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Why SmileJet
Why Kiwis Choose SmileJet Over Going It Alone
3–5 Clinic Quotes, Zero Hassle
Send us your X-rays once. Our medical team matches you with 3–5 verified clinics and sends back comparable treatment plans and fixed-price quotes in NZD within 48 hours — no chasing individual clinics or puzzling through time zones yourself.
Prices in NZD, No Surprises
Every quote is delivered in New Zealand dollars with a fixed, all-inclusive price. No currency confusion, no hidden lab fees, no surprise charges on arrival.
SmileJet Global Warranty
Every SmileJet partner clinic backs your work with a written warranty. If anything needs attention after you return to NZ, we coordinate warranty follow-up with your original clinic and help arrange any required return visit.
Clinics Vetted to NZ Standards
Our Medical Board of Excellence audits every clinic against 47 safety criteria including sterilisation protocols, material sourcing, and dentist credentials.
Savings Analysis
How Much Can Kiwis Save on Dental Work Abroad?
Prices based on SmileJet partner clinic quotes as of April 2026. NZD conversion at current exchange rates. Actual costs vary by case complexity and clinic.
Auckland quoted me $64,000. I flew via Singapore to HCMC, paid $20,000 for the lot, and spent two weeks in a beautiful apartment. My Auckland dentist checked the work — he was impressed.
Auckland · Picasso Dental Clinic, Ho Chi Minh City
Wellington private dentist wanted $32,000. I got the same E.max veneers in Bangkok for $10,000 plus a week at a resort. Direct flight from Auckland made it effortless.
Bali is 9 hours from Auckland direct. Treatment, hotel, and a week of holiday for less than a third of the NZ price. Going back next year for phase two.
Upload your X-rays or photos. Tell us what treatment you need. We respond within 24 hours (NZ business hours).
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Within 48 hours
Receive Clinic Matches
Our medical team reviews your case and sends 2–3 verified clinic options with treatment plans and fixed pricing in NZD.
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At your pace
Choose and Confirm
Compare clinics, ask questions via WhatsApp or email, and confirm your preferred clinic. No deposit required until you're ready.
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On-trip
Travel and Treat
Fly to your destination. Your clinic arranges airport transfer. Treatment begins within 24 hours of arrival. Your SmileJet coordinator is available on WhatsApp throughout.
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30, 90, 365-day follow-up
Return Home with Confidence
Take home your complete dental records, warranty documentation, and aftercare instructions. Your NZ dentist can access your treatment file. SmileJet follows up at 30, 90, and 365 days.
Practical Guide
The Kiwi's Guide to Dental Tourism
Flights from New Zealand
Direct flights from Auckland: Bangkok (12 hrs, Thai Airways), Bali (9 hrs, Air NZ), Kuala Lumpur (11 hrs, Malaysia Airlines, Air NZ). HCMC typically via Singapore or Bangkok. Budget: NZD $1,100–$1,600 return. Book 8–12 weeks ahead for best fares.
Visa Requirements
Kiwis can enter Thailand (60 days), Indonesia (30 days, VOA), and Malaysia (90 days) visa-free or with VOA. Vietnam requires an e-visa (US$25, valid up to 90 days) applied for at evisa.gov.vn and issued within 3–5 business days. No medical or dental-specific visa is required anywhere.
Travel & Health Insurance
ACC and standard NZ travel insurance do not cover elective dental treatment abroad. Purchase a short-term policy covering medical complications and emergency dental care — providers like Southern Cross Travel, AA Travel, and Cover-More offer medical-focused plans. Your SmileJet clinic's warranty covers treatment-related issues separately.
Currency & Payment
All SmileJet quotes are in NZD. Clinics accept NZ bank transfers (Wise), Visa, Mastercard, and cash (NZD, USD, or local currency). Notify your bank of foreign travel. ATMs are widely available everywhere. Exchange rates are favourable for Kiwis across SmileJet destinations.
Language & Communication
Every SmileJet partner clinic has English-speaking dentists and patient coordinators. Treatment plans, consent forms, and post-care instructions are provided in English. WhatsApp, email, and phone support before, during, and after your trip.
Best Time to Travel
Vietnam and Thailand: October to April (dry season) — also NZ summer escape. Bali: May to September is driest. Malaysia is year-round. Avoid Tết (Vietnamese New Year, late Jan–early Feb) as many clinics close.
Free. No Obligation.
Get a Written Quote in NZD, Tailored for Kiwis
Tell us your treatment, we'll match you with verified clinics and provide a comparison quote – all free, all in NZD, with no pressure to book.
Written, itemised quotes – not estimates
Priced in NZD so you know exactly what you'll pay
Clinics respond within 24 hours
No fees charged to patients – ever
Request Your Free Quote
Takes 2 minutes. Response within 24 hours.
Packages
All-Inclusive Dental Packages for Kiwis
The Smile Starter
NZD $3,700
10 porcelain veneers (E.max)
Verified SmileJet partner clinic, HCMC or Bali
All dental work, X-rays, temporary veneers
5–7 days · Airport transfer + 3-star hotel from NZD $500
Does ACC or public health cover dental work done overseas?
