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Dental Work in Vietnam for Australians: Complete Cost Savings Guide 2026

Dental Work in Vietnam for Australians: Complete Cost Savings Guide 2026

A detailed 2026 cost analysis for Australians considering dental treatment in Vietnam. Procedure-by-procedure AUD pricing, total trip cost calculator, real patient case studies, and comparison with Thailand and Bali.

By Dr. Emily Nguyen, DDS, Founder & Principal Dentist · · 13 min read

Last updated: April 19, 2026

Getting dental work done in Vietnam saves Australian patients 50% to 75% compared to Australian prices — even after flights, hotels, and meals. This guide breaks down the numbers for every major procedure, walks through real total trip costs, and compares Vietnam against other popular dental tourism destinations. If you are weighing up whether a dental trip to Vietnam makes financial sense, this is the complete cost analysis you need.

Complete AUD Cost Comparison: Vietnam vs Australia (2026)

The table below lists current prices at reputable Vietnamese clinics alongside average Australian dental fees. All prices are in Australian dollars.

ProcedureVietnam (AUD)Australia (AUD)Savings (AUD)Savings (%)
Dental consultation + X-ray$20–$50$150–$350$100–$30067–86%
Dental cleaning (scale and polish)$30–$60$200–$350$170–$29083–85%
Composite filling (per tooth)$30–$60$200–$400$170–$34085%
Root canal (anterior)$80–$150$800–$1,400$720–$1,25089–90%
Root canal (molar)$150–$300$1,200–$2,000$1,050–$1,70085–88%
Porcelain crown (PFM)$100–$200$1,200–$1,800$1,100–$1,60089–92%
Porcelain crown (zirconia)$200–$400$1,500–$2,200$1,100–$1,80073–82%
Porcelain crown (e.max)$250–$450$1,500–$2,500$1,250–$2,05082–83%
Porcelain veneer (per tooth)$250–$450$1,200–$2,500$950–$2,05079–82%
Dental bridge (3-unit zirconia)$500–$900$3,500–$5,500$3,000–$4,60083–86%
Single implant + crown (Korean)$1,200–$1,800$5,500–$7,000$4,000–$5,50073–79%
Single implant + crown (Swiss)$1,800–$3,000$7,000–$10,000$5,000–$7,00070–72%
All-on-4 per arch$7,500–$15,000$25,000–$45,000$17,500–$30,00067–70%
All-on-6 per arch$10,000–$18,000$30,000–$55,000$20,000–$37,00067%
Bone graft (per site)$450–$1,200$2,000–$4,500$1,550–$3,30073–78%
Sinus lift$750–$1,800$3,000–$7,500$2,250–$5,70075–76%
Full upper denture$300–$600$2,000–$3,500$1,700–$2,90083–85%
Teeth whitening (in-office)$150–$250$600–$1,000$450–$75075%
Wisdom tooth extraction (surgical)$100–$250$400–$800$300–$55069–75%
Orthodontics (clear aligners)$2,000–$4,000$6,000–$9,000$4,000–$5,00056–67%

For the full and regularly updated price list, visit our dental costs page.

Total Trip Cost Calculator

Dental treatment cost is only part of the equation. Here is what a complete dental trip to Vietnam costs for an Australian patient:

Fixed Travel Costs (AUD)

ExpenseBudgetMid-RangePremium
Return flights (Sydney/Melbourne to HCMC or Hanoi)$500–$650$650–$900$900–$1,200
Accommodation per night$25–$50$50–$100$100–$250
Food per day$15–$25$25–$50$50–$100
Local transport per day (Grab)$5–$10$10–$20$20–$40
Travel insurance$80–$120$120–$180$180–$300
Visa (e-visa)$40$40$40

Sample Trip Budget: 10 Days in Vietnam

ComponentBudget Trip (AUD)Mid-Range Trip (AUD)Premium Trip (AUD)
Flights$550$750$1,000
Hotel (10 nights)$350$750$1,500
Food (10 days)$200$400$750
Transport (10 days)$75$150$300
Insurance$100$150$250
Visa$40$40$40
Total travel cost$1,315$2,240$3,840

Real Patient Case Studies

The following examples illustrate the total savings for common treatment plans, based on typical cases at Picasso Dental Clinic locations in Hanoi (16 Chau Long, Ba Dinh), Da Nang (420 Hoang Dieu), and Ho Chi Minh City (25B Nguyen Duy Hieu, Thao Dien, Quan 2).

