Last fact-checked: 18 June  2025

Dental tourists looking for high-quality and affordable dentists in Davao City will find top-rated clinics offering up to 70% savings on dental treatment compared to the cost back home. Discover Davao City, known as the melting pot of the Philippines, where the welcoming locals make everyone feel at home. 

Combine dental procedures with a holiday in a city rich in culture, natural beauty and wildlife. Davao boasts stunning scenery, with a landscape of hills, valleys, forests and volcanoes–all intertwined with the Davao River, which flows gracefully to the Davao Gulf.

Davao City offers all the amenities and facilities of a modern metropolis, making it a popular destination for business, medical and leisure travellers. 

Davao is a charming urban center, offering the best of urban lifestyles and amenities with a more relaxed feel. You can immerse yourself in the bustling city life, or within half an hour, find peace and tranquillity in the countryside, overlooked by the majestic Mt. Apo. Alternatively, you can visit the beach without spending hours travelling.

Filipino dentists offer comparable services to those offered by Western dentists, with regulated training, qualifications and professional registrations. Moreover, cross-border training and attempts to establish international standards mean that Davao City dentists are just as likely to be affiliated with professional organizations such as the International Congress of Oral Implantologists or the International Association for Orthodontics, as are dentists in the United States.

Dental tourism has been around in the Philippines for decades and still ranks high among the top medical tourism destinations in the world, with cheap and frequent air travel making it a viable destination for low-cost dentistry for travellers from across the world, particularly Australia and New Zealand. 

If you’re feeling the pinch and finding dental prices at home to be too much, then combining your dental care with a holiday could be the answer. Whether you need dental implants, root canals, or veneers, our partner dental clinics in Davao City offer some of the most competitive prices in Southeast Asia:

• The average cost of a single dental crown in Australia AUD $1,500; at a dental clinic in Davao City AUD $400

• The average cost of a root canal, post and crown in Australia AUD $2,400, and a dentist in Davao City AUD $250

• The average cost of a dental implant and crown in Australia AUD $6,000; a dentist in Davao City AUD $3,400

(Image by Bro. Jeffrey Ploquinto, SJ)

Whether you want City, Mt Apo, or Gulf views, a host of accommodation options awaits in Davao City. Luxury five-star hotels, boutique and spa hotels are all available, as well as guest houses, Airbnb's, hostels and even homestays. Prices start from just AUD $10 a night.

Is Davao Safe for Dental Tourists?

Davao City remains a safe destination for dental tourism in the Philippines, with a strong expat and medical traveller presence. While the US, UK, and Australian governments have issued travel advisories for parts of Mindanao due to isolated incidents of kidnappings and terrorism—mainly in Sulu Archipelago in the west and the Zamboanga Peninsula—these areas are far from Davao City. 

Davao is located on the eastern side of Mindanao and is widely regarded by both locals and visitors as one of the safest cities in the Philippines. It's important to keep in mind that Mindanao is a massive island, nearly 38,000 square miles in size—larger than many countries—so risks in one region don’t reflect the safety of the entire island.

Obviously, it is not worth putting yourself at risk, and there are indeed risky places that should be avoided (such as some parts in the west of Mindanao), but It is worth remembering that in today’s modern world very few places are considered entirely safe and terrorism, crime or natural disaster can strike anywhere, even in the relatively safe eastern parts of the island.

Many dental clinics in Davao are accredited and staffed by English-speaking dentists with international training in cosmetic and restorative dentistry.

Common with Western countries, the best dentists are regulated (by the Philippine Professional Regulation Commission) and must be members of the country’s professional organization (the Philippine Dental Association) to practice.

Filipino dentists, especially those treating international patients, are keen to demonstrate their qualifications and professionalism, and as the world becomes smaller and standardization becomes the norm, it isn’t unusual to find dentists and clinics that are members of international professional organizations, such as the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, or the International Standards Organization, which provides certification across the world on the safety, reliability and quality of products and services.

We can’t stress enough how important it is to do some background checks–good and bad dentists exist everywhere–and we ensure our listed dentists are quality-checked. We also include real patient reviews and high-definition clinic photographs–reading former patients' reviews can help you make an informed decision. 

What Happens If Something Goes Wrong? Is the Work Guaranteed?

