The Process Most People Get Wrong
The most common mistake international patients make: booking flights before they have a treatment plan.
You see a price on a website, you get excited, you book a cheap flight to Da Nang — and then you arrive to find out the procedure you wanted requires additional preparatory work you didn’t account for, the clinic is busier than expected, or the treatment you need takes 2 weeks not 4 days.
The right order is: get a specific treatment plan first, then book flights around the confirmed schedule.
Here’s exactly how the process works at Vinmec Picasso.
Step 1: Request a Remote Consultation
What to send:
- Recent dental X-rays (if you have them)
- Clear photographs of your teeth — front smile, side profile, teeth together, teeth slightly open
- A description of what you’re looking for (implants? veneers? full restoration? orthodontics?)
- Your approximate travel window
What you’ll receive:
- Preliminary assessment from a dentist (not just an admin response)
- Specific recommendations for your case
- Estimated treatment time in Da Nang
- Cost range for the proposed treatment
Turnaround: 1–3 business days.
You can do this by email or through the contact form on the website. No commitment required at this stage.
Step 2: Treatment Plan Confirmation
If the preliminary assessment aligns with your expectations, the next step is a confirmed treatment plan.
For straightforward cases (single implant, veneers, orthodontic consultation), the remote assessment is usually sufficient to plan your visit.
For complex cases (full-arch restoration, multiple implants, bone grafting), the confirmed plan requires the CBCT 3D scan — which happens on Day 1 of your visit. In these cases, build a flexible first day where the treatment plan might be adjusted based on what the scan reveals.
Key point: A good remote consultation tells you the plan and the cost before you commit to anything. If a clinic can’t give you a specific plan before you arrive, that’s a red flag.
Step 3: Book Your Appointment Dates
Once you have a treatment plan and cost estimate you’re happy with, confirm your appointment dates directly with us.
How many days do you need?
| Treatment | Days in Da Nang |
|---|---|
| Cleaning + whitening | 1 day |
| Single tooth extraction | 1–2 days |
| Wisdom tooth (complex) | 2 days |
| Single implant (placement only — crown later) | 2–3 days |
| 6–8 veneers | 4–6 days |
| Full-arch All-on-4 (temporary teeth same day) | 5–7 days |
| Invisalign (scan + consultation) | 1–2 days |
For implants requiring a second visit: The second visit (permanent crown fitting) is typically 1–2 days, 3–6 months after the first.
Step 4: Book Flights and Accommodation
Flights to Da Nang: Da Nang International Airport (DAD) has direct connections from Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, and Tokyo. From Australia, Europe, or the Americas, routing through Singapore (SIN) or Bangkok (BKK) is typically the most efficient.
Airline options include Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, Bamboo Airways, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, AirAsia, and others depending on your origin.
Accommodation: Da Nang has a wide range of hotels. Most international patients stay either:
- My Khe Beach area (15–20 min from the clinic): beachfront hotels at excellent value, great for recovery days
- Han River downtown (5–10 min from clinic): convenient, good restaurants and cafes nearby
- Hoi An (45 min from clinic): for a more atmospheric base, the ancient town is a UNESCO site
Budget: 4-star hotels in Da Nang typically cost $40–80/night — significantly cheaper than equivalent hotels in Bangkok, Singapore, or Australian coastal cities.
Step 5: Your First Appointment
Arrive the day before your first appointment if you’ve had a long journey. Starting treatment jet-lagged is not recommended.
Day 1 at Vinmec Picasso:
- Welcome and registration with the international patient coordinator
- Full clinical examination
- CBCT 3D scan (included in all treatment packages)
- Plan confirmation and final cost agreement
- Begin treatment (same day if planned) or schedule for Day 2
You will not be charged for anything you haven’t agreed to. If the CBCT reveals something that changes your plan significantly, the updated plan will be explained to you in full before any treatment begins.
Step 6: During Treatment
Communication: Our international patient coordinator handles communication in English throughout. For complex consultations, the treating dentist speaks English directly. We do not use ad-hoc translation apps for clinical discussions — if your case requires it, we arrange a proper interpreter.
What to bring to appointments:
- Any existing dental records (X-rays on disc, previous treatment summaries)
- A list of current medications
- Dental insurance documentation (for reimbursement claims after)
- Your passport (for registration)
Payment: We accept Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and international bank transfer. Payment is in Vietnamese Dong at the current bank rate — no currency surcharge.
Step 7: Departure Documentation
Before you leave Da Nang, you will receive:
- Written treatment summary (what was done, materials used)
- Digital X-rays before and after in standard DICOM format
- CBCT files
- Implant passport (brand, model, serial numbers) if applicable
- Aftercare instructions
- Warranty certificate
- Itemized invoice suitable for insurance reimbursement
These are not optional extras — this documentation is part of every treatment package.
Step 8: Remote Follow-Up
After returning home:
- Send photos of healing progress for review (most routine check-ups can be handled this way)
- Schedule video calls with your treating dentist if needed
- Share records with your dentist at home
Most routine recovery questions can be handled remotely. We provide a direct contact method (not a generic clinic email) for ongoing follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions About Planning
How far in advance should I book? For routine treatments (veneers, whitening, basic implant): 2–4 weeks notice is usually sufficient. For complex full-arch cases, 4–6 weeks gives better scheduling flexibility.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule? Life happens. Contact us as early as possible and we’ll rebook. We don’t charge cancellation fees for reasonable notice.
Can I have my consultation at the clinic instead of remotely? Yes. If you prefer to come in, see the clinic, and get an in-person assessment before committing to treatment — that’s completely fine. Many patients based in Vietnam or nearby countries do exactly this.
Is Da Nang safe to visit as a solo traveler? Very safe. Da Nang is consistently ranked among the safest cities in Southeast Asia for international visitors. English is reasonably well understood in tourist areas, healthcare infrastructure is good, and the city is compact and easy to navigate.
Do I need vaccinations? Check with your country’s travel health guidelines for Vietnam. No specific vaccinations are typically required for short tourist visits, but hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations are generally recommended. Check current requirements before travel.
Ready to start? Contact us for a free remote consultation — send your X-rays and photos, describe what you’re looking for, and we’ll get back to you with a specific plan within 3 business days.