Case Study 1: Four Dental Implants

Patient profile: 58-year-old from Melbourne, missing four teeth in the upper jaw.

ItemVietnam (AUD)Australia (AUD)
4 x dental implants with crowns (Straumann)$8,000$32,000
1 x bone graft$800$3,000
Treatment total$8,800$35,000
Travel costs (mid-range, 10 days)$2,240$0
Grand total$11,040$35,000
Total savings$23,960

This patient saved nearly AUD $24,000 by travelling to Vietnam, even after a comfortable mid-range trip including flights, a boutique hotel, meals, and transport.

Case Study 2: All-on-4 Both Arches

Patient profile: 65-year-old from Sydney, failing dentition requiring full mouth rehabilitation with All-on-4 dental implants on both upper and lower arches.

ItemVietnam (AUD)Australia (AUD)
All-on-4 upper arch$12,000$35,000
All-on-4 lower arch$12,000$35,000
Extractions (remaining teeth)$600$2,000
Treatment total$24,600$72,000
Travel costs (mid-range, 14 days)$2,800$0
Grand total$27,400$72,000
Total savings$44,600

This patient saved over AUD $44,000 — enough to fund a new car, a significant home renovation, or several years of living expenses.

Case Study 3: Cosmetic Makeover — 10 Veneers

Patient profile: 35-year-old from Brisbane wanting a complete smile makeover with 10 porcelain veneers on the upper teeth.

ItemVietnam (AUD)Australia (AUD)
10 x porcelain veneers (e.max)$3,500$18,000
Teeth whitening (lower teeth)$200$800
Treatment total$3,700$18,800
Travel costs (budget, 7 days)$1,050$0
Grand total$4,750$18,800
Total savings$14,050

Case Study 4: Root Canal + Crown + Filling Combo

Patient profile: 42-year-old from Perth needing a root canal on a molar, a zirconia crown, and two composite fillings.

ItemVietnam (AUD)Australia (AUD)
Root canal (molar)$250$1,600
Zirconia crown$300$1,800
2 x composite fillings$80$500
Treatment total$630$3,900
Travel costs (budget, 7 days)$1,050$0
Grand total$1,680$3,900
Total savings$2,220

Even for a relatively minor combination of treatments, the savings cover the entire trip and still leave AUD $2,200 in the patient’s pocket.

Vietnam vs Thailand vs Bali: Where Should Australians Go?

Vietnam is not the only dental tourism destination popular with Australians. Here is how it compares to Thailand and Bali in 2026.

FactorVietnamThailandBali (Indonesia)
Single implant + crown (AUD)$1,200–$3,000$1,800–$3,500$1,500–$3,000
All-on-4 per arch (AUD)$7,500–$15,000$10,000–$18,000$9,000–$16,000
Porcelain crown (AUD)$200–$400$300–$500$250–$450
Porcelain veneer (AUD)$250–$450$350–$550$300–$500
Flight cost from Sydney (return, AUD)$500–$900$500–$800$300–$600
Flight time from Sydney8–9 hours9–10 hours6–7 hours
Hotel cost per night (mid-range, AUD)$50–$100$60–$120$50–$100
Food cost per day (AUD)$15–$40$20–$50$15–$40
Implant brands availableStraumann, Nobel, Osstem, DentiumStraumann, Nobel, OsstemVaries widely
Number of top-tier clinicsMany across 3 citiesMany in Bangkok and PhuketLimited
English proficiency at clinicsHighHighModerate
Holiday experienceExceptionalExcellentExcellent

Vietnam’s Advantages Over Thailand

  • Lower prices — Vietnam is typically 20% to 30% cheaper than Thailand for the same procedures and implant brands
  • Three major cities — Patients can choose between Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, each offering different experiences
  • Exceptional food — Vietnamese cuisine is consistently ranked among the world’s best and is very affordable
  • Growing infrastructure — Vietnam’s dental tourism industry has expanded rapidly with modern clinics and experienced dentists

Vietnam’s Advantages Over Bali

  • Wider range of specialist clinics — Vietnam has more established dental clinics with specialist implant dentists
  • More consistent quality — The dental industry in Vietnam is more developed for international patients
  • Better value on major procedures — Vietnam is generally cheaper for implants and complex treatments
  • Multiple city options — Bali is a single destination, while Vietnam offers diverse city and beach options

When to Choose Thailand or Bali Instead

Thailand may be preferable if you are already planning a holiday there or if you have a specific dentist recommendation in Bangkok. Bali may suit patients needing only minor work (crowns, whitening) who prefer the shorter flight from eastern Australia.

