Nz guide
How dental tourism works — step by step for NZ patients
The six-step process for New Zealand patients at Picasso Dental Clinic Vietnam — from first enquiry and NZD treatment plan through treatment week, home return with records, and NZ follow-up.
As of May 2026, the Picasso patient journey for NZ patients follows six steps: online quote with photos, written NZD treatment plan issued before flights are booked, travel and visa preparation, treatment week in Vietnam with coordinator support, return home with records, and NZ follow-up plus warranty registration.
Dental tourism can look complicated from a distance. In practice, the Picasso process for NZ patients is a managed six-step journey, with a named coordinator, written documentation at each stage, and a clear handover of records when you fly home. This page walks through each step in plain terms.
Step 1 — Send your enquiry and photos
The first step is a photo-based enquiry rather than an in-person consultation. You do not need to fly to Vietnam for an initial assessment.
What to send:
- 3–4 photos: front smile (natural light, no filter, mouth relaxed then full smile), one side profile, one showing upper arch, one showing lower arch
- Recent OPG if available: an OPG from your NZ dentist in the past 12–18 months significantly improves plan accuracy
- Notes on dental history and concerns: which teeth have had previous work, what you would like to achieve, any existing crowns, bridges, or implants
- Medical summary: medications, health conditions relevant to surgery — particularly for implant and All-on-4 enquiries
Where to send it: email [email protected]. The online quote form at /free-quote/ walks you through what to attach.
Photo quality matters. Natural light, taken outside or near a window, produces far more useful clinical images than indoor flash photos. No filter, no heavy editing.
Step 2 — Receive your written NZD treatment plan
Within approximately 24 hours of receiving your photos and history, Picasso’s clinical coordinator will issue a written treatment plan. For NZ patients, this plan is denominated in NZD for direct comparison with NZ dental quotes.
What the plan contains:
- Itemised treatment lines (each tooth or arch explicitly listed)
- Brand tier specified for implants — Nobel, Straumann, or Osstem — not generic references
- Recommended trip length and clinic session breakdown (e.g., Day 1: consult and scans; Days 2–3: preparation)
- NZD total with the exchange rate and date used for conversion
- Any pre-conditions noted (e.g., GP letter required, CBCT needed on arrival)
Read the plan carefully. If any line item is unclear, ask your coordinator to explain it before you book anything. Compare against reference pricing at /pricing/ to verify the figures are consistent with published benchmarks.
This plan is the commitment anchor for your trip. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have reviewed and approved the written plan.
Step 3 — Book flights and accommodation
Once your plan is approved and a deposit is confirmed with your coordinator, you can proceed to book travel. The sequence matters:
Flights: Match your departure city and dates to your treatment timeline. See /nz-guide/flights-to-vietnam/ for route options. Book changeable return tickets where practical — lab timing or minor adjustments can occasionally add a day.
Accommodation: Your coordinator can suggest accommodation options near the clinic, or see /vietnam/recovery-friendly-stays/ for curated options by city. For Da Nang, beach-adjacent options suit patients combining treatment with recovery time. For Hanoi, Old Quarter proximity or Westlake area options work well.
Vietnam e-visa: NZ passport holders apply online at the Vietnamese government e-visa portal for up to 90 days, single or multiple entry. Cost: USD 25 for a 90-day visa. Apply at least 5–7 business days before departure. Full process at /nz-guide/visa-for-kiwis/.
Travel insurance: Purchase before departure. Read the policy wording, not the marketing page — most policies exclude elective dental tourism complications. Understand what is and is not covered before you travel. See /nz-guide/travel-insurance-dental/ for what to look for.
GP letter if required: For All-on-4, multiple implants, or complex medical history, arrange your GP medical fitness letter in advance. See /nz-guide/gp-medical-fitness-letter/.
Step 4 — Treatment week in Vietnam
Your coordinator will confirm final arrangements in the days before your arrival: clinic address, pickup arrangements if requested, welcome pack with pre-operative instructions, and a Day 1 schedule.
What happens during your treatment week:
Day 1 — Clinical review and consent: You meet the treating dentist in person. Clinical photos and any required scans (CBCT for implants, OPG if not recently done) are taken. The treatment plan is reviewed and consented. You will not be pressured into changes — any modifications to the plan are discussed transparently and documented.
Subsequent days — Treatment follows the written plan: No treatment is added or substituted without a discussion and your agreement. Your coordinator remains the point of contact for questions between sessions.
Lab days: For porcelain veneers and crowns, laboratory fabrication typically takes 3–5 days. These days are built into your timeline — use them for recovery, sightseeing, or rest. The coordinator will advise on the schedule.
Final sessions: Try-in, adjustment, and bonding for veneers and crowns. Suture check and healing review for implants and surgical cases.
Payment of the balance occurs at the clinic during your visit, in accordance with the terms stated in your written plan. See /nz-guide/nzd-vnd-currency/ for payment method options.
Step 5 — Fly home with your records
Before you leave the clinic, collect and organise your clinical records. These are important documents — not souvenirs.
