Price comparison: A dental checkup and teeth cleaning

Asia is increasingly becoming a center for medical tourism due to the fact that many Asian cities not only offer high quality medical, dental or cosmetic surgery options but also in many instances such treatments will cost significantly less than they would in Western countries. Thus, the Asian Wall Street Journal’s weekly Arbitrage column has recently conducted a survey of prices for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning in various cities around Asia and clearly anyone accustomed to paying USA prices will find plenty of bargains in the region.

Of course, anyone considering using their medical insurance to pay for such services in Asia should ensure prior to arrival that they will be covered for it. Nevertheless, when it comes to a simple dental checkup and teeth cleaning, having it done is Asia and even paying for it out of pocket will probably be worth it.

Price Comparison*

Sydney	A$178	US$147
Hong Kong	HK$670	US$86
Kuala Lumpur	202 Ringgit	US$57
Singapore	S$95	US$66
Jakarta	533,333 Rupiah	US$54
Seoul	50,000 Won	US$40
Shanghai	247 Yuan	US$36
Manila	1,500 Pesos	US$31
Bangkok	1,000 Baht	US$29

*Prices include taxes and are based upon a survey of centrally located dentists. Prices are averaged and rounded to the nearest US Dollar.