For any major dental work — multiple implants, All-on-4, full mouth rehabilitation — Vietnam offers the best combination of quality, price, and experience for Australian patients.

Private Health Insurance and Gap Payments

How Private Health Insurance Extras Work

Most Australians with Extras cover receive annual limits for dental services, typically:

  • General dental (check-ups, cleaning, fillings): AUD $400–$800 per year
  • Major dental (crowns, implants, bridges): AUD $1,000–$2,500 per year
  • Orthodontics: AUD $1,000–$2,000 lifetime limit

These limits apply regardless of where you receive treatment. The gap between what your insurer pays and what the dentist charges is your out-of-pocket cost.

Can You Claim for Treatment Done in Vietnam?

This depends on your insurer and policy:

  • Some insurers reimburse overseas dental treatment up to your annual Extras limit, provided you submit the equivalent Australian dental item codes
  • Other insurers only cover treatment performed by registered Australian dental practitioners
  • Check your policy carefully and call your insurer before travelling

To maximise your claim:

  1. Ask your Vietnamese dentist to provide an itemised invoice using Australian dental item codes (ADA codes) where possible
  2. Get detailed clinical notes and X-rays
  3. Keep all original receipts
  4. Submit your claim within the time limit specified by your insurer (usually 12 months)

The Real Financial Picture

Even if your insurer reimburses nothing for overseas treatment, the savings in Vietnam are so substantial that it rarely changes the decision. Consider:

  • Australian implant cost: AUD $7,000
  • Insurance rebate (typical): AUD $800–$1,200
  • Your gap payment in Australia: AUD $5,800–$6,200
  • Vietnam implant cost (including travel): AUD $2,800–$4,200
  • You still save AUD $1,600–$3,400 even compared to the gap payment

Picasso Dental Clinic: All Three Locations

Picasso Dental Clinic operates across Vietnam’s three major cities, giving Australian patients the flexibility to choose the location that best fits their travel plans.

Hanoi — Old Quarter Branch

Address: 16 Chau Long, Ba Dinh, Hanoi Best for patients who want to explore Vietnam’s historic capital, the Old Quarter, and day trips to Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh.

Hanoi — Westlake Square Branch

Address: LKC22 Hoang Minh Thao, Bac Tu Liem, Hanoi A modern facility in the Westlake area, ideal for patients staying in the residential expat districts of Tay Ho and Bac Tu Liem.

Da Nang

Address: 420 Hoang Dieu, Binh Thuan, Hai Chau, Da Nang Perfect for patients who want to combine dental treatment with beach time on My Khe Beach and day trips to the ancient town of Hoi An (30 minutes away).

Ho Chi Minh City

Address: 25B Nguyen Duy Hieu, Phuong Thao Dien, Quan 2 Located in the upscale Thao Dien neighbourhood, popular with expats and well-connected to the city centre. Ideal for patients who want a cosmopolitan experience with excellent dining and nightlife.

Best Australian Cities to Fly From

Departure CityBest RouteFlight TimeTypical Cost (Return, AUD)
SydneyDirect to HCMC or Hanoi8.5–9 hours$500–$900
MelbourneDirect to HCMC9 hours$500–$900
BrisbaneDirect to HCMC8 hours$500–$850
PerthVia Singapore or Kuala Lumpur to HCMC/Hanoi10–12 hours$500–$900
AdelaideVia Melbourne, Sydney, or Singapore11–14 hours$600–$1,000
Gold CoastVia Sydney to HCMC/Hanoi10–12 hours$550–$950
CairnsVia Brisbane or Sydney11–14 hours$650–$1,100
DarwinVia Singapore to HCMC/Hanoi7–9 hours$450–$800

Darwin and Perth are often overlooked but offer excellent value and shorter travel times via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.

