Is China a Suitable Place for Dental Surgery?

As Liam, a British dentist who has worked in Shanghai for five years, I'm often asked by friends from Europe and America: “I hear dental care in China is cheap, but is it really safe for surgery?” Over the past two years, I've not only observed the development of domestic oral healthcare from a professional perspective but have also referred numerous European patients to China for treatment. Drawing on clinical observations and patient feedback, I can offer a more comprehensive answer.

I. Technical Capabilities: The Confidence of Moving from “Catching Up” to “Keeping Pace”

When I first arrived in China, my impression of domestic dentistry was one of “numerous clinics but inconsistent technical standards.” Yet upon deeper engagement, I discovered that high-end private hospitals in first-tier cities and public tertiary-level specialized dental hospitals have fully attained international competitiveness.

Last year, a German patient with severe periodontitis experienced loosening of multiple posterior teeth. After evaluation at a Berlin clinic, he was advised to have four teeth extracted and to receive a removable denture. Through a friend's recommendation, he visited a JCI-accredited dental hospital in Shanghai. Our implant team used CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) for precise bone volume assessment and combined it with digital guide technology. Not only did we preserve three original teeth, but we also designed an immediate-loading implant restoration plan for him—the entire treatment cycle took just two weeks, costing less than one-third the cost of a comparable procedure in Germany. The patient remarked, “Chinese doctors' experience in handling complex cases is richer than I imagined.”

This advancement stems from sustained investment: Leading domestic dental institutions widely adopt 3D printing, intraoral scanners, laser therapy, and other equipment. Some hospitals have established collaborative training systems with the University of Pennsylvania in the U.S. and Tokyo Medical and Dental University in Japan. More crucially, China graduates over 50,000 dental professionals annually, enabling clinicians to accumulate experience at a pace far surpassing many nations. Take dental implants as an example: Chinese dentists perform 2-3 times more procedures annually than their European counterparts, naturally elevating their proficiency in complex cases.

II. Value for Money: Not “Cheap,” but “Reasonable”

“Affordable” is often the label attached to Chinese dentistry, but it's important to clarify: this “affordability” is relative to developed Western countries, not at the expense of quality.

Take common invisible braces as an example: costs in the US range from $4,000 to $6,000 (approximately RMB 28,000–42,000), with similar pricing in Europe. In China's first-tier cities, private hospitals typically quote between RMB 20,000 and 35,000, and doctors spend more time discussing treatment details. Dental implants illustrate this even more clearly: In Europe and the US, the cost for a single implant plus crown typically exceeds 2,000 euros (about 15,000 RMB). In China, reputable clinics charge between 8,000 and 15,000 RMB, using the same imported brands like Swiss ITI and Swedish Nobel Biocare.

Of course, value for money hinges on choosing accredited institutions. I once encountered an American patient who sought cheaper treatment at a small clinic, only to suffer a post-operative infection due to inadequate sterilization—a stark reminder that “verifying credentials” is the first step, regardless of location. Currently, most legitimate dental institutions in China hold a Medical Institution Practice License, while high-end hospitals also pursue JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation. These institutions align their medical safety and service standards with international benchmarks.

III. Soft Services: Upgrading from “Treatment” to “Experience”

For international patients, language barriers and cultural differences were once the greatest concerns. Today, however, these issues have been significantly mitigated.

Most international departments or foreign-oriented dental institutions now employ full-time English/Japanese/Korean interpreters, and some doctors themselves have overseas academic backgrounds (among my colleagues are implant specialists who graduated from Harvard and UCL). More importantly, Chinese medical teams are increasingly emphasizing “humanistic care”: pre-operative procedures are explained in detail using illustrated manuals or videos, post-operative follow-ups are conducted regularly via WeChat, and dedicated channels are even coordinated for foreign patients requiring long-term follow-up appointments.

A Canadian patient shared her experience: “I was worried about communication barriers on my first visit, but the nurse sent me a comic-style treatment flowchart beforehand. During the consultation, the doctor used gestures to explain each step, fearing I might not understand. A week post-op, they proactively reached out to check on my recovery—this level of detail is rare at clinics back home.”

IV. Details Still Requiring Consideration

Of course, choosing China for dental surgery isn't “risk-free.” The following points require planning:

• Visa and itinerary: Complex procedures (like full-mouth implants) may require multiple follow-up visits. We recommend obtaining a medical visa and allowing ample time. Some institutions can assist with arranging transportation, translation, and other support services.

• Insurance Coverage: Most Western commercial insurers do not currently include China in their direct-pay networks. Confirm out-of-pocket costs beforehand or purchase overseas medical coverage.

• Post-operative Follow-up: For long-term maintenance (e.g., orthodontic adjustments), choose clinics offering remote consultations or arrange local contacts to collect and ship impressions.

Conclusion: A Pragmatic Choice Worth Considering

From technology and cost to service, China's dental sector has developed unique competitive advantages. For budget-conscious yet quality-seeking patients from Europe and America, or those requiring complex procedures (such as challenging implants or combined orthognathic and orthodontic treatments), China offers exceptional value. Of course, it may not suit everyone—those prioritizing “convenience at home” or accustomed to their local healthcare systems may still prefer Europe, America, or Southeast Asia.

As a dentist, I firmly believe that the core of healthcare lies in efficacy and safety. As China embraces international patients with greater openness and transparent standards, it is emerging as an indispensable new coordinate on the global dental landscape. (Liam, Implantologist at an International Dental Center in Shanghai)

Document dated 2025-11-17 11:40 Modify