DENTAL care in the United States is expensive. Period.
This is the main reason why Americans seek oral health care in Southeast Asia, in places like Bangkok and Manila. Overseas dental care is big business, a part of the $4 billion annual expenses that Americans spend on health care abroad.
What drives them to Asia is the inflation in the consumer price index for dental care which, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is 133 percent (in comparison, the general U.S. inflation rate is about 85 percent).
Some Americans venture closer to the border with Mexico, say from California to Algodones on the Mexican side where dental and optical services abound.
In nearby Los Angeles, where many Filipino-Americans live, a dental bridge consisting of three teeth would cost about $5,000. In Mexico, it’s $1,300 and certainly cheaper in the Philippines – but that’s another story that includes air fare and board and lodging. In Mexico, it’s usually just a day trip.
So, it is worth it for Amerians and other expats to seek dental and oral health care in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia. I asked my AI Personal Assistant, and here’s what I got:
Dental service prices in the Philippines vary, but generally, they are more affordable than in Western countries.
Expect to pay anywhere from ₱700 to ₱1,500 for teeth cleaning, with more complex cases costing upwards of ₱2,500. Composite resin fillings can range from ₱800 to ₱5,000, depending on the material and size of the cavity. Dental crowns, like porcelain-fused-to-metal or all-ceramic, can range from ₱10,000 to ₱20,000.
The AI Personal Assistant when on to a more detailed breakdown:
* Teeth Cleaning – Basic cleaning (no major issues) can range from ₱700 to ₱1,500, while deep cleaning for gum disease can cost ₱1,500 to ₱2,500.
* Fillings – Composite resin fillings can cost between ₱800 to ₱5,000 depending on the size and material.
* Dental crowns, like porcelain-fused-to-metal (a popular choice) can cost ₱10,000 to ₱15,000, while full porcelain or zirconia crowns may range from ₱12,000 to ₱20,000.
* Root Canal Treatment – Costs for root canal treatment can vary, but expect to pay around ₱7,000 for a per canal treatment.
* Dental Implants – Implant costs vary greatly depending on the type of implant, material, and additional procedures needed. Packages can range from ₱600,000 to ₱840,000 for multiple implants and overdentures or fixed bridges.
* Other Procedures – Prices for procedures like veneers, dentures, and extractions will also vary.
There are many factors that influence price, according to the AI Personal Assistant:
* Clinic Location – Clinics in more affluent areas or those with more modern facilities may have higher prices.
* Dentist’s Expertise – More experienced or specialized dentists may charge more.
* Materials Used – Different materials for fillings, crowns, and implants will impact the cost.
* Complexity of the Procedure – Simple extractions will be less expensive than wisdom tooth extractions or procedures involving bone grafts.
Cost comparison, again according to the AI Personal Assistant:
The Philippines offers significant cost savings compared to Western countries, with savings ranging from 70 percent to 81 percent for various procedures.
Even within the Philippines, prices can vary between clinics, so it’s always best to compare quotes from different providers.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com/PN
