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Questions to ask before dental treatment abroad - an Australian patient checklist
A practical checklist of questions Australian patients should ask any overseas dental clinic before paying a deposit, covering credentials, materials, safety, costs, and aftercare.
Before booking dental treatment abroad, Australian patients should confirm the dentist's credentials, get an itemised AUD quote, ask what implant brand or ceramic material is being used, understand the treatment timeline, and establish a clear aftercare and warranty process — all before paying a deposit or booking flights.
Pre-booking checklist — 8 questions to ask in writing
1. Credentials
Ask: “Can you tell me the name of the dentist who will perform my procedure, their qualifications, and their case volume for this specific treatment?”
Why it matters: Anonymous coordinator-led bookings have no clinical accountability. The treating dentist’s name, qualification, and relevant experience should be on your written treatment plan.
Picasso answer: Dr. Tran Thanh Phong (15,000+ implants, All-on-4 certified 2010, Loma Linda University); Dr. Emily Nguyen (Founding Clinical Director since 2013).
2. Written treatment plan
Ask: “Will I receive a written treatment plan with itemised AUD prices before I pay a deposit or book flights?”
Why it matters: Surprises at the clinic after you arrive are a common dental tourism problem. A written plan locks the scope before you commit.
Picasso answer: Yes — written itemised AUD plan sent before any payment.
3. Implant brand (implant patients)
Ask: “What implant brand will be used? Can you provide the brand name, fixture system, and fixture dimensions in writing?”
Why it matters: “Premium implant” and “Korean implant” are not brands. Osstem TS III 4.0×10mm is a brand. The fixture reference identifies what was placed and lets your Australian dentist look up compatible instruments.
Picasso answer: All 7 brands offered — Osstem, ETK, Neodent, MegaGen, Zimmer Biomet, Nobel Biocare, Straumann BLX. Fixture reference documented in every plan.
4. CBCT before implants
Ask: “Is a CBCT scan taken before implant surgery? What does it cost?”
Why it matters: CBCT is the standard of care for implant planning. Clinics placing implants without 3D imaging are operating below the standard regardless of price or location.
Picasso answer: CBCT is mandatory before all implant placement at Picasso. Cost: AUD 33.
5. Wax-up and mock-up (veneer patients)
Ask: “Will I see a wax-up or mock-up of my veneers before any tooth preparation begins?”
Why it matters: Once teeth are prepared, the decision is irreversible. A wax-up placed over unprepped teeth lets you approve shape, length, and proportions before any drilling.
Picasso answer: Yes — Portrait Sitting protocol uses wax-up mock-up before any preparation.
6. Warranty
Ask: “Is there a written warranty document? What does it cover? What are the exclusions? What is the process if I need to make a claim from Australia?”
Why it matters: A verbal warranty is unenforceable. The exclusions matter as much as what is covered — a warranty that excludes bruxism, trauma, and poor hygiene (which are the most common failure modes) provides minimal protection.
Picasso answer: SmileCare written warranty with stated exclusions; Australian follow-up guidance; WhatsApp and email claim process documented.
7. Aftercare
Ask: “What documentation will I receive at discharge? What is the process for managing issues when I return to Australia?”
Why it matters: You will need your treatment records, implant passport, and aftercare instructions for every Australian dental appointment for the life of the restoration.
Picasso answer: Treatment summary, invoice, implant passport (brand card), materials list, warranty document, and aftercare instructions provided at discharge.
8. Australian follow-up
Ask: “Do you provide guidance for the Australian dentist or hygienist who will manage my maintenance after I return home?”
Why it matters: Your Australian dentist needs to know the implant brand for compatible instruments, the crown material for hygiene technique, and the Picasso aftercare protocol. This is not standard practice at every overseas clinic.
Picasso answer: Australian follow-up guide provided; implant passport names brand, system, and dimensions for your Australian hygienist.
After getting answers — what to look for
| Answer quality | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Written, specific, matches what you asked | Credible — clinic treats documentation seriously |
| Verbal assurance, no follow-up in writing | Ask again in writing; if still not provided, reconsider |
| “Don’t worry, we do thousands of these” | Not an answer — apply pressure for specifics |
| Deflection or change of subject | Red flag — push or walk away |
| Price drop after specific questions | Suggests original quote had margin for upselling |