Dental Care in Dubai
A guide to dental care for expats—finding the right dentist, understanding costs, insurance coverage, and the best dental clinics in Dubai.
6 min read • Updated December 2025
Quick Overview
Dubai has excellent dental care with modern clinics and internationally trained dentists. Basic dental insurance is usually an add-on to health insurance—don't assume you're covered. Costs are similar to Western countries for routine care, but complex procedures can be cheaper than the US/UK.
Dental Insurance in Dubai
Is Dental Covered by Health Insurance?
Usually no. Basic and mid-range health insurance plans in Dubai typically exclude dental coverage. Dental is treated as an optional add-on (rider) that costs extra. Some premium plans include dental, but check your policy—don't assume.
Dental Rider Costs
- Basic dental: AED 1,000-2,000/year
- Comprehensive: AED 2,000-4,000/year
- Annual limits: AED 3,000-10,000
- Usually 20-30% co-pay
Typically Covered
- Checkups and cleanings
- Basic X-rays
- Fillings
- Extractions
- Root canals (sometimes limited)
- Cosmetic procedures: Whitening, veneers, smile makeovers
- Orthodontics: Braces, Invisalign (or very limited coverage)
- Implants: Often excluded or capped at low amounts
- Pre-existing conditions: May have waiting periods
For these procedures, plan to pay out-of-pocket or look for specialized dental insurance.
Dental Procedures & Costs
Typical costs at mid-range to premium dental clinics in Dubai.
| Procedure | Cost Range (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation/Checkup | 150 - 400 | Often includes basic X-ray |
| Cleaning & Scaling | 200 - 500 | Recommended every 6 months |
| Dental X-ray (full mouth) | 200 - 400 | Panoramic OPG |
| Filling (composite) | 300 - 800 | Per tooth, depends on size |
| Root Canal | 1,500 - 3,500 | Per tooth, plus crown cost |
| Crown (ceramic) | 1,500 - 4,000 | Per tooth |
| Veneer (porcelain) | 2,000 - 5,000 | Per tooth |
| Extraction (simple) | 300 - 800 | Per tooth |
| Extraction (surgical/wisdom) | 1,000 - 3,000 | Per tooth |
| Braces (traditional) | 8,000 - 18,000 | Full treatment |
| Invisalign | 12,000 - 30,000 | Full treatment |
| Teeth Whitening | 1,000 - 3,000 | In-office treatment |
| Dental Implant | 5,000 - 12,000 | Per implant, including crown |
Costs vary by clinic, dentist experience, and case complexity. Get quotes before treatment.
Top Dental Clinics in Dubai
Well-established dental clinics popular with expats.
Dr. Michael's Dental Clinic
Multiple (Jumeirah, Marina, etc.)
One of Dubai's most established dental groups. Known for high-quality care, modern facilities, and comprehensive services. Popular with expats.
German Dental Oasis
Healthcare City, Jumeirah
German-standard dental care with focus on precision and quality. Strong in cosmetic and restorative dentistry.
Drs. Nicolas & Asp
Multiple across Dubai
Large dental network with consistent quality. Good balance of quality and accessibility. Part of broader healthcare group.
American Dental Clinic
Jumeirah, Downtown
American-style dentistry with focus on patient comfort. Good for families and those wanting a familiar dental experience.
Dental SPA
DIFC, Business Bay
Spa-like dental experience focused on comfort and aesthetics. Popular for cosmetic procedures and nervous patients.
Aster Dental Clinics
Multiple across Dubai
Part of Aster healthcare network. Good value option with wide geographic coverage. Suitable for routine dental care.
Finding the Right Dentist
What to Look For
- DHA license (mandatory)
- Relevant specialty qualifications
- Experience with your specific needs
- Modern equipment and facilities
- Clear communication style
Questions to Ask
- What are the total costs for my treatment?
- Do you accept my insurance?
- What are the alternatives?
- What's your experience with this procedure?
- What's the follow-up care?
