Dubai Guide10 min read

How to Find English-Speaking Dentists in Dubai

Your complete guide to dental care in Dubai. Find English-speaking dentists, understand costs, insurance coverage, and learn about the high standards of dental care available.

Last updated: August 8, 2025

Overview

Dubai has become a regional hub for dental excellence, attracting top dentists from around the world. The emirate offers everything from routine cleanings to advanced cosmetic procedures, with most dentists speaking fluent English.

The dental industry in Dubai is highly regulated by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), ensuring international standards of care. Many residents even choose to delay dental work until returning to Dubai due to the high quality and competitive pricing compared to Western countries.

Dubai's Dental Advantages

Key benefits of dental care in Dubai:

  • International dentists - Professionals from USA, UK, Europe, India, and Philippines
  • Latest technology - Digital X-rays, 3D imaging, laser dentistry, CAD/CAM
  • Competitive prices - 30-60% less than USA/UK for major procedures
  • Convenient hours - Evening and weekend appointments available
  • One-stop centers - Multi-specialty clinics with lab and imaging on-site
  • Dental tourism - Many clinics cater to international patients

Types of Dental Facilities

Dental Facility Options in Dubai
TypeServicesPrice RangeBest For
Premium Dental CentersFull service, cosmetic, implantsAED $$$$Complex cases, aesthetics
Hospital Dental DepartmentsGeneral, surgery, orthodonticsAED $$$Insurance coverage, medical cases
Chain Dental ClinicsGeneral, hygiene, basic cosmeticAED $$Routine care, families
Independent PracticesVaries by dentist specialtyAED $$-$$$Personalized care
DHA Health CentersBasic dental careAED $Budget-conscious residents

Dental Insurance Coverage

Understanding Dental Coverage

Most health insurance plans in Dubai include limited dental coverage: **Basic Plans (EBP):** • Emergency dental treatment only • Acute pain relief • Infection treatment • No routine or cosmetic coverage **Standard Plans:** • Annual limit: AED 1,000-2,000 • Cleaning: 1-2 times per year • Basic fillings: 80% coverage • X-rays: Usually covered • 20% co-payment typical **Enhanced Plans:** • Annual limit: AED 3,000-5,000 • Preventive care: 100% covered • Restorative: 80% covered • Major work: 50% covered • Orthodontics: Sometimes included for children **Premium Plans:** • Annual limit: AED 10,000+ • Comprehensive coverage • Cosmetic procedures: Partial coverage • Implants: 50-80% coverage • No waiting periods

Dental Treatment Costs

Typical Dental Costs in Dubai (Without Insurance)
TreatmentBudgetMid-RangePremium
ConsultationAED 100-150AED 200-300AED 300-500
CleaningAED 200-300AED 350-500AED 500-800
Filling (Composite)AED 200-400AED 400-600AED 600-1,000
Root Canal (Molar)AED 1,500-2,500AED 2,500-3,500AED 3,500-5,000
Crown (Porcelain)AED 1,000-1,500AED 1,500-2,500AED 2,500-4,000
Dental ImplantAED 4,000-6,000AED 6,000-8,000AED 8,000-12,000
Teeth WhiteningAED 800-1,200AED 1,500-2,000AED 2,000-3,500
Invisalign (Full)AED 12,000-15,000AED 15,000-18,000AED 18,000-25,000

Finding the Right Dentist

1

Define Your Needs

Routine care, specific treatment, or cosmetic work?

2

Check Insurance Network

Use insurer's app/website for in-network dentists

3

Research Credentials

Verify on DHA SHERYAN portal, check reviews

4

Compare Prices

Get quotes for major work from 2-3 clinics

5

Book Consultation

Many offer free initial consultations

Recommended Dental Clinics

Premium Dental Centers:

Dr. Joy Dental Clinic

  • Locations: Multiple branches across Dubai
  • Specialties: Full-service, same-day crowns
  • Technology: CEREC, digital imaging
  • Languages: English, Arabic, Hindi, more
  • Insurance: Wide acceptance

    Versailles Dental Clinic

  • Location: Jumeirah
  • Specialties: Cosmetic, Hollywood smiles
  • Technology: Digital smile design
  • Note: Celebrity clientele, premium service

