Vietnam in the medical tourism game

In recent years, Vietnam has become a new and attractive destination on the world dental tourism map.

Customers view dental imaging results and consult on fast and effective treatment methods - Photo: TONG DOANH

Vietnam - dental tourism destination

According to many experts, since the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam's healthcare and tourism industries have recovered impressively.

According to a report by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, in 2023, Vietnam will welcome more than 12.6 million international visitors, an increase of nearly 3.5 times compared to 2022.

Among them, a large number of tourists from Korea, Japan, Australia and France have a great demand for dental treatment.

Dental tourism is a model that combines tourism and dental treatment and care. This is a branch of medical tourism that has developed strongly in many countries such as Thailand, Hungary, and Mexico.

In recent years, Vietnam has become a new and attractive destination on the world dental tourism map thanks to the following factors: Dental quality is increasingly improved, reaching international standards; a team of highly skilled dentists, many of whom have been trained and studied abroad.

In addition, treatment costs are lower than in developed countries; natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage are suitable for combining relaxation and exploration.

Doctor CKII Pham Kim Thanh consults a tourist coming to Dong Thap for tourism and dental check-up at Phuong Thanh Dental Clinic (Sa Dec, Dong Thap) - Photo: TONG DOANH

According to the Vietnam Association of Dentistry, there are currently over 1,300 private dental clinics operating nationwide.

Many facilities have met strict international sterilization standards, applied advanced digital dental technology such as CAD/CAM systems, and used modern dental restoration materials such as Emax and Zirconia porcelain to optimize treatment efficiency and aesthetics.

Currently, big cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang are the most vibrant dental tourism centers in the country.

In Dong Thap, the dental tourism model has been applied by Phuong Thanh Dental Clinic (Sa Dec) in recent years, initially bringing positive signals.

Dong Thap - potential for dental tourism development

Dental tourism generates an estimated revenue of around 150 million USD/year. Although this figure is modest compared to the global market, this is a promising start for Vietnam.

Recently, Dong Thap has also emerged as a potential destination, combining experiential tourism, traditional craft villages and quality medical services.

Doctor CKII Pham Kim Thanh - Chairman and General Director of Phuong Thanh Dental Company Limited (Sa Dec, Dong Thap) - said that according to statistics from Allied Market Research, the global dental tourism market is expected to reach 7.7 billion USD by 2025.

The major attraction centers are currently located in Southeast Asia such as Thailand, Malaysia, India, and the Philippines. Vietnam's dental industry is now approaching international standards in terms of specialized techniques and modern equipment.

BSCKII Pham Kim Thanh - Photo: TONG DOANH

"Dong Thap is a land of rich fruits, gentle rivers and kind people - it can completely become a typical dental tourist destination of the Southwest region, if we have a methodical, synchronous and sustainable development orientation.

We have also invested in modern, international-standard equipment; built service packages specifically for tourists (online consultation, airport reception, translation, accommodation support); cooperated with travel companies to create tours combining dental examination - relaxation - visiting relics.

Phuong Thanh Dental Clinic (Sa Dec City, Dong Thap Province) with modern equipment and machinery is a prestigious address for many customers - Photo: TONG DOANH

Phuong Thanh Dental Clinic's goal and orientation is not only to be a simple dental treatment facility, but also to spread the culture of smile care - caring for people in a comprehensive and humane way.

That is why since 2022, we have started implementing the "Tourism Dentistry" project as a strategic direction, in line with local potential and international trends," said Mr. Thanh.

Customers are enthusiastically consulted before leaving - Photo: TONG DOANH

According to Dr. Thanh, Vietnam has significant advantages to develop dental tourism such as reasonable prices: Costs are much lower than in developed countries, but the quality of treatment is not inferior; convenient geographical location near major markets such as Australia, Singapore, Korea; and strong tourism development.

"Dong Thap also has many potentials and strengths in tourism to attract domestic and foreign tourists to visit and experience, along with customers interested in dental services," Mr. Thanh added.

The space at Phuong Thanh Dental Clinic with many green areas creates comfort for customers - Photo: TONG DOANH

According to experts, besides opportunities, Vietnam's dental tourism also has many limitations as well as no shortage of development prospects. At the same time, it is a potential field, bringing in large foreign currency revenue, while contributing to enhancing the image of Vietnam's healthcare in the international arena.

If properly invested and sustainably developed, this will be a promising "spearhead", helping the Vietnamese dental industry reach regional and world levels.

BUSINESS

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/viet-nam-trong-cuoc-choi-y-te-du-lich-20250625135838716.htm