Why visit a dentist in Chiang Mai?
Many people visiting Thailand on holiday also add in a dental visit too. The reasons are twofold. Dentists in Thailand are good by world standards. Dentists in Thailand are also relatively cheap. Add in Chiang Mai's pleasant environment and you have a great place to get a check-up, clean or some extra work done.
The hardest thing about finding a dentist whilst in Chiang Mai is who to trust. There are many dentists there all looking clean, modern and viable. However there's always that feeling just before you go in off "I don't know this person". Can I trust them?.
Everyone has different dental needs, standards and experiences. Below I'll let you know what to watch out for in choosing a dentist in Chiang Mai. I'll also list a few recommended dentists that I and others I know have been to over the years.
Ultimately it will be up to you on who you choose. Don't be afraid to get a second opinion or visit meet with the dentist first.
Did you know?
Thailand is known as "the land of a thousand smiles"What to look out for when choosing a dentist in Chiang Mai
There are several different types of dentist in Thailand. "Tourist", cosmetic, family, and local are the mainstays.
Unless you speak Thai the local dentist (who is the cheapest) won't be of much use to you. So that leaves just three main types.
"Tourist" dentist: These will usually be slightly flash clinics with modern equipment. Many are starting to appear around Chiang Mai. There's nothing wrong with their services other than the inflated price. I'd be wary of these places.
Cosmetic dentist: Very popular in Thailand and Asia as a whole. These dentists are primarily concerned with making "Hollywood" type smiles. There's a high chance if you go in just for a clean they'll try to convince you that veneers, braces and other things are needed too.
Family dentist: These are my preferred type of dentist in Chiang Mai. They are mid to high end local dentists that are more interested in strong, clean and good teeth than anything else. They perform everything all the other dentists do but concentrate more on good general dentistry.
No matter what dentist you decide on it's still important that you choose the right one. Make sure the dentist is qualified. Avoid those back alley dentists with plenty of layers of dust on the windowsills.
Don't be afraid to see more than one dentist for a consultation. It's better to get two opinions for 400 baht than listen to the first dentist and have 4,000 baht worth of work done.
Ask for a dental quotation. Nearly all dentists have a price list. If not, ask for one.
Before choosing a dentist do a quick search online about them. You'll be surprised how a popular search for "dentists in Chiang Mai" will bring up paid for ads. Search instead for forums where people discuss their experiences.
Finally make sure you have adequate health insurance. While a general check up is not covered if an emergency occurs you should make sure you are covered. I recommend the following for good travel insurance.
Recommended Dentists in Chiang Mai
Again, this is a list of dentists in Chiang Mai that I and others I know have used and recommend. No one can or has paid in anyway to be on this list. It's just an honest list to help you make a decision.
Most of the clinics listed below are all located within walking distance of each other. So you can visit one and see if it's to your liking or not before moving on.
Pongsakorn Dental Clinic: I've used this family run dentist clinic on several occasions over the years and the dentist has been excellent. The current address shown here is correct. I found them very honest each time I've been there with no issues what so ever with great prices. Recommended.
Address: Pongsakorn Dental Clinic, 25/1 Moonmuang Rd, Chiang Mai (just south of Thae Pae Gate, inside the old city walls opposite the moat.
Tel: 053 206 445
V-Smile Clinic: A slightly more expensive dentist than most but one that's been around for years with good feedback. Appointments can be made by email from overseas and questions answered.
Address: 29/2 Kodchasan Rd, Chiang Mai (just north of Thae Pae Gate)
Tel: 053-285033
Payon Dental Clinic: Popular among expats in Chiang Mai Payon comes with some good feedback for its level of service and fairly good prices. There are several dentists that work here so quite often they will see you without an appointment.
Address: 10/1 Chaiyapoom Rd, Chiang Mai (North of Thae Pae gate, across the moat opposite the old city).
Tel: 053 874497
Funsabi Dental Clinic: Possibly one of the cheapest dentists in Chiang Mai there are two clinic in the city. Many locals use Funsabi but they are popular with several tourists looking for some quick work. You might want to know about your dental issues before coming here.
Address: Kotchasan Rd, Chiang Mai (North of Thae Pae gate, on the old city side).
Tel: 053 275353
Please note that all good dentists now require patients to wear facemasks while waiting in reception.
Map of the dental clinics in Chiang Mai
Cost of a dental filling in Chiang Mai, Thailand
The prices listed here average prices based on one of the listed dentists (budget) above. Dental prices lists here are on the low-end budget so expect higher prices than this on average.
- Extraction/Removal: 500-1000 baht per tooth
- Amalgam filling: 500-600 baht
- Composite (white) filling: 600-700
- Cleaning & polishing: 600 baht
- Cool light whitening: 5,000 baht (full mouth)
- Laser whitening: 9,000 baht (full mouth)
- Sealant: 500 baht per tooth
- Root canal: 3,000-6,000 baht
- Full dentures: 6,000 baht
- Ceramic crown: 10,000 baht
Activities around Chiang Mai
Prebooking value trips around Chiang Mai can be done online at quite good rates compared to some local tour operators. Do check out this list of activities around Chiang Mai which I've selected.
