Many overseas Vietnamese have returned home to visit relatives and have their teeth done, dentists are hoping to attract international tourists - Illustration photo AI
According to Research and Market, the total revenue of dental tourism in 2025 is estimated at 7.31 million USD, by 2029 it will be 11.61 million USD, with a CAGR of 12.3%. Top destinations in this field include Thailand, Hungary, Mexico, and India.
These countries all have international standard dental systems, well-trained doctors, and a synchronously developed medical tourism model.
In 2024, a market research report by TechSci Research pointed out: The Vietnamese dental services market is expected to grow steadily at a compound annual growth rate of 4.75% during the period 2024–2030.
This is a remarkable figure, demonstrating strong belief in the sustainable development potential of our country's dentistry industry, especially in the context of international integration and the trend of medical tourism, in which dental tourism is increasingly expanding.
TechSci Research experts believe that this growth comes from many reasons: Dental services in Vietnam are much cheaper than in developed countries such as the US and Australia, but the quality is increasingly high. There are many clinic systems that have invested in modern equipment, applying advanced technology that meets international standards.
The team of doctors is constantly improving their qualifications, many have been trained and studied in developed countries and are constantly updating their knowledge. Tourism conditions and infrastructure are increasingly convenient, creating advantages for combining dental examination and treatment with resort and cultural experiences.
As a practitioner in the industry, I affirm that this statement is completely true to the current picture of Vietnamese dentistry.
1. Modern technology, international integration
Currently, many large dental clinics in Vietnam have been equipped with advanced technology systems such as microscopes in endodontic treatment and conservative dentistry, CAD/CAM, Cone-beam CT scan, Exocad and 3Shape restoration design software, AI technology applications in diagnosis and treatment planning, and implant positioning robots.
The digitalization process is applied from reception, consultation, and restoration, helping to shorten time, improve accuracy, and customer experience.
Many centers in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi , Da Nang, Nha Trang, Dong Thap... can complete porcelain tooth restoration in just 1-2 days, on par with developed countries.
2. Comprehensive care trend
Not only concerned with treatment but also prevention, emotional and psychological care, personal experience
Recent studies have shown a clear link between oral health and systemic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, immune disorders, etc. Modern dentistry does not stop at treating symptoms, but also requires screening, risk assessment and early intervention in a preventive direction.
At modern dental clinics in Vietnam, comprehensive care services are being integrated, including: Assessment of oral bacteria index and microbiological epidemiology; Periodic saliva testing to monitor oral health status; Nutritional counseling, gum care and oral microflora; Oral health management according to a personalized electronic record model.
In particular, many clinics can meet medical examination and treatment standards while also providing the conditions of a "healing" hotel. After the COVID-19 pandemic, we realized that patients are not just looking for a place to "treat their teeth effectively", they want to be cared for and understood, where oral health is closely linked to mental and physical well-being.
Many modern clinics in Vietnam have met the following factors: (1) Friendly treatment space: meditative design, relaxing music to reduce stress. (2) Staff supporting foreign patients: From reception, interpretation to professional post-treatment care. (3) Minimally invasive treatment process, less pain, quick recovery.
3. Team of highly qualified doctors with rich international experience
Nowadays, more and more Vietnamese doctors are trained or interned in countries such as the US, Australia, Korea, Japan, Europe, etc. They not only bring back advanced technical expertise but also absorb service culture, international communication skills, and foreign language proficiency.
To treat children's teeth safely, dentists need to have experience and understand the psychology of children - Photo: TTD
4. Outstanding competitive treatment costs
The cost of dental services in Vietnam is very low, the estimated cost in Vietnam depending on the service is currently only 1/3-1/10 compared to developed countries, while still ensuring international treatment standards.
This is a great advantage, helping customers - especially overseas Vietnamese and foreigners - save thousands of dollars for each implant, cosmetic, orthodontic treatment and other services. Dental tourism brings in a large amount of revenue each year for Vietnam and has the potential to increase strongly in the future.
5. Some technologies and techniques have not been widely deployed in developed countries but are strong in Vietnam.
Many equipment materials produced in other countries such as Korea and India have been widely used in Vietnam, but are not yet popular in developed countries due to import barriers and some other reasons.
For example, MSE rapid expansion screws, Zirconia caps available for children, and translucent light systems can be easily used by foreigners in Vietnam.
6. Favorable travel conditions, diverse experiences
Vietnam is an attractive destination with diverse landscapes and climates, increasingly modern hotel and resort infrastructure, and convenient international transportation. Customers can combine dental care with beach vacations, exploring cultural heritage, cuisine, etc.
Major cities and tourist destinations such as Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Sa Pa, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Dong Thap… are all promising destinations for domestic and foreign customers.
The potential for developing dental tourism in Vietnam is huge to attract international visitors, overseas Vietnamese, customers from Southeast Asia, Australia, America, etc. to come for treatment, relaxation, and healing.
Vietnam tourism dentistry will contribute to increasing foreign currency revenue, creating jobs, promoting supporting industries (travel, hotels, cuisine, services, etc.). At the same time, tourism dentistry will also help enhance the reputation and brand of Vietnamese healthcare in the international arena.
We have potential and can develop well, but we do not have a synchronous ecosystem connecting healthcare, travel, hotels, and services are still fragmented and lack comprehensive service packages for customers. The quality management system and protection of international guests' rights are not yet popular, we need to improve service standards and have a professional feedback and complaint resolution system.
Promotion is still limited, not making good use of international media channels, medical tourism fairs, social networks, and links with large travel companies.
What solutions to develop dental tourism in Vietnam?
To develop dental tourism, we need to invest heavily in technology, update equipment, and digitally transform processes. Further strengthen continuous training, improve foreign language skills, and international communication skills for medical staff.
Strengthening industry linkages: building a comprehensive service package combining healthcare - tourism - resort.
Perfecting the legal system, quality standards, and mechanisms to protect the rights of medical tourists.
Especially encourage the development of high-tech dental centers in big cities, famous tourist destinations, creating regional brands.
Tourism dentistry is opening up a promising development direction for the Vietnamese dental industry in the context of global integration. With the advantages of modern technology, competitive costs, a team of high-quality doctors and a diverse tourism environment, Vietnam has every opportunity to become an ideal destination in the region and the world.
The close connection between healthcare, tourism and supporting service industries will be an important driving force for the dental industry to make a breakthrough. Dental tourism not only brings economic value but also contributes to enhancing the prestige and position of Vietnam on the international healthcare map.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/gia-dich-vu-nha-khoa-bang-1-3-nuoc-phat-trien-viet-nam-thanh-diem-den-du-lich-va-chua-rang-20250627225825948.htm
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