Is Overseas Dental Care Safe? What to Know Before You Book
You’ve probably seen the ads or have been recommended dentistry abroad. Flashy clinics, beautiful beaches, and a price that seems too good to be true.
We understand the idea of combining dental treatment with a holiday is tempting. But before you book those flights, it’s worth pausing to ask: Is overseas dental care really as safe — and cost-effective — as it seems?
Here are a few things to consider so that you can make the right choice, for you.
1. Cheaper Doesn't Always Mean Better (Or Cheaper in the Long Run)
Upfront, yes, some overseas clinics offer procedures for less than you’d pay in New Zealand. But what’s often not talked about is the true cost.
We’ve seen patients come home with rushed work that hasn’t lasted, using materials we don’t use or recognise here. When issues arise, remedial treatment can be complex, costly, and stressful. One of our patients recently needed significant remedial work — only two years after getting it overseas, meaning that treatment became very costly in the long run.
Worth keeping in mind is that overseas dental clinics might not offer a warranty once you return home. Or, if they do, you may not be able to jump on a flight.
2. Do You Truly Need Treatment?
Just because your friend got 10 crowns overseas for half the price of what they might cost in New Zealand doesn’t necessarily mean you need 10 crowns.
A good dentist should first ask: Is this the right treatment for you? Is it necessary?
We’ve seen cases where patients were advised overseas to crown multiple teeth when there were better, more conservative options available.
In this age of modern dentistry, many teeth we used to crown, we now don’t, thanks to better materials, greater knowledge, and more advanced techniques. We can often rebuild teeth using bonded fillings and materials that preserve more of your natural tooth structure, leading to better outcomes and longer-lasting smiles.
3. No Real Follow-Up or Maintenance
Dental work isn’t a one-and-done. With more complex procedures like implants, crowns, bridges, and cosmetic work, success depends on ongoing care. Overseas clinics often don’t offer follow-up once you're home. And if something goes wrong, you may find yourself without the aftercare you need.
Here, at The Dentists, we walk with you through every step — from planning to healing and beyond.
4. Not All Standards Are Equal
In New Zealand, our dental practices are tightly regulated for safety, hygiene, and ethics. We follow strict guidelines for informed consent, sterilisation, and patient rights.
That’s not always the case abroad. Even in modern-looking clinics, standards vary. Informed consent can be rushed. Treatment can be condensed to fit your travel window, skipping critical healing time. And the risk of infection after flying can be higher.
5. It’s Hard to Know What You’re Getting
Online reviews and websites can only tell you so much. And once you're overseas, you're often locked in. Patients don’t always understand the full scope of the treatment until it’s underway. In that moment, it’s hard to say no.
Back home, we take time to talk through your options — no pressure. We help you understand what you need and why.
6. We’re Here for You, For Life
There’s a reason our patients stay with us long-term. It’s not just about fixing teeth — it’s about trust, continuity, and care that’s focussed on your overall wellbeing.
We understand how big a decision dental work can be. That’s why we offer diagnostics, clear planning, and different treatment options that work with your budget — we’re here to help.
7. The Comfort and Confidence of Local Care
There’s something powerful about having your care team close to home.
When you stay local, you don’t need to fly across the world for a follow-up or worry about squeezing recovery into a travel schedule. You can rest in your own home. You’re a taxi-ride away from our clinic, not a 12-hour flight.
And here’s something many people don’t realise: we can handle complex cases, often locally, right here in New Zealand. At The Dentists, our team includes highly skilled clinicians who regularly perform advanced treatments — implants, full-mouth restorations, cosmetic cases and more. You’re not compromising on expertise by staying close to home. In fact, you’re gaining the benefit of long-term, connected care that evolves with you.
Thinking About Going Overseas?
We won’t judge. In fact, if you're considering it, we invite you to book a consultation first. We can walk you through your treatment plan, explain what to expect, and help you make an informed choice.
It’s your smile. It’s your health. You deserve to feel confident in your decision.
