New Zealand patients - dental treatment in Vietnam

Each year a growing number of New Zealand patients fly to Vietnam for dental work that would cost two to four times more at a private NZ clinic. The savings are real, but so are the planning gaps — ACC exclusions, travel insurance fine print, follow-up care at home, and the time cost of two or more flights. This guide covers every dimension of the decision honestly, using published prices from Picasso Dental Clinic, the most internationally reviewed clinic in Hanoi and Da Nang, as the primary reference point.

Prices on this page are stated in NZD at the rate 1 NZD = 15,000 VND, current as of May 2026. Exchange rates move; verify on the day you request a formal quote.

Is dental treatment in Vietnam right for you?

The answer depends almost entirely on the size of your treatment plan. Vietnam dental travel carries fixed costs that are unavoidable regardless of how much or how little work you have done: return flights, at minimum one week of accommodation, and lost income during travel. For a single filling or a routine check-up, none of those costs can be recovered by the price difference. For a full set of porcelain veneers, a single implant crown, or any full-arch reconstruction, the maths almost always shift in favour of travelling.

The practical break-even point for most Kiwis is a treatment total above NZD 4,000–5,000 before flights and accommodation. Below that figure, the cost and time of travel absorbs much of the saving. Above it — particularly for multi-unit cosmetic work or implant cases — the gap between NZ private fees and Vietnam prices is large enough to fund the trip and still leave money in hand.

Vietnam is not the lowest-cost destination in every category. Turkey and India can undercut Vietnam on individual per-tooth prices. Vietnam’s competitive position is accuracy: published prices, a high density of internationally reviewed clinics, direct flights from Auckland and Christchurch, and a short flying time relative to competing medical tourism destinations. See how Vietnam compares to other countries before committing to a destination.

How much can Kiwis save?

The following table uses NZ private indicative fee ranges alongside Picasso Dental Clinic published prices (May 2026, 1 NZD = 15,000 VND). NZ ranges are planning benchmarks drawn from publicly available private clinic fee schedules, not a quote from any specific practice.

A return Auckland–Da Nang flight is approximately NZD 1,005 one-way (indicative economy). A return Christchurch–Hanoi flight is approximately NZD 750 one-way. Add a week of mid-range Hanoi or Da Nang accommodation (NZD 70–120 per night) and a conservative total trip budget sits around NZD 2,500–3,500 for a solo traveller. For any treatment case totalling more than NZD 6,000 at Picasso prices, that travel overhead is generally recovered inside the saving.

For a personalised NZD quote against your specific treatment needs, submit photos and existing X-rays via the free quote form.

The Picasso Dental Clinic — who they are

Picasso Dental Clinic was founded in 2013 in Hanoi under the name Serenity International Dental Clinic and rebranded in 2023 following private equity investment. The clinic has since treated more than 70,000 patients from 62 countries. It operates six branches across four Vietnamese cities: two in Hanoi, two in Da Nang, one in Ho Chi Minh City, and one in Da Lat.

The founding Clinical Director is Dr. Emily Nguyen, who trained at Pearl Dental Clinic in Ho Chi Minh City and has set clinical standards across the group since 2013. Implantology is led by Dr. Tran Thanh Phong, Head of Implantology, who has placed more than 15,000 implants and has performed All-on-4 immediate-loading procedures since 2010 — among the first practitioners to do so in Vietnam. He received training at Loma Linda University in 2010 and has been a Nobel Biocare clinical representative in Vietnam since 2007.

The clinic’s primary contact for overseas patients is email at [email protected]. Clinics are open Monday through Sunday, 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM Vietnam time (GMT+7). For Kiwis, that is 1:30 PM to 11:00 PM NZST, or 2:30 PM to midnight during NZDT — making same-day email contact workable from most NZ time zones.

Picasso holds a SmileCare Global Warranty covering 7 years on Emax and Lisi veneers, 5 years on zirconia, 10 years on Lava and ORODENT crowns, and manufacturer-backed warranties on all implant fixtures. The full terms are published at /warranty/.

