In this article, we will look at the top popular countries for dental tourism. We have also discussed the size of the global dental tourism market. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, head straight to the list of top countries.
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Page Contents
ToggleGlobal Dental Industry Overview
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What is Dental Tourism?
Dental tourism (or dental travel/vacations) is becoming a growing trend. It refers to the phenomenon of individuals traveling abroad to get dental services there, mainly to save on costs or access more specialized treatments. This practice has really taken off as the price gap for dental procedures between countries grows wider. For example, people from the U.S., Canada, and parts of Europe often travel to destinations like Thailand, Turkey, or Iran, where dental services are as high quality as what is offered in their home country but at only a fraction of their hometown price.
But saving money is not the only reason. There are plenty of other reasons for dental tourists, and we’ll explore them in this blog.
Before starting, let’s check the global dental tourism market size.
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Market Size and Reasons why people choose dental tourism
The global dental tourism market is growing fast, with its value reaching around $7.7 billion in 2023 and expected to get to $24.2 billion by 2032. This growth is mainly due to the rising cost of healthcare in many developed countries, which has more and more people looking for affordable dental care abroad. Places like Thailand, India, Turkey, and Iran have become go-to spots for dental tourists, offering huge savings—up to 70% off treatments like implants and veneers. For instance, a dental implant that might cost $2,500 in the U.S. could be just $300 in Iran. Refer to our article about affordable implant prices to see the detailed comparison. This affordability, along with high-quality care, is drawing patients from all over the world in search of a better deal.
As the global population ages, with 1 in 6 people expected to be 60 or older by 2030. So, the need for dental treatments is growing. Older adults often face issues like tooth loss, leading to an increased demand for dental implants. In fact, the dental implant market is predicted to reach $8.9 billion by 2032, since more people will be looking for permanent solutions for tooth replacement. Additionally, cavities and gum disease are common among both teenagers and adults, and thus they need dental care. All these reasons have made dental tourism more popular, and offer people the chance to get necessary treatments while enjoying travel.
Along with being affordable, improvements in dental technology and a focus on appearance are helping dental tourism grow. Countries like Turkey and Iran are popular for dental implants and cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening. They offer high facilities, well-trained specialists, and modern equipment. As dental tourism expands, more countries are upgrading their healthcare systems to attract international patients. Let’s see the most popular dental tourism destinations in 2024.
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The World’s Best Countries for Dental Tourism in 2024
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Country | Cost Effectiveness | High-Quality Care | Experienced Dentists | English Widely Spoken | International Certification | Tourist Appeal | Package Deals | Remote Follow-Up Care | Proximity to Western Patients | Safety and Hygiene Consistency |
Hungary | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Poland | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Croatia | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Spain | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Czech Republic | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Romania | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Germany | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Thailand | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
India | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Philippines | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Turkey | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Mexico | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
Costa Rica | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Panama | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
Dominican Republic | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
Colombia | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
United Arab Emirates | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Iran | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
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Why Iran is the Smartest Choice for Dental Tourism in the Middle East and Asia
Unbeatable Affordability
Iran stands out as the premier destination for dental tourism, particularly for patients from the Middle East and Asia. The primary advantage Iran offers is its incredibly low cost for dental procedures, far more affordable than other global dental tourism hotspots like Turkey, Thailand, or even European countries. With the Iranian rial’s low exchange rates, tourists from neighboring countries can enjoy substantial savings without sacrificing the quality of care.
The comparison between dental care in Iran vs all those other countries listed above involves many aspects that must be carefully considered based on individual preferences, specific dental needs, and budget constraints.
A study conducted by DentaVacation provides a detailed comparison of average dental treatment prices across various countries, but it does not include Iran in its analysis. According to the data presented, countries such as Turkey, Mexico, and India offer competitive prices for dental procedures, with India’s dental implants, for example, costing around $500.
