 2009, 9:44 pm
#56
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Berlin and Buggenhagen, Germany
Posts: 3,509
It is not strange at all. German dental technology is fantastic, always on the forefront, and the German doctors are very well know for their detailed documentation of procedures, and meticulous work, especially on complicated cases.
German dental professionals have been consulted world wide to help in forensic cases where the only means of identifying a subject are a few badly degraded teeth or mandibular structures. They have an amazing degree of successful findings.
German dental professionals have been consulted world wide to help in forensic cases where the only means of identifying a subject are a few badly degraded teeth or mandibular structures. They have an amazing degree of successful findings.
Till
Oct 8, 2009, 2:32 am
#57
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: GOT, LAX, CDG, NRT, ICN
Programs: M&M, FB, DL, BA, UA...
Posts: 790
When I was in Mumbai I was very happy with the work of Dr. Sabadra http://www.drsabadra.com Looking at the testimonials section you'll see he's almost the offical dentist of the various consulates in Mumbai
I paid about $150 for a new porcelain inlay which would have cost much more back home. He speaks fluent English and the equipment is very up to date. I also appreciated that he spent his time making sure everything was done well rather than rushing to attend to another patient. It's a small office located near Marine Drive in the rather run down looking Tata medical center. I think most people coming from abroad tend to combine their visits with a trip down to Goa rather than staying in Mumbai the whole time.
I paid about $150 for a new porcelain inlay which would have cost much more back home. He speaks fluent English and the equipment is very up to date. I also appreciated that he spent his time making sure everything was done well rather than rushing to attend to another patient. It's a small office located near Marine Drive in the rather run down looking Tata medical center. I think most people coming from abroad tend to combine their visits with a trip down to Goa rather than staying in Mumbai the whole time.
Oct 25, 2009, 12:19 pm
#60
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Former UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 576
Silom Dental is more of a high end place in Bangkok but very good. Here is a link to the price list. http://www.silomdental.com/dental_ba...&duration.html My dentist was impressed with the implant I had done at Silom Dental. I can also recommend National Dental Centre Singapore http://www.ndc.com.sg/
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PS I can highly recommend Singapore National Eye Centre if you need eye care. http://www.snec.com.sg/
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PS I can highly recommend Singapore National Eye Centre if you need eye care. http://www.snec.com.sg/