Which city suits which Kiwi patient?

Picasso operates across three cities with different practical profiles for NZ patients. The choice of branch affects flight routing, the surrounding recovery environment, and itinerary flexibility.

Hanoi (Old Quarter and Westlake Square branches)

Hanoi is the clinic’s founding city and the location of its flagship branch at 16 Phố Châu Long in the Old Quarter. The Westlake Square branch at LKC22 Hoàng Minh Thảo serves the northern residential districts. Hanoi suits patients combining dental treatment with a cultural stay in northern Vietnam. The Old Quarter branch is accessible on foot from the major backpacker and mid-range hotel clusters. The trade-off: Hanoi has no direct Air New Zealand or Jetstar service from New Zealand; Kiwis routing through Hanoi typically connect via Singapore, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur. A Christchurch–Hanoi routing via one connection is often the lowest-cost option from South Island cities.

Da Nang (Hoàng Diệu and Vinmec branches)

Da Nang is generally the most practical entry point for NZ patients flying from Auckland or other North Island cities. Vietnam Airlines operates direct Auckland–Da Nang services, making this the path with fewest connections. The Hoàng Diệu branch (420 Hoàng Diệu) is a dedicated dental clinic; the Vinmec branch operates within Vinmec International Hospital and suits patients who want full hospital-adjacent facilities, including access to anaesthesiology and medical support for complex cases. Da Nang also offers a beach recovery environment — the city is compact, navigable in English, and has a strong concentration of accommodation suited to medical tourists. For patients combining dental treatment with a beach stay in Vietnam, Da Nang is usually the first choice.

Ho Chi Minh City (Thảo Điền branch)

The HCMC branch at 25B Nguyễn Duy Hiệu in the Thảo Điền district of District 2 suits patients who want a metropolitan environment and have pre-existing familiarity with HCMC, or who are combining dental treatment with business travel to southern Vietnam. HCMC is the best-connected of the three cities for international flights, with more routing options from New Zealand. The Thảo Điền district is an established expat and international area with English-language services, international pharmacies, and mid- to high-range accommodation.

Da Lat (Hà Huy Tập branch)

The Da Lat branch at 55 Đường Hà Huy Tập suits patients already travelling the central highlands or combining dental work with a cooler climate stay. It is not a primary destination for NZ dental tourists arriving directly from New Zealand due to routing complexity, but it is an option for patients building a multi-city Vietnam itinerary.

The five stages of planning your trip

Most Kiwis who travel for dental treatment go through a recognisable sequence. Understanding each stage helps identify where a decision can stall or go wrong.

Stage 1 — Awareness

The starting point is usually a NZ private quote that felt disproportionate: NZD 18,000 for veneers, NZD 14,000 for a single implant with bone graft, or NZD 60,000 for full-arch reconstruction. At this point the patient knows something is different offshore but does not yet have specific information. The right move at this stage is to read the safety section before spending time on pricing, not after.

Stage 2 — Research and safety verification

Once the cost differential is confirmed, the central question becomes whether the quality and safety standards are comparable. This stage involves checking clinic accreditation, reading verified patient reviews, understanding what recourse exists if something goes wrong, and reading honest accounts of complications as well as successes. The Turkey teeth explained page is a useful reference for what can go wrong when patients prioritise price over clinical process.

Stage 3 — Treatment planning and quote

The only way to compare clinics accurately is with a written treatment plan specifying materials, implant brands, warranty terms, and total cost. Photographs, an OPG X-ray, and a brief dental history are the minimum needed for a Picasso treatment coordinator to produce an itemised NZD quote. Submit via the free quote form or directly to [email protected]. Picasso quotes specify brand names (Osstem, Nobel Biocare, Straumann, Emax, etc.) not generic descriptions — if a quote does not specify materials, it is not comparable.