Our dentists provide warranties or guarantees on any lab work, for example, crowns, veneers or dentures, as well as on the work they perform. If something goes wrong, it will be resolved free of charge.

It is worth bearing in mind that only a very small percentage of our patients have experienced problems post-treatment, and these have been minor. However, understandably, safety and a rewarding outcome are concerns about having dental care anywhere, especially abroad. This is why we do stringent checks to ensure our dentists are reliable.

If you do experience any difficulties, we are here to be your advocate and will take up any issue on your behalf with your dentist and see that it is put right.

Will My Dentist Speak English?

One of the legacies of American occupation is that English is spoken widely throughout the country. It is taught in schools, used in business and is one of the Philippines’ official languages. Dental tourists to the Philippines will not have any trouble communicating with the locals in and around major cities.

What Payment Methods Are Accepted?

Although cash is accepted everywhere, most dentists usually accept some other methods of payment, such as debit and credit cards, personal and traveller’s checks and bank transfers. Please check the clinic listings on our site, which state the payment methods accepted at each individual clinic. Please also factor in that credit card payments are usually subject to a small processing fee of between 3 and 4%.

Is My Dental Insurance Accepted?

If you have dental insurance, it may well make provisions for ‘out-of-network’ care, which means that even though your dentist in Davao City can’t bill your insurance company directly, you will be able to reclaim your charges once you are home.

This is not an unusual feature of US and Canadian insurance, but may be more so in other countries. It’s always worth phoning your provider and discussing the matter with them–and making sure they send you the appropriate forms and documentation to bring with you if they do allow you to reclaim your charges.

Is Davao City Wheelchair Accessible?

In common with other cities in the Philippines, wheelchair access can be rather hit-and-miss, especially if you are a lone traveller. However, if you have someone with you, it will be much easier to get around. The newer hotels are usually well-equipped for wheelchair access, although some of the older shopping malls lack disabled toilets or ramps.

Our dentists usually have wheelchair-friendly facilities, and some offer hotel pick-ups, so getting to and from the dentist shouldn’t be an issue. Speak with one of our Customer Care team members, who will be able to help you find the best way of getting to one of our dentists.

When Is the Best Time to Visit a Davao City Dentist?

You can visit anytime as our dentists in Davao City are open throughout the year, except for important holidays, such as Christmas.

In comparison with other parts of the Philippines, Davao’s climate is mild without a distinct hot and wet season. Outside the typhoon belt and lacking seasonal variations, the city is pleasant to visit no matter what time of year.

What's the Downside? What Should I Know about Visiting?

Davao City is one of the safest cities in the country. That said, you should still be aware of petty thieves, such as pickpockets and bag snatchers, who are waiting to strike if you aren’t paying attention.

Be aware that jaywalking is strictly enforced. If you do not cross the road at designated pedestrian lanes, you could face a fine or even imprisonment.

(Image by: Kleomarlo)

Make the most of your dental vacation in Davao by exploring the city’s parks, scenic outdoor adventures, and wildlife attractions before any major treatment.

One of Davao’s most popular places to go is the Davao Riverfront Complex, which provides a variety of attractions, including the Tribu K’Mindanawan–a cultural village that has extraordinary fire-dancing performances. Crocodile Park is also a big attraction, especially at feeding time, and the complex also has a Butterfly House.

For adventurous visitors to check out before any major dental treatment, discover the Deca Wakeboard Park—beginners and experts both welcome, or you can roll around in a giant plastic ball at the Zorb Park and Water Ball.

River rafting at the Davao Wild Water Adventure and ziplining at Zip City or Outland Adventure are available for adrenaline junkies, and the Eden Nature Park offers horse-riding fishing and camping.

If that all sounds too strenuous, then a walk around the Malagos Garden Resort with its orchid collection may be more your thing, or a visit to the Philippine Eagle Center, where you can see the Philippine Eagle, one of the world’s most endangered species.

Stroll leisurely around city parks, such as the People’s Park, and enjoy the peace and quiet–except at the weekend when you can take part in public Zumba. Or, enjoy the sunrise at the Baywalk and take in the views of the glistening bay, the David and Mermaid of Copenhagen statues and Mount Apo.

