Dental Tourism Market

Global Dental Tourism Market Size (2023 to 2028)

The global dental tourism market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 12.22% from 2023 to 2028. As a result, the market size is forecasted to grow to USD 6696 million by 2028 from USD 3762 million in 2023.

Dental tourism refers to patients who travel from their country of birth or live in another country to obtain dental treatment at a lower cost than in their own country. This kind of patient migration is happening because of the insane rise in dental expenses, especially in Western parts of the world. For instance, research shows that only about 50% of the U.S. population has insurance that covers dental costs, and the others must pay around USD 600 in dental expenses. However, when such patients travel to countries such as India, their dental costs are reduced to approximately USD 35-125. Therefore, despite travel costs, populations from other countries travel to different countries for all dental procedures and facilities, such as surgeries, dentures, implants, root canals, and braces.

Increasing dental problems and the loss of teeth, on the other hand, are significant concerns for the elderly, which is also one of the key factors propelling the dental tourism market. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), the incidence of oral diseases is significantly growing and affecting more than 3.5 billion people worldwide. Growing gum disease symptoms, untreated tooth decay, changing dietary habits, and excessive consumption of processed foods are the causes of tooth decay. Global demand for cosmetic dentistry, dental therapeutic products, and cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening and polishing is increasing due to rising alcohol and cigarette use and other harmful lifestyle choices, dental issues, and dental problems.

High costs of dental procedures to promote the dental tourism market growth. The market is also expected to be driven by the growing need to reduce dental healthcare costs. Many families cannot afford the soaring costs of dental care in their countries and, therefore, choose to opt for dental care in other countries. Dental insurance is challenging to obtain and often does not cover the costs for all different procedures. The urgent need for treatment and the lack of affordability is fuelling the dental tourism market. The market is further growing because of the rising incidence of periodontal diseases among children and the growing number of dental clinics with highly skilled and trained dentists.

The dental tourism market is expected to be restricted due to the difficulty of obtaining a visa to enter some countries and the need to pay for travel, flight, and staying expenses when opting for dental tourism, which could cost quite a lot. Also, it is difficult for the patient to return to the same clinic for regular check-ups after treatment as it is not their home region, which poses an obstacle to the market. 

Impact of COVID-19 on the dental tourism market:

The COVID-19 pandemic, discovered in China, spread worldwide and caused several deaths and misfortune. The pandemic caused severe economic loss and recession due to the closure of all businesses and services. The strict lockdown implications led to disruptions of the demand and supply chain for many productions, leading to colossal waste creation and loss of investment for people. Many households became unemployed without any source of revenue, and companies started to lay off people to save income. The government initiated relief funds for the financially suffering people. The healthcare sector was the most drastically affected segment of the market. 

The dental tourism market was no exception to the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The widespread disease led to the closure of all dental clinics and settings, leading to patients being denied treatments. Additionally, the tourism market had adverse effects because of the lengthy travel bans imposed across the borders of all countries, even after the calming of the lockdowns and pandemic. People also became less willing to travel due to the risks associated with the contamination of the pandemic. As a result, the market is expected to grow slowly in recent times.

REPORT COVERAGE:

This research report on the global dental tourism market has been segmented and sub-segmented into the following categories.

Global Dental Tourism Market - By Treatment Type:

• Prosthodontics Treatment
• Preventive Treatment
• OMS
• Restorative Treatment
• Others

Based on treatment type, the prosthodontics and restorative segments accounted for a significant share of the global market in 2022. The dominance of these segments is because both procedures are currently in demand in the dental society, and both procedures can cost a fortune without insurance, especially in Western countries. In addition, these procedures require advanced care, which can only be attained through costly equipment and techniques, which is why people travel to other countries for treatments.

Global Dental Tourism Market - By Providers:

• Multi-Specialty Clinics
• Hospital Chains
• Independent Clinics

The hospital chains segment will dominate the market during the forecast period. This segment's dominance can be attributed to the high-end services available at hospitals and the low-charge services they provide. In addition, hospitals are credible sources of treatment with verified professionals and beneficial insurance claims. Hospitals also have appropriate medicine and equipment available to treat patients. Hospitals are also a hub for complete health examinations making them more advantageous. Therefore, they dominate the market.

Global Dental Tourism Market - By Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

The Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. This dominance is due to the availability of dentists with rich experience, superior infrastructure for dental treatment, regional government authority permissions for foreign patients in-take at medical institutions, the dental solid treatment markets in India, Thailand, and Malaysia, India frequently visiting medical tourists for cost-effective treatment plans in hospital chains and multiple specialty clinics, and low cost and low language barrier are all driving the growth.

The European and Latin American regions are also expected to show fast growth in the market owing to the reduced dental costs in the area and countries with more accessible travel regulations. Countries like Mexico, Brazil, the UK, and Germany are expected to increase. The middle east and Africa, with countries like South Africa and Israel, will also show growth.

The market in the North American region is expected to show slow progress due to the high costs of dental procedures and travel restrictions in this region. 

KEY MARKET PLAYERS:

Several players in the market have made significant contributions to its growth. Here are a few of the most crucial players, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd., Fortis Healthcare, Medlife Group, Professional Beauty, Right Choice Home & Away, Europe, Nexus Pharma, Aetna, OneExchange, Bali International Dental Center, Imperial Dental Specialist Center, Bangkok International Dental Center, ARC Dental Clinic, Raffles Medical Group.

RECENT HAPPENINGS IN THIS MARKET:

• In August 2022, Turkey quickly climbed to become one of the top 10 medical tourism destinations for both men and women because of the rising demand for medical travel. As Turkey's reputation in the medical tourism industry grows, more customers are looking for reliable doctors and specialists to meet their demands for cosmetic procedures. Aesthetic ensure interested parties are in touch with the best specialists for their selected cosmetic operation by filling this gap. In addition, the business has teamed up with some of Turkey's top aesthetic surgeons to assist clients and lower the likelihood of subpar treatments.
• In August 2022, the medical device market in Thailand is increasing because of Thailand's expanding healthcare infrastructure. The demand for medical devices in the nation will rise along with the rise in healthcare import volume. To fulfill the rising demand for medical devices, Thailand's expanding healthcare infrastructure has been luring significant firms from around the globe. Many Chinese and Korean manufacturers are vying for market share in Thailand's lucrative medical device market and among European and American producers.