What to take home:
- Implant passport: brand name, model, batch number, implant dimensions for each implant placed
- Shade and design record: the shade reference, material type, and design parameters for each veneer, crown, or bridge
- OPG/CBCT images on CD or digital file: post-operative imaging confirms implant placement and provides your NZ dentist with a baseline
- Warranty registration form: proof of your SmileCare warranty with booking reference and treatment date
- Post-operative instructions in writing: what to do and avoid for the next 4–6 weeks
- Picasso contact card: [email protected], and your coordinator’s direct contact
Keep these in your hand luggage, not checked bags.
Timing your flight: see /nz-guide/flights-to-vietnam/ for post-operative flying guidance specific to your treatment type. For All-on-4, a 3–5 day post-op buffer before long-haul is standard.
Step 6 — NZ follow-up and warranty registration
The period after returning home is part of the treatment process, not a postscript.
Weeks 1–2: Monitor healing. Mild swelling, sensitivity, and discomfort are normal in the first week after surgical procedures. Contact Picasso if anything concerns you — photos sent allow for remote assessment.
Weeks 4–6: Schedule a hygiene visit with your NZ dentist. Bring your clinical records. Your NZ dentist does not need to validate or redo the overseas work — their role is routine hygiene and monitoring. If your NZ dentist raises specific concerns, communicate these to Picasso with photos.
Night guard compliance: If prescribed a night guard (common for patients who grind), wear it consistently. Night guard damage to veneers and crowns is generally not covered under warranty.
Warranty registration: Submit your SmileCare warranty registration form to [email protected] within the required timeframe (confirm with your coordinator — typically within 30 days of return). Keep your booking reference. See /warranty/ for warranty scope and claim process.
Aftercare reference: /aftercare/ covers the full home-care protocol for each treatment type.
How long the whole process takes
From first enquiry to flying out of Vietnam:
| Phase | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Initial quote response | Within 24 hours |
| Plan approval and deposit | 1–7 days |
| Travel booking lead time | 4–12 weeks (patient-paced) |
| Treatment week in Vietnam | 7–14 days (treatment-dependent) |
| Post-op buffer before flying | 0 (veneers) to 5 days (All-on-4) |
For treatment-specific timelines, see /nz-guide/timeline/.
Who manages your case
A named patient coordinator manages your case throughout. Before your trip: correspondence, plan clarification, deposit, travel logistics. During your trip: clinic day scheduling, translation support, and point of contact. After your trip: warranty claim support and follow-up queries.
All correspondence can be directed to [email protected].
Next step
Start the process with a free quote at /free-quote/. For safety information before committing, see /is-it-safe/.
About this page
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Emily Nguyen
Founding Clinical Director, Picasso Dental Clinic
DDS · Founder and Clinical Director, Picasso Dental Clinic group
Clinical focus: Cosmetic dentistry · Veneers · Smile design
Dr. Emily Nguyen founded Picasso Dental Clinic in 2013 (originally Serenity International Dental Clinic) and led its 2023 rebrand. She sets clinical standards across the group's six branches in Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Lat, and personally reviews cosmetic protocols including the Portrait Sitting workflow for veneers and smile makeovers.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from first contact to treatment?
Initial quote responses are typically issued within 24 hours of receiving your photos and enquiry. From there, you choose your own travel dates — most patients book 4–12 weeks ahead. The process itself is patient-paced, not clinic-paced.
Do I need to send X-rays or OPGs before my quote?
Not required upfront, but helpful. Three to four clear photos (front smile, side profile, upper and lower arch) are sufficient for an initial quote. If you have a recent OPG from your NZ dentist, send it — it improves the accuracy of the treatment plan.
Do I pay everything upfront before travelling?
No. The standard arrangement involves a deposit to confirm your booking (terms vary — clarify with your coordinator), with the balance paid at the clinic during your treatment week. Full payment before departure is not typical for Picasso bookings.
What is included in the written treatment plan?
The plan itemises each treatment line (e.g., 8x Emax veneers, 2x Nobel implants), specifies the brand tier for implants and prosthetics, states the recommended trip length and session breakdown, and gives an NZD total with the exchange rate and date used.
Can my family travel with me?
Yes, and this is common — particularly for Da Nang cases where the beach and Hoi An provide natural things for accompanying family members to do during your clinic days. Families staying nearby are welcome to attend the clinic for consultations if they wish.
What records do I take home after treatment?
You should leave Vietnam with: implant passport (brand, batch number, dimensions), shade and design records for veneers and crowns, OPG or CBCT copies, warranty registration documents, Picasso's contact card, and any post-operative care instructions in writing.
Who manages my case throughout the process?
A named Picasso patient coordinator manages your case from initial enquiry through to post-trip follow-up. The coordinator handles communication in English, arranges airport pickup if requested, briefs the clinical team on your history, and is your point of contact for questions before, during, and after treatment.
What happens if I need warranty support after returning to New Zealand?
Contact [email protected] with your booking reference and photos of the concern. Picasso's warranty team assesses the claim and advises on the appropriate response — which may include remote guidance, local interim care, or a return visit depending on the nature of the issue.