First-Time Dental Tourist Checklist for Vietnam

1. Research Clinics Thoroughly

Do not choose a clinic based on price alone. Research credentials, technology, patient reviews, and international experience. Look for clinics that publish their pricing transparently, have verified Google reviews (ideally 4.5+ stars with 500+ reviews), use modern technology (CBCT 3D imaging, CAD/CAM systems), and have a track record with international patients. Picasso Dental Clinic has treated over 70,000 patients from 62 countries since 2013 and publishes fixed USD pricing for all procedures.

Tip: Search for the clinic name on Google Maps, Facebook, and dental tourism forums. Look for recent reviews (within the last 6 months) from patients in your country. Be cautious of clinics with no online presence or only positive reviews on their own website.

2. Send Your X-Rays via WhatsApp

Contact your chosen clinic and send your dental X-rays for a remote assessment. At Picasso Dental Clinic, you can WhatsApp your panoramic X-ray (OPG) or individual periapical X-rays to +84 989 067 888. Include a brief description of the treatment you need, any symptoms, and your preferred travel dates. The clinical team will review your images and respond with a personalised treatment plan — including a breakdown of procedures, timeline, and fixed USD pricing — within 48 hours.

Tip: Ask your local dentist for digital copies of your X-rays (most clinics can email JPEG or DICOM files). If you only have physical X-rays, photograph them against a light source with your phone camera — this is sufficient for initial assessment.

3. Review and Confirm Your Treatment Plan

Once you receive your treatment plan, review it carefully. Ensure you understand every procedure listed, the sequence of appointments, the total cost, and the expected timeline. Ask questions — a reputable clinic will welcome them. Confirm the plan in writing before booking flights. Key things to verify: Are prices fixed in USD (or your home currency)? Are there any additional costs not listed (e.g., CBCT scans, temporary restorations, medications)? How many appointments are needed? What is the minimum stay required?

Tip: If your treatment requires multiple visits (e.g., implants need 3–6 months between placement and crown), plan your travel dates around the clinical timeline. Picasso's team will advise on optimal scheduling.

4. Book Your Flights

Book flights once your treatment plan and appointment dates are confirmed. Choose arrival dates that give you at least one day to rest before your first dental appointment — jet lag can affect your comfort during treatment. For major procedures, book flexible or refundable tickets in case the clinic needs to adjust your schedule. Vietnam's main international airports are Noi Bai (Hanoi, HAN), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City, SGN), and Da Nang International (DAD).

Tip: Fly into the city closest to your chosen clinic branch. Picasso has locations in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Da Lat. If you are visiting Da Lat, fly into either HCMC or Da Nang and take a short domestic connection or a scenic 5-hour drive.

5. Arrange Accommodation

Book accommodation close to your clinic for convenience, especially if you have multiple appointments. Picasso Dental Clinic's international patient team can recommend hotels and serviced apartments near each branch. Vietnam offers excellent accommodation at all price points: budget guesthouses from $15–$25/night, mid-range hotels from $40–$80/night, and luxury hotels from $100–$200/night. For stays of a week or longer, serviced apartments often offer better value and include a kitchenette for preparing soft foods after treatment.

Tip: Book accommodation with free cancellation through Booking.com, Agoda, or similar platforms. Picasso's patient coordinators can help optimise your itinerary around appointment times.

6. Get Travel Insurance with Dental Cover

Purchase travel insurance that includes medical and dental emergency cover. While complications from dental treatment are rare, travel insurance provides peace of mind. Check whether your policy covers: emergency dental treatment abroad, medical evacuation (standard in most travel insurance), trip cancellation or delay, and — importantly — whether it excludes pre-planned medical procedures. Some policies specifically exclude elective dental treatment, while others cover it. Read the fine print.

Tip: Even if your travel insurance does not cover elective dental work, it will cover medical emergencies, lost luggage, flight cancellations, and other travel disruptions. It is always worth having.

7. Check Visa Requirements

Most nationalities can enter Vietnam with an e-visa (valid for 90 days, single or multiple entry), obtainable online within 3 business days. Citizens of 25 countries — including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, and South Korea — enjoy visa-free entry for up to 45 days. Australian, US, Canadian, and New Zealand citizens need an e-visa. Apply through the official Vietnam Immigration Portal (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn). A standard tourist visa is sufficient for dental treatment — no medical visa is required.