Stage 4 — Logistics

Once a written quote is accepted, the logistics layer begins: Vietnam e-visa application, flight booking, accommodation, travel insurance review, GP consultation, and coordination with your NZ dentist for post-treatment follow-up. Each of these is covered in the section below.

Stage 5 — Decision and deposit

A deposit is typically required to confirm a booking and block clinical time, particularly for complex implant cases requiring CBCT 3D planning or same-day same-arch procedures. Confirm in writing: the cancellation and rescheduling policy, what happens if additional work is discovered during treatment, and the warranty claims process for Kiwi patients. Full pricing and warranty terms are published on this site.

NZ logistics you must sort before you go

ACC

The Accident Compensation Corporation does not cover elective dental treatment performed overseas. This is not a grey area. ACC covers dental injury resulting from accidents in New Zealand under specific criteria; it does not extend to voluntary treatment abroad, to complications arising from overseas procedures, or to revision work done in New Zealand following overseas dental work. Do not plan around ACC coverage for any part of a Vietnam dental trip.

Travel insurance

Standard New Zealand travel insurance policies typically exclude dental treatment that is the purpose of travel (as opposed to emergency treatment for unexpected dental pain). This means that if you travel specifically for veneers or implants and those procedures result in a complication requiring additional treatment, you are likely not covered under a standard policy. Specialist dental tourism insurance exists and should be sourced before travel. Read the travel insurance dental guide for a breakdown of what standard policies cover and what gaps exist.

GP medical fitness letter

For patients undergoing surgical implant procedures, bone grafting, or any treatment requiring IV sedation, a brief letter from your NZ GP confirming your current medications, relevant medical history, and fitness for the procedure is strongly recommended. This is not a Picasso requirement in every case, but it ensures the treating clinician has a complete picture and reduces risk in the event of an unexpected reaction. The GP medical letter guide outlines exactly what to ask your GP to include.

Vietnam e-visa

New Zealand passport holders require a Vietnam e-visa. The e-visa costs approximately USD 25 and must be applied for online through the official Vietnam Immigration portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before travel to allow for any processing delays. The e-visa is single or multiple-entry and valid for up to 90 days. Full instructions are at /nz-guide/visa-for-kiwis/.

Currency

Vietnam operates primarily in Vietnamese Dong (VND). While Picasso accepts Visa and Mastercard at POS, currency exchange for incidental expenses (transport, food, accommodation paid in cash) is straightforward in both Hanoi and Da Nang. Airport exchange rates are unfavourable; exchange at bank branches or use an ATM with a low-fee card. The currency guide covers the practical details.

Flights

Direct Auckland–Da Nang is available via Vietnam Airlines at approximately NZD 1,005 one-way in economy. Christchurch to Hanoi routing via a single connection (typically Singapore or Bangkok) is available at approximately NZD 750 one-way. Prices fluctuate significantly with booking lead time and travel season. Book flights only after a confirmed written treatment plan, as the treatment schedule determines how many days you need on the ground. See the flights guide for routing options by NZ city.

Follow-up care when you return to New Zealand

Vietnam dental treatment does not end at the airport. The post-treatment period in New Zealand is a genuine clinical phase, not an afterthought. The specific requirements vary by treatment type.

For porcelain veneers and crowns, no routine follow-up is required beyond normal dental hygiene. Your NZ dentist should be informed of the materials used (Emax, zirconia, Lava, ORODENT) and their warranty periods. If you experience sensitivity, chipping, or debonding within the warranty period, contact Picasso directly at [email protected] — the SmileCare warranty process requires initial contact with the clinic.

For dental implants, osseointegration continues for three to six months after fixture placement. Your NZ dentist should be provided with the implant brand name, batch number, and placement date — Picasso provides this documentation as part of the treatment record. If implant complications arise, the manufacturer warranty on Nobel Biocare and Straumann fixtures is backed globally; your NZ dentist can liaise directly with the distributor.