    American Dental Clinic

  • Location: Multiple locations
  • Specialties: US-trained dentists
  • Technology: Latest American techniques
  • Insurance: Most plans accepted

    British Dental Clinic

  • Locations: Jumeirah, Dubai Marina
  • Specialties: UK standards, pediatric care
  • Technology: Modern British protocols
  • Note: Popular with British expats

  • **Mediclinic Dental Centers** • Integrated with hospital services • Good for medically complex patients • Insurance direct billing **King's College Hospital Dental** • NHS-trained dentists • Pediatric dentistry excellence • Special needs dentistry **American Hospital Dental** • Comprehensive services • Oral surgery specialists • Advanced implantology
    **Aster Dental Clinics** • Affordable chain with many locations • Good for routine care • Payment plans available **Thumbay Dental Hospital** • Academic dental hospital • Supervised student treatments at reduced rates • Full services available **DHA Health Centers** • Government-subsidized rates • Basic dental services • Long waiting times but very affordable

    Dental Emergencies

    24/7 Emergency Dental Services:

    Most hospitals have emergency dental services:

  • American Hospital Dubai
  • Mediclinic City Hospital
  • Saudi German Hospital

    Common Dental Emergencies:

  • Severe toothache - Take painkillers, apply cold compress
  • Knocked-out tooth - Store in milk, see dentist within 1 hour
  • Broken tooth - Save pieces, rinse mouth, see dentist ASAP
  • Abscess - Don't delay, can become serious infection
  • Lost filling/crown - Temporary filling from pharmacy

    Emergency Costs:

  • Consultation: AED 300-500
  • X-ray: AED 150-250
  • Emergency treatment: AED 500-1,500
  • Pain medication: AED 50-100

  • Tips for Dental Care in Dubai

    Choosing a Dentist:

  • Ask for dentist's credentials and experience
  • Request before/after photos for cosmetic work
  • Get written treatment plans and cost estimates
  • Check if lab work is done in-house or outsourced
  • Inquire about guarantee policies for major work

    Saving Money:

  • Use insurance benefits fully each year
  • Consider dental tourism packages for major work
  • Ask about cash payment discounts (5-10% common)
  • Book treatment during promotion periods
  • Get multiple quotes for expensive procedures

    Quality Indicators:

  • DHA licensed and SHERYAN verified
  • International certifications displayed
  • Modern equipment visible
  • Digital X-rays (less radiation)
  • Clear pricing and treatment explanations
  • Follows infection control protocols visibly

  • Special Considerations

    Pediatric Dentistry:

  • Start dental visits by age 1
  • Many clinics have play areas and child-friendly setup
  • Pediatric specialists available
  • School dental programs available

    Cosmetic Dentistry:

  • Dubai is known for "Hollywood smiles"
  • Veneers popular and competitively priced
  • Digital smile design technology common
  • Medical tourism packages available

    Dental Tourism:

  • Many clinics offer packages for international patients
  • Include consultation, treatment, and follow-up
  • Hotel partnerships for accommodation
  • Airport transfer services
  • Significantly cheaper than US/UK for major work

  • FAQs

    Dental care in Dubai is generally 30-60% less expensive than in the US or UK, but more expensive than in India or Southeast Asia. With insurance, routine care is affordable. Many clinics offer payment plans for expensive procedures.

    Yes, virtually all dentists in Dubai speak English fluently. The dental education and licensing process requires English proficiency. Reception staff also typically speak English, though you might encounter some with limited vocabulary.

    Check the DHA SHERYAN system online to verify any dentist's license and qualifications. Look for additional international certifications, memberships in professional organizations, and ask about their training and experience.

    Most health insurance plans include basic dental coverage, typically AED 1,000-3,000 annually for routine care. Major work like implants or orthodontics usually requires additional dental insurance or out-of-pocket payment.

    Many clinics offer same-day appointments for emergencies. Some procedures like CEREC crowns can be completed in one visit. However, complex treatments require multiple visits. Emergency dental care is available 24/7 at major hospitals.

    Yes, most dental clinics offer payment plans through credit cards (0% installments for 3-12 months) or third-party medical financing. Some clinics have in-house payment plans. Always ask about payment options before starting treatment.