Tip: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Vietnam. Carry a printed copy of your e-visa approval letter alongside the digital version.

8. Pack Your Dental Essentials

Prepare a dedicated dental travel kit:

• Documents: Passport, e-visa printout, travel insurance policy, treatment plan from the clinic, dental X-rays (digital copies on your phone), list of current medications and known allergies, medical history summary
• Comfort items: Soft toothbrush, sensitive-formula toothpaste, alcohol-free mouthwash, lip balm (your lips may be dry after extended dental procedures), neck pillow for the flight
• Post-treatment supplies: Over-the-counter painkillers (ibuprofen, paracetamol), cold pack or gel ice pack, blender bottle (for smoothies if eating is restricted), loose-fitting comfortable clothing
• Electronics: Phone charger, power adapter (Vietnam uses Type A, C, and F plugs; 220V), portable battery pack

Tip: Pack all dental documents in both digital (phone/cloud) and physical (printed) formats. Having a backup avoids delays if your phone battery dies or you lose connectivity.

9. Notify Your Local Dentist

Inform your local dentist that you are travelling abroad for dental treatment. This is important for several reasons: they can provide you with copies of your dental records and X-rays, they will be aware of the work done when you return for check-ups, and they can serve as a backup for any post-treatment follow-up at home. Ask them to prepare a summary of your dental history, including any allergies, ongoing treatments, and relevant medical conditions. Some patients feel awkward about this — do not. Your local dentist is a healthcare provider, not a gatekeeper. Most are supportive and professional.

Tip: If you have complex medical conditions (diabetes, blood thinners, heart conditions, bisphosphonate therapy), ask your GP or specialist to provide a medical clearance letter. Bring this to your dental appointment in Vietnam.

10. Download Essential Apps

Install these apps before you arrive in Vietnam:

• Grab — Southeast Asia's ride-hailing app (like Uber). Essential for getting around cities affordably and safely. Also offers food delivery (GrabFood). Download and set up your account before arrival.
• WhatsApp — Your primary communication channel with Picasso Dental Clinic. Already installed for most international travellers.
• Google Maps — Download offline maps of your destination city for navigation without mobile data.
• Google Translate — Download the Vietnamese language pack for offline translation. The camera translation feature is useful for reading menus and signs.
• Currency converter — XE Currency or similar for quick VND conversions.

Tip: Purchase a local SIM card at the airport on arrival (approximately $5–$10 for 30 days of unlimited data). Alternatively, buy an eSIM online before departure (Airalo, Holafly). Reliable mobile data makes everything easier.

11. Arrange Airport Transfer

Arrange a reliable airport transfer to your accommodation. Options include: a pre-arranged transfer through your clinic (Picasso Dental Clinic can coordinate airport pickup for international patients), Grab (book a car once you have mobile data or airport Wi-Fi), or a metered taxi from the official taxi ranks (Vinasun in HCMC, Mai Linh nationwide). Avoid unlicensed taxi touts inside the terminal. A transfer from Tan Son Nhat Airport to central HCMC costs approximately 150,000–250,000 VND ($6–$10 USD) via Grab; from Noi Bai Airport to central Hanoi, approximately 250,000–400,000 VND ($10–$16 USD).

Tip: If arriving late at night or after a long flight, go directly to your hotel and rest. Do not schedule your first dental appointment for the same day you arrive — jet lag affects your comfort and your body's response to anaesthesia.

12. Attend Your First Consultation

Your first visit to the clinic is a consultation, not treatment. The dentist will examine your mouth, review your X-rays, and discuss the treatment plan in person. This is your opportunity to meet your treating dentist face-to-face, ask questions, and confirm (or adjust) the treatment plan based on clinical examination. At Picasso Dental Clinic, the first consultation includes a comprehensive oral examination and a review of your WhatsApp treatment plan. The consultation is typically free for international patients who have pre-arranged their visit.

Tip: Bring a printed list of questions to your first consultation. It is easy to forget things when you are in the dental chair. Ask about anaesthesia options, treatment duration, recovery time, and what to expect after each session.