For All-on-4 and full-arch cases, a NZ follow-up appointment at three months post-treatment is strongly recommended. The treating prosthodontist or oral surgeon should receive your full case documentation, including the CBCT scan, implant details, and prosthetic specifications.

For orthodontic treatment that began in Vietnam and continues in New Zealand, your NZ orthodontist will need the full case records including initial scans, treatment plan, and current progress records. Picasso will provide these on request.

Full aftercare guidance by treatment type is at /follow-up-care-new-zealand/.

SmileCare warranty — how Kiwis are covered

Picasso’s SmileCare Global Warranty applies to all restorative work performed at the clinic. The coverage periods as of May 2026 are:

• Emax veneer and Lisi veneer: 7 years
• Zirconia crown: 5 years
• Lava and Lava Plus crown: 10 years
• ORODENT crown: 10 years
• Implant fixtures: manufacturer-backed warranty (Nobel Biocare and Straumann carry their own global fixture warranties)

The warranty covers material failure and clinical defects attributable to the original procedure. It does not cover damage from trauma, failure to follow post-treatment care instructions, or work performed subsequently by another practitioner without Picasso’s knowledge. Warranty claims from Kiwi patients are handled remotely where possible (photographs, X-rays by email) with the option of in-clinic review on a return trip. Full terms are at /warranty/.

When Vietnam is NOT the right choice

Dental travel is the wrong decision for a meaningful subset of patients. The following situations are genuine contraindications, not disclaimers:

The treatment is under NZD 4,000–5,000. Once flights, accommodation, and time cost are added, the saving often disappears. A single crown replacement, a scale-and-clean, or a minor composite repair does not generate sufficient savings to justify the trip overhead.

You have active periodontal disease. Untreated gum disease must be resolved before veneers or implants are placed. If your NZ dentist has flagged active periodontitis, a Vietnam cosmetic procedure will not address the underlying condition, and implant failure rates in compromised bone are materially higher. Resolve the underlying condition first.

Your medical history includes uncontrolled systemic conditions. Uncontrolled diabetes, active anticoagulant therapy, bisphosphonate use, or recent cardiac events are clinical contraindications to elective dental surgery in any setting. If your NZ GP would not sign a fitness-for-procedure letter, do not proceed with surgical dental work abroad.

You cannot commit to the required time on the ground. Rushing implant work or accepting an abbreviated treatment timeline to catch an earlier flight creates genuine clinical risk. Implant procedures, in particular, require staged appointments with minimum intervals. The minimum viable implant trip is 10–14 days; veneers typically require 7–10 days.

You need someone to speak French or Russian. Picasso treats patients in English and Vietnamese only. If you are not comfortable consulting in English, the communication layer creates a genuine patient-safety gap.

You need urgent care. Dental travel is elective and pre-planned. If you are in acute pain, have a dental abscess, or need emergency extraction, see a NZ dentist first. Stabilise the condition before planning international travel.

You are unwilling to manage the follow-up layer yourself. The coordination burden — briefing your NZ dentist, managing warranty claims remotely, arranging follow-up X-rays — sits with you. Patients who want their entire care pathway managed by a single local provider should remain with their NZ dentist even at higher cost.

Next step

If the above conditions do not apply to you and your treatment plan exceeds the break-even threshold, the logical next step is a written NZD quote.

Submit photographs (front, side, and close-up of the treatment area) along with any existing OPG or dental X-rays to the free quote form, or send directly to [email protected]. A treatment coordinator will provide an itemised quote specifying materials, warranty periods, and an estimated treatment schedule within one to two business days.

Further reading:

• Is it safe? — safety, standards, and honest risks
• Pricing in NZD — full price list by treatment category
• Veneers — Emax veneer process and NZD cost breakdown
• Dental implants — implant tiers, brands, and candidacy
• All-on-4 — full-arch options and NZ comparison
• Compare Vietnam vs other countries — head-to-head destination comparison
• Warranty — SmileCare Global Warranty full terms