Frequently Asked Questions

What up front costs will I have to pay before embarking Australia?

If you are booking a dental appointment only then there are no up front costs. If you are booking our drivers, self contained units, or day tours then there is a 10% security deposit only. If you are booking our 14 day fully escorted dental tours then there is a 10% deposit required with the balance paid thirty (30) days before departure.

How do I pay these costs?

Dental Express accepts major credit cards through Pay Pal and by direct bank deposit.
Dental costs are paid in clinic with Visa, MasterCard, Amex, PayPal, Direct bank transfer, and cash.

How accurate will the quotes for dental work be?

The accuracy of the quote is dependant on the information we receive. For an accurate quote we recommend you first obtain a quote and treatment plan from a dentist here in Australia. We can then mirror that quote and maybe suggest some options that may not otherwise be available due to cost.

An alternative is digital photographs taken of your gums and teeth. Recommended is a natural close up smile, opened mouthed with lips pulled aback, and a closed bite with lips pulled back. This coupled with a questionnaire provided by us will assist a great deal in determining treatments costs.

How good is the dental work?

The Philippines dental degree is modelled on the USA system of training. Another words the standard is high. That we also have German and USA dental professionals on staff makes us feel very confident that we’ve assembled one of the finest all-round dental teams in Manila. We’ve been sending patients to our dental clinic for several years. We know what we’re doing.

How long do I need to stay?

This is difficult to say and depends very much on the dental work required. If you are looking to cosmetically enhance worn, discoloured, or chipped teeth using Veneers or Crowns and have no other issues then we need one, two hour appointment only. If you require more complex work such as root canals, implants, bridgework etc then two to three weeks is usually required.

Is my dental work guaranteed?

Yes, absolutely. All work conducted by the clinic is fully guaranteed for twelve months.

Do I need a visa to travel to the Philippines?

A visa is only required if your stay is over twenty-one days. Otherwise please follow the link to arrange your visa. http://www.philippineconsulate.com.au/visa/temporary-visitors-visa-for-pleasure-or-tourism.html Passports must have a minimum of six months validity  ( word visa to be linked)

How safe is Manila?

Generally it’s very safe. As mentioned we’ve been doing this for several years and have not had a single incident where our patients felt threatened or had their safety compromised. Some of our patients have remarked that they felt safer walking around Manila than Sydney or Melbourne. Philippine people are very friendly and helpful.

Do I need to be vaccinated?

No special Vaccination certificates are required, except by travellers entering the Philippines from an area infected by yellow fever.

What’s the weather like in Manila?

Summer is from March to July. Hot and sweaty. From July to November. Wet and sweaty December through to February is quite pleasant; the air is drier and temperatures cooler.

How should I dress?

Smart casual through to business wear is recommended in Manila. Westerners wearing thongs, singlet and shorts are frowned upon. If you don’t mind a good frowning wear what you like.

Is the water and food safe?

Our patients have eaten in a variety of local restaurants and takeaway outlets whilst in Manila and have found the quality of food to be first class. We do recommend you stay clear of street food venders though. Bottled sterilised water is available from the many 7-11 type stores for around sixty cents Australian for a one-litre bottle. Water in Manila is potable

Can I take my mobile phone?

Yes. To use your mobile in Manila simply contact your carrier before leaving Australia and request global roaming. Upon arrival in Manilla you simply turn off your mobile phone and turn it on again to activate global roaming. Keep in mind that landlines can be somewhat unreliable in the Philippines so a mobile phone is recommended.

Note. Although Global roaming is very convenient it’s also very, very, expensive. The most economical way of keeping in touch is to buy a local recharge sim card for your mobile. Load it with Php 500 (About $12.00 AUD) and use it to call home and locally. It lasts a long time. If you have a laptop than Skype VOIP is the way to go.

What is the time difference between Australia and the Philippines?

If it’s 11.25 am on the east coast of Australia it’s 9.25 am in the Philippines.