Dental Specializations
- Orthodontist: Braces, alignment
- Periodontist: Gum disease
- Endodontist: Root canals
- Prosthodontist: Crowns, implants
- Pediatric: Children's dentistry
Reading Reviews
- Look for patterns, not outliers
- Recent reviews more relevant
- Note comments on pain management
- Check wait times and service
- Ask expat community for referrals
What to Expect at the Dentist
First Visit
- Registration and medical history
- Discussion of concerns and goals
- Comprehensive examination
- X-rays as needed
- Treatment plan presentation
- Cost estimate and scheduling
Payment Options
- Insurance: Direct billing if in-network
- Cash/Card: Pay at time of service
- Payment plans: Many clinics offer for major work
- Packages: Ask about bundled pricing
Cosmetic Dentistry
Dubai is a popular destination for cosmetic dental procedures. Here are common options.
Teeth Whitening
AED 1,000 - 3,000In-office bleaching for brighter teeth. Results in 1-2 sessions.
Duration:
1-2 hours
Lasts:
6-12 months
Porcelain Veneers
AED 2,000 - 5,000 per toothThin shells covering front teeth for perfect smile. Popular "Hollywood smile" option.
Duration:
2-3 visits
Lasts:
10-15 years
Composite Bonding
AED 500 - 1,500 per toothTooth-colored resin to fix chips, gaps, or discoloration. Less invasive than veneers.
Duration:
1 visit
Lasts:
5-7 years
Smile Makeover
AED 20,000 - 80,000+Comprehensive treatment combining multiple procedures for complete transformation.
Duration:
Multiple visits over weeks
Lasts:
Varies by procedures
Invisalign/Clear Aligners
AED 12,000 - 30,000Clear removable aligners for teeth straightening. Less visible than traditional braces.
Duration:
6-18 months
Lasts:
Permanent with retainer
For cosmetic work, experience and artistry matter as much as technical skill. Ask to see before/after photos of similar cases. Be wary of prices that seem too good—quality materials and skilled work have real costs. Get multiple consultations for major work like full veneers.
Dental Emergencies
Dental Emergencies Include:
- Severe toothache not relieved by painkillers
- Knocked-out tooth (act within 30 min)
- Broken or cracked tooth with pain
- Significant swelling in mouth or face
- Uncontrolled bleeding after extraction
- Dental abscess (pus, fever)
What to Do
- During hours: Call your dentist for emergency slot
- After hours: Many clinics have emergency numbers
- Hospital ER: For trauma, severe swelling, or no dental access
- Knocked-out tooth: Keep moist in milk, see dentist ASAP
Tip: Save your dentist's emergency number in your phone. Most quality clinics offer after-hours emergency contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about dental care in Dubai.
It depends. Routine care (checkups, cleanings, fillings) is similarly priced to the US/UK. Complex procedures like implants and veneers can be 30-50% cheaper than the US, making Dubai a destination for dental tourism. However, some procedures may be more expensive than countries like India, Thailand, or Eastern Europe. Quality is generally high across Dubai's dental clinics.
If you have upcoming major dental work and have good insurance in your home country, it might be worth completing before the move. However, Dubai has excellent dental care, so there's no need to rush. Do get a checkup and cleaning before you leave—it gives you a baseline and any urgent issues can be addressed. Bring your dental records and recent X-rays.
Yes, generally excellent. Many dentists are trained in the US, UK, Germany, or other countries with high standards. Dubai Health Authority (DHA) licenses all practitioners. Premium clinics have state-of-the-art equipment. As with anywhere, quality varies—research your dentist, check credentials, and read reviews. The best clinics rival anywhere in the world.
Standard recommendation is every 6 months for checkup and cleaning. If you have gum disease, history of cavities, or other issues, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits (every 3-4 months). Dubai's climate and lifestyle don't change this—follow the same dental health practices you would elsewhere.
Basic health insurance in Dubai typically does NOT include dental coverage. Dental is usually an optional add-on (rider) costing AED 1,000-3,000 extra per year. Some premium plans include dental. Coverage usually has annual limits (AED 3,000-10,000) and may exclude cosmetic procedures. Check your policy—don't assume dental is covered.
For severe pain, trauma, or swelling: Many dental clinics have emergency slots or after-hours numbers. Hospital ERs can manage dental trauma and provide pain relief. For a knocked-out tooth, keep it moist (in milk or saliva) and see a dentist within 30 minutes if possible. Most clinics can see emergencies same-day during business hours.
Somewhat. Unlike fixed medical fees, dental clinics have more pricing flexibility. Ask about package deals for multiple procedures. Some clinics offer payment plans for expensive treatments. Getting quotes from 2-3 clinics is reasonable, especially for major work. However, don't choose purely on price—quality matters for dental work.
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