Dental Tourism Scams: Red Flags Every Patient Should Watch Out For

Dental tourism (traveling abroad for affordable dental care) has become increasingly popular, especially in destinations like Vietnam, Thailand, and Mexico. While it can save patients up to 70% on procedures such as implants, veneers, or smile makeovers, not every clinic plays fair.

Unfortunately, dental tourism scams are on the rise and they can cost you much more than money. From poor-quality treatments to fake “international” clinics, knowing the red flags can help you protect your smile and your peace of mind.

1. Unrealistically Low Prices

If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Some clinics advertise prices far below local averages just to attract foreign patients. Once you arrive, they add hidden fees or push unnecessary treatments. Worse, cheap materials or unqualified dentists can lead to serious complications and additional costs later.

Tip: Compare prices across multiple clinics and look for transparent quotes that include consultation, lab fees, anesthesia, and follow-up care.

2. No Clear Dentist Credentials

Always verify who will be performing your treatment.

A legitimate clinic should clearly list the dentist’s name, degree, and certification on their website or social media.

Be cautious if:

The clinic refuses to share dentist profiles.

They use generic titles like “specialist” or “expert” without specifics.

The same dentist appears across multiple unrelated clinic pages (a common scam tactic).

What to look for:

Dentists trained at accredited dental universities

Members of recognized organizations (e.g., Vietnamese Dental Association, ADA, or Invisalign Certified Provider)

3. Poor Facilities or Stock Photos

Scam clinics often use stock images or photos stolen from real clinics abroad.

Always look for authentic visuals showing:

The real clinic interior

Sterilization areas

Actual before/after patient results

Staff photos (preferably with visible name tags or uniforms)

Tip: Check Google Maps or Google Business Profile photos for real patient uploads -they often reveal the truth behind marketing images.

4. No Treatment Plan or Medical Transparency

Trustworthy clinics always provide a detailed treatment plan before you commit – including timeline, number of visits, materials used, and possible side effects.

If a clinic pressures you to make a deposit before discussing your diagnosis, that’s a red flag.

Lack of written documentation or vague communication often means no post-treatment responsibility once you leave the country.

A good clinic should also ask for:

Your medical and dental history

X-rays or 3D scans before confirming your quote

Informed consent forms before treatment

5. No Aftercare or Warranty Policy

Dental work doesn’t end when your flight home begins.

Reliable clinics provide clear aftercare instructions and warranty policies, covering issues like adjustments, remakes, or complications.

Avoid clinics that:

Refuse responsibility after treatment

Don’t offer online or video follow-ups

Have no collaboration with local dentists for emergencies

At Greenfield Dental, for instance, patients receive a written warranty for major treatments (implants, veneers, crowns) and 24/7 English-language aftercare support. The clinic also partners with travel coordinators to ensure each visit from airport pickup to final smile check – is seamless and safe.

6. Fake Reviews or Inconsistent Social Media

Before booking, always do a background check:

Look for authentic reviews on Google and dental forums (avoid only 5-star “copy-paste” comments).

Check how long the clinic’s Facebook or Instagram page has existed – scam clinics often use new pages with fake engagement.

Real clinics usually share videos, team introductions, and real patient stories, not just staged content.

Why Vietnam Is Still a Safe Dental Tourism Destination?

Don’t let scams discourage you. Vietnam is one of Asia’s most trusted dental hubs, attracting thousands of patients from Australia, New Zealand, and Europe each year, thanks to:

Modern clinics equipped with 3D scanning, CAD/CAM, and sterilization systems

Internationally trained dentists fluent in English

Competitive prices without compromising on quality

Greenfield Dental, located in the heart of Hanoi, for example, is renowned for its transparency, patient-first ethics, and spotless facilities. Every treatment is documented, every cost is explained upfront, and every patient receives personalized care from consultation to follow-up.