Combining Dental Treatment with a Vietnam Holiday

One of the biggest advantages of choosing Vietnam is the opportunity to enjoy an extraordinary holiday alongside your dental treatment. Here are some suggestions based on clinic location:

If You Are Being Treated in Hanoi

  • Ha Long Bay — Overnight cruise through limestone karsts (2–3 hours from Hanoi)
  • Ninh Binh — Stunning karst scenery and boat rides through caves (2 hours south)
  • Old Quarter walking tours — Street food, temples, markets, and French colonial architecture
  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature — Historic landmarks

If You Are Being Treated in Da Nang

  • Hoi An Ancient Town — UNESCO World Heritage Site, 30 minutes from Da Nang
  • My Khe Beach — Consistently rated one of Asia’s best beaches
  • Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge — Mountain resort with the famous Golden Bridge
  • Marble Mountains — Caves, pagodas, and panoramic views

If You Are Being Treated in Ho Chi Minh City

  • Cu Chi Tunnels — Historic tunnel network, 1.5 hours from the city
  • Mekong Delta — Day trip through floating markets and river villages
  • District 1 walking tours — French colonial landmarks, Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral
  • Street food tours — Pho, banh mi, and Vietnamese coffee culture

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Vietnamese dental clinics accept AUD?

Most international-focused dental clinics accept payment in USD and by credit card (Visa, Mastercard). Some clinics, including Picasso Dental Clinic, also accept AUD. Confirm the accepted payment methods and exchange rate with your clinic before treatment. For the best exchange rate on daily expenses, withdraw Vietnamese dong from ATMs using your Australian debit card.

What travel insurance should I get?

Choose a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers medical emergencies, hospital stays, trip cancellation, and lost luggage. Recommended Australian providers include Cover-More, Allianz, and World Nomads. Note that most travel insurance policies exclude elective dental procedures but will cover dental emergencies and complications arising from treatment. Read the Product Disclosure Statement carefully.

Which Australian cities have the cheapest flights to Vietnam?

Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne typically offer the cheapest and most frequent direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, with return fares starting from AUD $500. Perth and Darwin passengers can find competitive fares via Singapore, often from AUD $450. Adelaide and regional city passengers usually connect through Sydney or Melbourne.

Can I combine dental treatment with a holiday?

Absolutely. This is one of the main reasons Australians choose Vietnam over other dental tourism destinations. Most dental treatments have waiting periods between appointments (for example, while a crown is being fabricated in the lab). Use these days to explore. A typical 10-day trip includes 4 to 5 days of dental appointments and 5 to 6 days of sightseeing, relaxation, or travel.

How much should I budget for the total trip?

For a mid-range trip of 10 days including flights, hotel, food, transport, insurance, and visa, budget approximately AUD $2,000 to $2,500 for travel costs alone. Add your dental treatment cost on top. For example, a patient getting 4 implants should budget approximately AUD $10,000 to $11,000 total (treatment plus travel), compared to AUD $28,000 to $35,000 in Australia.

Is the quality of dental work in Vietnam really comparable to Australia?

At top-tier clinics, yes. Reputable clinics in Vietnam use the same implant brands (Straumann, Nobel Biocare), the same crown materials (zirconia, e.max), and the same digital technology (CBCT scanners, CAD/CAM) as leading Australian practices. Vietnamese dentists complete a rigorous six-year dental degree, and many specialists have trained at institutions in Australia, the US, and Europe. The key is choosing a well-established clinic with documented experience treating international patients.

What if I need follow-up treatment after returning to Australia?

Before leaving Vietnam, request a complete set of treatment records including clinical notes, X-rays, photographs, implant brand and lot numbers, and crown specifications. Share these with your Australian dentist. Any registered Australian dentist can provide routine follow-up care for dental work completed overseas. For treatment-specific concerns, your Vietnamese clinic should offer remote support via email or messaging.

How do I choose between Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City?

Choose Hanoi if you prefer a historic, cultural experience with excellent street food and easy access to Ha Long Bay. Choose Da Nang if you want beach time, relaxed vibes, and proximity to Hoi An. Choose Ho Chi Minh City if you want a dynamic, cosmopolitan city with world-class dining and shopping. All three cities have top-quality dental clinics, and Picasso Dental Clinic has locations in all three, so you can choose based on your travel preferences rather than dental availability.

verified

Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Nguyen, DDS, Founder & Principal Dentist

Founder & Principal Dentist of Picasso Dental Clinic. Over 15 years of experience in implant dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and full-mouth rehabilitation. Read full bio

Last reviewed: April 19, 2026

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