Thailand has been a popular medical tourism destination for many years. Today, more and more people are also coming to the country to get dental work performed on them. The country is doing everything it can to improve the dental medical tourism sector. So, how does Thailand seek to improve the dental medical tourism sector?
Thailand has developed a new initiative in conjunction with state agencies and private healthcare providers to invest and develop its medical tourism industry. The country keeps redesigning its medical tourism market in order to compete with other medical tourism destinations around the world. The regulation and standards of dental tourism are constantly improving. The country has also developed new infrastructure and Medical visitors can stay in the country for up to 90 days.
To get a better understanding of how Thailand seeks to improve their dental tourism sector, keep reading!
What is the regulation and education of dentists in Thailand?
Dentists in Thailand are known to be highly qualified and this is because dentists are required to study for six years at one of the nation’s dental schools to obtain their DDS degree.
Then, they will work in the public dental system for about three years before they can enter the private sector, otherwise, they have to pay back some of their fees to the government.
Dentistry is a highly respected career in this Southeast Asian nation since only a handful of high school graduates can afford medical school.
Thai Dental Council (TDC) is the main governing body for dentists in Thailand and upon graduation; dentists are automatically awarded a license from the TDC, as they set the standards for all Thai dental professionals with regard to professional development, education, attitude, and general competency.
Although there is currently no requirement to continue education in order to maintain the license, TDC always encourages dentists to attend training and courses to stay up-to-date with current dental practices.
It is also common for dentists in Thailand to study abroad or to continue their specialized training in Western countries, such as Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Also, many dentists are affiliated with both national and international dental organizations.
Thailand’s health ministry and national bodies, known as the Dental Association of Thailand, regulate the training and operations of the dentist.
What are the standards of dental facilities in Thailand?
Dental clinics are always in competition with each other to attract patients, especially with the boom of the dental tourism industry. This encourages dental clinics in the country to maintain facilities and equipment that match those found in dental tourists’ home countries.
Some even exceed Western standards. Many dentists also acknowledge the importance of word-of-mouth, reviews, and recommendations. Therefore, they will do their best to give patients an outstanding experience.
Many dental clinics in Thailand take great pride in providing quality services, both to locals and foreigners. Numerous hospitals have been accredited by international organizations, such as the Joint Commission International. In order to achieve these international accreditations and become globally recognized, they have gone through rigorous training. Various dental clinics offer the most advanced dental technology, such as digital panoramic oral x-ray and 3D CAD/CAM.
For example, a veneer procedure in Thailand is now performed using highly advanced technology to create the impression as well as the porcelain veneer. These technologies are not available in many clinics in the Western world. Even if they are available, they tend to be very expensive. In addition, dental clinics in Thailand offers a combination of dentistry and tourism.
They don’t solely focus on the dental business but also work to provide patients a welcoming and pleasant experience. Numerous clinics will make the process stress free and will have a number of English speaking staff.
Of course, there will always be dental clinics and dentists in Thailand that do not follow the same high standards. With the country’s dental tourism becoming more and more popular each year, some clinics may just be chasing profit without any real commitment to customer care.
This is why research is very important. International patients are encouraged to find reviews, accreditations, and credentials of their selected dental clinic and dentist.
It is also important to keep in mind that one patient’s bad experience doesn’t always mean the dentist is bad or not qualified. Procedures can fail, even when carried out by the most skilled and experienced dental professionals. However, skilled dental professionals will handle the situation and make sure the patient ends up satisfied.
How is the price so affordable? Is it even safe?
The price of dental work in Thailand may seem shockingly low to you and with such high-quality, it may not make sense how the prices are super affordable. Numerous factors make dental care in Thailand affordable, such as the cost of living and the cost to build a practice.
The cost of living in Thailand is a lot more affordable than those of Western countries. This means that the salaries and the cost of labor are a lot lower, allowing dental clinics to provide high-quality services at affordable costs.
Again, there will be clinics that only offer dental care to make profits. But this problem is present in every country in the world. Therefore, it is always best to do a thorough background check of the clinic and dentist you choose before you book an appointment.
What other things are the country do to improve its medical tourism sector?
Thailand has made plenty of improvements to make ensure dental practices in the country are accessible to foreign patients. Thailand’s biggest international airport, the Suvarnabhumi Airport, offers flights to and from almost every country in the world. In addition, there are airports in almost every region of the country, making travel from one city to another very easy.
The country also has straight-forward entry and exit formalities. Nationals from about 60 countries can visit and stay in Thailand for up to 90 days without a visa. Other foreign nationals, such as China and India, can apply for a visa on arrival.