13. Get a CBCT Scan

For implants, root canals, wisdom tooth extractions, and any procedure involving bone or root anatomy, a CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) 3D scan is essential. This provides a three-dimensional image of your teeth, jawbone, nerves, and sinuses — far more detailed than a standard 2D X-ray. At Picasso Dental Clinic, a CBCT scan costs approximately $23 USD and takes about 20 seconds. The scan is reviewed immediately on-screen with your dentist, who will use it to finalise your treatment plan, identify any anatomical considerations, and plan implant positioning with millimetre precision.

Tip: The CBCT scan is usually performed at your first visit. If you had a recent CBCT scan at home (within 3 months), bring the DICOM files on a USB drive or share them via cloud link — you may not need a new scan.

14. Attend All Treatment Sessions

Follow the treatment schedule as planned. Depending on your procedures, you may have 1–5 treatment sessions spread across several days. Arrive on time for each appointment. If you are having implant surgery, follow all pre-operative instructions (e.g., fasting requirements if sedation is involved, taking prescribed antibiotics). If you are having veneers, expect preparation appointments followed by try-in and final bonding sessions. For root canals, most are completed in a single visit of 60–90 minutes.

Tip: Schedule treatment sessions in the morning when you are well-rested and the clinic is freshest. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before and after surgical procedures.

15. Ask Questions — Every Question

There are no stupid questions in a dental chair 5,000 miles from home. Ask your dentist to explain every procedure before it happens. Ask about the materials being used (brand names, origin), the expected recovery timeline, dietary restrictions, medication instructions, and what symptoms are normal vs what should prompt a call to the clinic. At Picasso Dental Clinic, English-speaking dentists and patient coordinators are available to explain everything in plain language. Key questions to ask:

• What brand of implant/veneer material are you using?
• How long should I wait before eating normally?
• What pain level is normal, and when should I be concerned?
• What are the signs of infection I should watch for?
• How do I contact the clinic after hours if needed?
• Will I receive written post-treatment instructions?

Tip: Take notes on your phone during post-treatment briefings. It is easy to forget instructions when you are still numb from anaesthesia.

16. Keep All Receipts and Invoices

Request itemised invoices for every payment. These should include the clinic name and address, your full name and passport number, a breakdown of each procedure performed with procedure codes, the materials used (brand names), the treating dentist's name, and the total amount in USD. These documents are essential for insurance claims, tax deductions (in some countries), and your dental records. Picasso Dental Clinic provides English-language invoices as standard. Keep physical receipts and take photos of each one as a digital backup.

Tip: If you are paying by credit card, your bank statement will show the transaction in VND. The clinic invoice in USD, combined with the bank statement, provides the documentation most insurers require.

17. Follow Post-Treatment Instructions Precisely

Post-treatment care is critical to a successful outcome. Your dentist will provide specific instructions for each procedure. General guidelines include:

• After implant surgery: Soft foods only for 3–7 days, no smoking, no drinking through a straw, apply ice packs for the first 24 hours, take prescribed antibiotics and painkillers as directed
• After veneer placement: Avoid biting into hard foods with front teeth, no nail-biting or ice-chewing, gentle brushing around the gum line
• After root canal: Avoid chewing on the treated side until the permanent crown is placed, mild discomfort for 2–3 days is normal
• After teeth whitening: Avoid coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-coloured foods for 48 hours

Tip: Vietnam has excellent pharmacies (look for "Nha Thuoc" signs). Most medications are available over the counter at very low cost. Your clinic will prescribe anything you need, but ibuprofen and paracetamol are readily available without prescription.

18. Explore Vietnam Between Appointments

Dental tourism is not just about teeth — it is about combining healthcare with travel. Vietnam offers extraordinary experiences between your appointments. In Hanoi: explore the Old Quarter, visit the Temple of Literature, enjoy street food on Hang Buom, and take a day trip to Ha Long Bay. In Ho Chi Minh City: visit the War Remnants Museum, explore Ben Thanh Market, enjoy rooftop bars in District 1, and take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels. In Da Nang: relax on My Khe Beach, visit the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills, explore the Marble Mountains, and take a short trip to Hoi An Ancient Town. In Da Lat: enjoy the cool mountain climate, visit flower gardens, explore waterfalls, and enjoy locally grown coffee.