ACC covers dental injury from accidents but not elective treatment. Public health does not cover adult dental beyond emergencies. Private NZ dental insurance typically caps at NZD $1,500–$2,500 per year and excludes most international treatment. The savings from dental tourism (typically 70–85%) far exceed anything a NZ plan would reimburse.
Can my NZ dentist access my treatment records?
Yes. Every SmileJet partner clinic provides complete digital treatment records including X-rays, treatment notes, and material certificates. These are emailed in standard DICOM/PDF format that any NZ dental practice can read and import.
What if something goes wrong after I return to NZ?
All SmileJet partner clinics offer written warranties (typically 5–10 years for implants, 5 years for crowns and veneers) honoured directly by the treating clinic. SmileJet coordinates warranty claims and return-visit logistics on your behalf, but travel costs for warranty visits are the patient's responsibility. Minor adjustments can be handled locally by your NZ dentist using the treatment records provided.
Do I need a visa to travel for dental work?
Kiwis can enter Thailand (60 days), Indonesia (30 days VOA), and Malaysia (90 days) visa-free or with visa on arrival. Vietnam requires a simple US$25 online e-visa (valid up to 90 days) applied for at evisa.gov.vn and issued within 3–5 business days. No medical or dental-specific visa is required.
How long do I need to stay for dental implants?
Most implant procedures require 7–10 days for the initial phase. If your treatment includes a permanent prosthetic (e.g., All-on-4), you may need a second visit of 3–5 days after 4–6 months. Some clinics offer same-day permanent teeth protocols.
Is it safe to fly after dental surgery?
You can fly 24–48 hours after most dental procedures. For surgical extractions, implant placement, or bone grafting, we recommend waiting 3–5 days. Cabin pressure changes do not affect dental implants or crowns.
What materials do the clinics use?
SmileJet partner clinics use the same global brands as NZ practices: Straumann and Nobel Biocare implants, IPS E.max and BruxZir crowns, 3M and Ivoclar bonding materials. Material certificates with batch numbers are provided with every treatment.
Can I combine dental work with a holiday?
Absolutely. Bali, Phuket, Phu Quoc, and Penang are all popular holiday add-ons within easy reach of treatment clinics. Most Kiwis build 3–7 leisure days into their trip. We'll help plan your itinerary around treatment schedules.
What about follow-up appointments?
SmileJet schedules virtual check-ins at 30, 90, and 365 days post-treatment via WhatsApp video call. Your clinic reviews healing progress remotely. If an in-person visit is needed, it can be done at any SmileJet partner clinic or coordinated with your NZ dentist.
How do I pay?
Clinics accept NZ bank transfers (Wise), Visa, Mastercard, and cash (NZD, AUD, USD, or local currency). Quotes are provided in NZD. Payment is made directly to the clinic. SmileJet does not charge patients any fees.
Complete Guide
The Complete Guide to Dental Tourism for Kiwis
The state of dental costs in New Zealand
NZ has some of the highest dental costs in the OECD. A single implant averages NZD $5,000–$7,000, All-on-4 runs NZD $28,000–$36,000 per arch. Adult dental isn't covered under the public system beyond emergencies, and private insurance typically caps at NZD $1,500 per year. This cost burden is the single biggest driver of Kiwis seeking treatment abroad.
Why Kiwi dental tourism is growing
Direct Auckland flights to Bangkok, Bali, and KL make Southeast Asia genuinely accessible. Kiwi travel to Asia for dental care has increased steadily over the past decade. The typical Kiwi SmileJet patient is 45–70 years old, has been quoted NZD $20,000+ at home, and is often combining treatment with a holiday.
How SmileJet serves NZ patients specifically
Every SmileJet quote is in NZD, support operates during NZ business hours, and partner clinics are vetted against 47 safety criteria. Many partner dentists trained in Australia, NZ, or EU member states. Post-treatment, we coordinate records with your NZ dentist and back every clinic with the SmileJet Global Warranty.
Choosing your destination
Bali is the shortest direct flight (9 hrs) and the most familiar holiday spot. Bangkok and KL offer the most mature infrastructure at 11–12 hrs direct. HCMC has the lowest prices but requires a connection via Singapore or Bangkok. Most Kiwis choose based on flight length, treatment scale, and whether they're combining with a holiday.
What to look for in a dental clinic abroad
Look for ISO 9001 or JCI accreditation, dentists with internationally recognised credentials, verifiable material sourcing (Straumann, Nobel Biocare, IPS E.max), and fluent English communication. Google reviews with recent dates, patient photos, and a written warranty you can take home are non-negotiable. Every SmileJet partner clinic meets these thresholds.
Planning your dental trip from NZ
Most Kiwis start planning 8–12 weeks out. Send your X-rays to SmileJet, receive 2–3 matched clinic options within 48 hours, confirm your preferred clinic, book flights and accommodation. Bring your full dental history, medication list, and travel insurance. On return, share your clinic's treatment file with your NZ dentist.
What Would You Do with NZD NZD $22,000 in Savings?
The average Kiwi dental tourist saves NZD NZD $17,200+ on major dental work through SmileJet. That's a family holiday, a car upgrade, or real financial breathing room.