For something truly unique, don’t miss the D’Bone Collector Museum—one of Davao City’s most intriguing attractions. Showcasing an impressive collection of animal fossils and skeletons from around the world, the museum offers an intriguing educational experience. Knowledgeable staff are on hand to share the stories behind the exhibits and explain how the collection was assembled, making it a must-visit for curious minds and families alike.

After all that, there is still plenty of shopping to do at the malls, such as SM City Davao and Abreeza Ayala Mall, as well as a huge array of restaurants and bars to recharge your batteries!

Travelling to Davao City

• Flying In

Davao is served by Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO), which is about an hour's drive from Davao City by car. Once in town, you will discover many ground transportation options. 

• Taxi

Taxis are the easiest way of getting around Davao City, especially if you know where you’re going, as they are fast and safe. You can even send text messages for a driver to pick you up, almost like having your own chauffeur!

• Jeepney

Make like a local and hop on and off the jeepneys. The cheapest way of doing short trips across the city, they usually run 24 hours a day, and you can hail them anywhere, just like taxis.

• Bus

Buses are great if you are going north to south, or out of the city; otherwise, a taxi or jeepney may be better to get to your destination.

• Water taxi

The newest way of getting around Davao Gulf,  from waterfront restaurants to one of the local islands.

• Car

Most of the big car rental companies have offices here, although a local office is likely to be cheaper. If you don’t fancy driving, you can always enquire about hiring a driver.

• Distances to Other Places of Interest

– Francisco Bangoy International Airport: 21 miles (35 km), 53 mins

– Arakan: 38 miles (61 km), 50 mins

– Tagum City: 48 miles (78 km), 1 hr 30 mins

– Bislig: 134 miles (216 km), 3 hrs 15 mins

– Butuan: 192 miles (308 km), 4 hrs 30 mins

– Zamboanga: 411miles (662 km), 9 hrs

1. Is Davao City safe for dental tourists?
Yes, Davao City is widely regarded as one of the safest cities in the Philippines. While parts of western Mindanao have travel advisories, Davao, on the eastern side of Mindanao, is peaceful and well-secured for visitors.

2. How much can I save on dental treatment in Davao City?
International patients can save up to 70% on dental treatments in Davao City compared to prices in countries like Australia or the US. Procedures like crowns, implants, and veneers are significantly more affordable.

3. Are Davao City dentists qualified to treat international patients?
Yes, dentists in Davao City are licensed by the Philippine Professional Regulation Commission, and many have been trained internationally. Most are members of global organizations like the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

4. Can I use dental insurance in Davao City clinics?
While most clinics don’t bill insurance providers directly, many patients can claim reimbursement for out-of-network care once back home. It’s best to confirm with your insurance provider before travelling to the Philippines.

5. What’s the best time to visit a dentist in Davao City?
You can visit Davao City year-round. The city has a mild climate, as it's outside the typhoon belt, and has no extreme wet or dry seasons, making it ideal for dental travel any time of the year.

Let us help you discover a world of great dental care in Davao City. Choose a quality-checked dentist and book your appointment online quickly and conveniently with us right here. 

You can also contact our Customer Care Team on our toll-free number, via our online chat facility, or drop us an email–whichever is most convenient. We're always available, day or night.

Our website has real patient reviews, high-definition clinic photos and lists dentist qualifications and experience–and we guarantee the best prices–so book your dental appointment overseas with Dental Departures.

(Image: Scorpious 18)

(Main Image: Robert Ryan U Ong)

Sources:

Things to Do in Davao City. Website accessed: 18 June 2025. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g298459-Activities-Davao_City_Davao_del_Sur_Province_Mindanao.html

Miller, Adelaide. “As Wait Times and the Financial Pressures of COVID‑19 Increase, More People across Australia Are Delaying Seeing the Dentist.” ABC News, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 19 Jan. 2023, abc.net.au/news/2023-01-19/cald-communities-oral-health-cost-pressure/101869732

10 Best Hotels in Davao City. Website accessed: 17 June 2025. https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/ultimate-guides/best-davao-city-hotels

Davao City. It’s More Fun in the Philippines. Website accessed: 18 June 2025.  https://itsmorefuninthephilippines.co.uk/davao-city/

ICOI–Bridging the Gap in Implant Dentistry. Website accessed: 17 June 2025. https://icoicampus.org/

ISO. Website accessed:18 June 2025. https://www.iso.org/home.html