Tip: Schedule sightseeing on rest days between treatment sessions. Avoid strenuous activities (hiking, diving) immediately after surgical procedures. Vietnamese street food is incredible, but stick to soft foods if instructed by your dentist.

19. Attend Follow-Up Appointments

Most treatment plans include one or more follow-up appointments before departure. These are essential — do not skip them. Follow-up visits allow the dentist to check healing, remove sutures (for implant surgery), adjust temporary restorations, take post-treatment X-rays, and address any concerns. If you are having dental implants placed, a follow-up visit 5–7 days after surgery is standard. For veneers, a 24–48 hour check ensures the bite and fit are correct. Schedule these follow-up appointments before booking your departure flight.

Tip: If your treatment requires a return visit months later (e.g., implant crown placement 3–6 months after implant surgery), discuss the timeline and schedule with the clinic before you leave Vietnam.

20. Get Written Treatment Records

Before leaving the clinic for the last time, request a complete written treatment summary. This document should include: all procedures performed (with tooth numbers and procedure codes), materials and brand names used (e.g., "Straumann BLX implant, 4.5mm x 10mm, REF 021.4510"), pre- and post-treatment X-rays or CBCT images (digital copies), prescribed medications, post-treatment care instructions, the treating dentist's name and contact details, and the recommended follow-up schedule. This record is essential for your local dentist to understand and continue your care at home.

Tip: Ask for implant documentation specifically — the implant brand, model, diameter, length, batch number, and insertion torque. This information (sometimes called an "implant passport") is critical if any future work is needed on the implant. Picasso Dental Clinic provides this as standard.

21. Visit Your Local Dentist for a Check-Up

Schedule an appointment with your local dentist within 4–6 weeks of returning home. Bring your complete treatment records from Picasso Dental Clinic. Your local dentist will examine the work, take any necessary X-rays, and add the treatment to your dental file. This visit establishes a local baseline for ongoing monitoring. Most local dentists are happy to provide follow-up care for treatment performed abroad — they see it regularly. If your local dentist raises any concerns, contact Picasso Dental Clinic via WhatsApp to discuss.

Tip: Frame this visit as a "check-up and records update" rather than asking your local dentist to "verify" the work. Most dentists respond better to collaborative language.

22. File Insurance Claims

If your dental or health insurance offers any out-of-network or international reimbursement, file your claim promptly. You will need: the itemised invoice from Picasso Dental Clinic (in English with procedure codes), your treatment records, pre- and post-treatment X-rays, proof of payment (credit card statement or bank receipt), and the relevant claim form from your insurer. Australian patients with extras cover should check whether their fund reimburses overseas dental work — some funds (Bupa, Medibank, HCF) allow partial claims. US patients with PPO plans may be eligible for out-of-network reimbursement.

Tip: File claims within 30 days of returning home. Some insurers have strict filing deadlines. If your claim is initially denied, ask for a written explanation and consider appealing — many denials are overturned when proper documentation is provided.

23. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene

Your new dental work is an investment — protect it. Follow these daily habits:

• Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled electric toothbrush (Oral-B or Sonicare)
• Floss daily, especially around implants, crowns, and veneers
• Use an interdental brush or water flosser (Waterpik) for implant sites
• Rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash (chlorhexidine if prescribed by your dentist)
• Avoid biting hard objects (ice, bones, pen caps, fingernails)
• Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth (bruxism) — this protects veneers and crowns

Tip: If you received veneers, ask your local dentist to use non-abrasive polishing paste at your regular cleanings. Harsh polishing compounds can damage the surface of porcelain veneers over time.

24. Schedule Remote Follow-Up via WhatsApp

Picasso Dental Clinic provides ongoing remote follow-up via WhatsApp (+84 989 067 888). Schedule check-ins at these intervals: 2 weeks after returning home (report any lingering symptoms), 6 weeks (share X-rays from your local dentist check-up), 3 months (update on healing, especially for implants), and 6 months (long-term follow-up). Send photos and X-rays via WhatsApp — the clinical team will review and advise. This remote follow-up is provided at no additional cost.

