Thailand is a beautiful country. And one of the biggest reasons people have been going is to get their teeth fixed while enjoying the sights and smells of Chang Mai, Bangkok and every other visual and sensory delight. But with the advent of Covid-19, dental tourism to Thailand and the Philippines has been smashed, and it’s taking many dental clinics with it into oblivion.
Dental tourism is usually called ‘dental vacations’ in the USA or ‘dental holidays’ in Europe. In Australia it’s just called ‘fixing yer gob overseas’. Dental tourism has been an emerging industry, which was growing at a rapid pace. The criteria for choosing dentists for medical tourists depended on factors such as price, location, and quality of services. According to a study published by the Congress Report on ‘Dental Crisis in America’, around 40% of people in the USA do not have dental insurance. On the other hand, some of the expenditure on dental treatment is carried out by the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. Additionally, dental treatment is costly for those who have dental insurance in developed countries such as Australia. Dental insurance does not cover cosmetic dentistry and dental implants in Australia. Hence the appeal of getting your mouth fixed overseas, and your body & soul having to go along for the ride.
Dental tourism has been hammered: as it’s now so much safer to stay at home – yes this is an absolute fact.
Likewise, dental tourism in the Latin American market accounted for a significant share of revenue in 2018, as Mexico has become a favourable destination for dental tourism after India. Market share of Mexico is rising due to close proximity to the U.S., availability of American dentists in America, low international currency, and low dental treatment cost. Brazil, Costa Rica, Barbados, and Antigua were key destinations for dental treatments in 2018. Furthermore, low treatment cost and better dental treatment in South Africa and Israel was projected to boost the dental tourism market in the Middle East & Africa during the forecast period. High treatment cost, and long waiting times, were likely to restrain the growth of the dental tourism markets in North America and Europe during the forecast period. But now, all of this is predicted to be no longer the case.
Where once dental patients went to Thailand, now they go to Richmond – in other words their local dentist is back in business. Covid might have hurt Melbourne and Sydney dentists, but with Australian citizens banned from being able to leave the country, they’re now making up ground lost during the worst of Australia’s Covid lockdowns.
It used to be such an easy sell as this spiel from Bangkok Smile Dental Clinic shows:
In the centre of the city, there are many places that have historical architecture. Most of them are still in good condition, such as Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho or Wat Arun. These are famous temples near the Grand Palace of Thailand. Of course, these beautiful temples have been visited by millions of travellers who come from around the word. Not only temples, Bangkok also provides visitors with amazing activities and attractive places to visit. Such as museums, parks, and big shopping malls. There are many local markets such as Chatuchak Weekend Market, the flower market and the floating market nearby the city as well.
Nightlife in Bangkok is an awesome activity, which fascinates tourists. As a result, travelers who love exciting nightlife will never be disappointed visiting Bangkok. This is one highlight on their trip to Thailand that will never be forgotten.
Traveling to Bangkok for dental work is a great idea as well. Due to globalisation, there are millions of different technologies and knowledgeable doctors located here. Having already expanded around the global, in Thailand many dentists have graduated from universities in western countries. They then come back to Thailand, and provide the same international dental services and treatments they learned abroad. Because of this, it’s now become a great choice for patients to receive great dental services at cheaper prices.
For Aussies in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth, the costs of going to Brisbane is about as far as dental tourism goes during Covid. But of course for accommodation, you’re still paying first world prices, though Brisbane motels can be a cheaper option.
Which is this? Dental marketing or travel industry marketing? They have been combining into one focus, but now, travel industry marketing – you’re on your own – and dental tourism – you’ve got the death rattles.
However one thing is for certain. You can’t keep a good dentist down. Dentists are resilient, hard working, innovative and entrepreneurial. Dentists and orthodontists now decimated by the decapitation of dental tourism will be back in action one way or another. We have faith in our overseas sisters and brothers.