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Country | All on 4 (per arch) | Dental Implant | Zirconia Crown |
Mexico | $9,000 – $10,000 | $800 – $900 | $450 – $550 |
Thailand | $12,000 – $13,000 | $800 – $900 | $500 – $600 |
Costa Rica | $9,000 – $10,700 | $750 – $850 | $400 – $500 |
Turkey | $4,000 – $5,000 | $680 – $780 | $260 – $360 |
India | $4,500 – $5,500 | $400 – $500 | $180 – $250 |
US | $24,000 – $32,000 | $5,000 – $6,000 | $2,000 – $3,000 |
Australia | $29,500 – $35,000 | $5,500 – $6,500 | $2,200 – $3,200 |
Canada | $22,000 – $32,000 | $4,600 – $6,600 | $2,000 – $3,000 |
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However, the average price for similar treatments in Iran is significantly lower, often up to half of the minimum amount calculated in this table (Refer to Comparison of affordable Implant Prices for more detail). For instance, the cost of a porcelain crown in Iran is approximately $190, which highlights Iran’s exceptional affordability.
Despite being excluded from the study, Iran’s cost-effectiveness is unmatched, making it an attractive option for patients from the Middle East and Asia. The combination of lower costs, expert care, and geographical proximity positions Iran as a superior choice for dental tourism.
Proximity and Convenience for Middle Eastern and Asian Patients
For patients from Asia and the Middle East, Iran is a top choice not only because of the affordable prices but also due to the short flight hours, making travel easy and convenient. Whether you’re coming from the Gulf States or other parts of Asia, Iran offers a proximity advantage that distant locations like Thailand or European countries simply can’t match. Additionally, Iran’s diverse range of climates, from the lush northern landscapes to the warm, sunny coasts, makes it a perfect travel destination year-round. This diversity in climate adds another layer to the overall appeal of combining dental care with a memorable vacation experience.
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Rich Cultural and Historical Appeal
Furthermore, Iran’s rich historic and cultural background offers an immersive experience. Patients can explore UNESCO World Heritage sites like Persepolis, ancient cities such as Isfahan, or the poetic allure of Shiraz. On top of the cultural attractions, Iranian dentists are highly skilled, with many trained internationally, ensuring that patients receive world-class care. In larger cities, many clinics have English-speaking staff, making communication easy and stress-free.
Comprehensive Dental Tourism Packages
On the other hand, with the growing trend of dental tourism, many clinics in Iran are now offering comprehensive packages that cover everything from accommodation and translation services to detailed follow-up care. These packages are designed to provide patients with a seamless experience, ensuring that their entire trip, from arrival to departure, is smooth and well-organized.
In short, for anyone in the Middle East or Asia looking for high-quality, affordable dental care, Iran is, without a doubt, the best option. It combines low costs, cultural richness, and top-tier medical professionals, making it a far better choice than traveling to distant countries with higher expenses.
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Why Choose Dr. Noorbakhsh’s Dental Clinic for Your Dental Tourism Experience in Iran?
If you’re thinking about coming to Iran for dental treatments, Dr. Nazanin Noorbakhsh’s clinic is a great option! Known for offering excellent care to both local and international patients, the clinic is located in Fereshteh Street in Iran and provides a wide range of services, from implants and veneers to cosmetic dentistry. With the latest technology and high-quality materials, you’ll be in safe hands with Dr. Noorbakhsh’s expertise and experience.
What’s even better? The clinic is set up to make your experience as easy as possible. They offer personalized packages for international patients, which include accommodation, transportation, and translation services. Contact Dr. Noorbakhsh’s dental clinic to arrange your dental vacation now!
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References
- Dental Tourism Market, By Service (Dental Implants, Orthodontics, Dental Cosmetics, Dental Prosthetics), Traveler (Incidental, Business), End-use (Hospitals, Dental Clinics, Multi-specialty Clinics) – Global Forecast (2024 – 2032)
- Dental Services Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Specialty (General Dentistry, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Endodontics, Orthodontics, and Others), By Financing Source (Private Health Insurance, Public Health Insurance, and Out-of-Pocket/Others), By Practice Type (Solo Practices, DSO/ Group Practices, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032