Tip: Set calendar reminders for each follow-up check-in. Taking a quick photo of your dental work and sending it via WhatsApp takes 2 minutes and provides the clinic with valuable healing data.

25. Write a Review of Your Experience

If you had a positive experience, share it. Write a Google review for the clinic — this helps other first-time dental tourists make informed decisions. Include specifics: the procedure you had, the treating dentist's name, the communication experience, the quality of care, and the overall cost savings. Honest, detailed reviews from real patients are the most valuable resource for prospective dental tourists. If your experience was less than perfect, communicate your concerns to the clinic directly via WhatsApp before posting a negative review — most issues can be resolved.

Tip: Include before-and-after photos in your review if you are comfortable doing so. Visual evidence is compelling for other patients researching clinics.

26. Keep Your Implant Passport Safe

If you received dental implants, your implant passport (also called an implant card) is a critical lifelong document. It contains the implant brand, system, model number, diameter, length, batch number, and placement date. This information is essential if you ever need: a replacement abutment or crown, treatment for peri-implantitis, removal and replacement of a failed implant, or additional implants (matching the system). Store your implant passport with your important medical documents. Take a photo and save it in your cloud storage. Share it with your local dentist for your dental file.

Tip: Straumann and Nobel Biocare implants have global warranties and support networks. If you received a premium implant system at Picasso, any qualified implantologist worldwide can service it using the standard components for that system.

27. Plan a Return Visit If Needed

Some treatments require a return visit to Vietnam. The most common scenario is dental implant completion: implants are placed during your first visit, and after 3–6 months of osseointegration (the implant fusing with your jawbone), you return for the final crown or bridge. Plan this second trip early — book flexible flights and notify the clinic of your preferred dates at least 4 weeks in advance. The return visit is typically shorter (3–5 days) and less intensive than the initial treatment trip. Many patients combine their return visit with a holiday.

Tip: If a return visit is not feasible, discuss with Picasso whether your local dentist can fabricate the final crown using the implant records provided. This is possible with standard implant systems, though it means your local dentist must have the correct implant impression components.

28. Share Your Experience with Others

Word of mouth is how most dental tourists find their clinic. If you had a good experience, share it with friends, family, colleagues, and online communities. Dental tourism forums, Facebook groups (e.g., "Dental Tourism Vietnam," "Dental Implants Abroad"), and Reddit communities (r/dentaltourism) are full of anxious first-timers looking for real patient experiences. Your story — including the practical details like how you found the clinic, how communication worked, how the treatment felt, and how much you saved — is invaluable to someone considering their first trip.

Tip: Picasso Dental Clinic has a referral programme. Ask about benefits for referring other patients.

29. Monitor Healing and Watch for Warning Signs

Most dental treatments heal uneventfully, but it is important to know what is normal and what is not. Normal in the first 1–2 weeks: mild soreness, slight swelling, sensitivity to hot/cold, minor bruising (after surgical procedures). Contact your dentist (local or Picasso via WhatsApp) if you experience: increasing pain after the first 3–5 days (pain should be decreasing, not increasing), persistent swelling that worsens after 48 hours, fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F), pus or foul taste from the treatment site, a loose implant or restoration, numbness that does not resolve within 24 hours (for lower jaw procedures), or excessive bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure.

Tip: Take a photo of your treatment site on the day of the procedure, then again at 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month. This visual timeline helps the clinic assess healing remotely if you report any concerns.

30. Keep Picasso's Contact Information Accessible

Save Picasso Dental Clinic's contact details permanently in your phone. Even years after your treatment, you may need to contact the clinic for treatment records, implant documentation, warranty claims, or a return visit for additional work. Keep these details accessible:

• WhatsApp: +84 989 067 888
• Website: picassodental.vn
• Picasso Dentalapp: Picasso Dental
• Locations: Hanoi (2 branches), Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang (2 branches), Da Lat

Tip: Add the clinic as a contact in WhatsApp and star the conversation so it stays at the top of your chat list. Many patients maintain an ongoing relationship with Picasso for years, returning for additional work or referring family members.