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What to pack for dental treatment in Vietnam: UK patient checklist
Complete packing checklist for UK patients travelling to Vietnam for dental treatment. Dental records, medical documents, comfort items, practical essentials, and what to leave at home.
The most important items to bring for dental treatment in Vietnam are your dental records (existing X-rays and treatment notes), a complete medication list, your printed e-visa, and a soft-bristle toothbrush. Everything else is either available locally in Da Nang or not necessary. This checklist covers all categories, including what to organise before you travel.
Packing for a dental trip to Vietnam is not complicated, but it differs from a standard holiday packing list. A few specific documents and preparation steps will make your treatment run smoothly. Most comfort items are available locally and cheaply in Da Nang.
This checklist is organised by category. Work through each section before your departure date.
Category 1: Dental records
These are the most important items to bring. They cannot be bought locally.
Bring:
- OPG (panoramic X-ray): If your UK dentist took one within the last 12 months, ask for a printed copy or digital file. Picasso will take a new OPG on arrival (GBP 9) regardless, but an existing one allows the clinical team to see your dental history before your consultation.
- CBCT scan data: If you are having implants and your UK dentist or oral surgeon has a CBCT from the last 12 months, request the DICOM files on a USB drive. This is particularly useful for implant planning and can reduce the need for a new CBCT at GBP 17.
- Previous treatment notes: Any written records from your UK dentist, including details of root canals, extractions, existing crowns or bridges, or known bone conditions.
- Photographs of your smile: Front-facing, neutral expression, and a wider smile. Take these in natural light before the trip. If possible, send these to Picasso in advance (WhatsApp +84 989 067 888) so they can prepare shade and shape options before your arrival.
- Shade preference references: Screen-saved photos of the tooth colour or smile style you want to achieve. Bring these to the consultation appointment.
Category 2: Medical documents
The clinical team needs to know your medical background before beginning any invasive treatment.
Bring:
- Full medication list: Write out every medication you take, including the generic name, dose, and frequency. This includes prescribed medications, supplements, herbal products, and over-the-counter items. Pay particular attention to blood thinners, bisphosphonates, and diabetes medications (see FAQ above for details).
- Allergy list: Any drug allergies (especially to local anaesthetics, antibiotics, or NSAIDs) and latex allergies must be disclosed before treatment begins.
- Medical conditions summary: A brief written note of any significant conditions: diabetes, hypertension, heart conditions, kidney or liver disease, osteoporosis, or immune conditions.
- Travel insurance policy number and emergency contact: Keep the insurer’s 24-hour emergency line saved in your phone. Print the policy summary and keep a copy in your luggage.
Do not stop any prescribed medication without speaking to your UK GP first. If you take warfarin or another blood thinner, your UK prescriber may advise reducing the dose before implant surgery. This is a conversation to have before your trip, not on arrival.
Category 3: Post-treatment comfort items
These help with the recovery days after preparation or surgery appointments.
Bring from the UK:
- Soft-bristle toothbrush (pack two): These are available in Da Nang pharmacies, but bringing your own ensures you have one from the start. A soft brush is essential after veneer prep, implant surgery, or crown fitting.
- Non-whitening toothpaste: Stop using whitening toothpaste at least 2 weeks before a veneer trip. Bleaching teeth before veneer preparation interferes with shade matching. Bring a regular toothpaste.
Buy in Da Nang (no need to carry from UK):
- Alcohol-free mouthwash: Available at local pharmacies for GBP 1 to GBP 2 (Listerine Zero or equivalent). Alcohol-based mouthwash irritates post-surgical tissue.
- Ice pack (cold compress): Available at pharmacies for under GBP 2. Useful for reducing swelling after implant surgery in the first 48 hours.
- Ibuprofen or paracetamol: These are widely available in Da Nang pharmacies under brand names like Brufen and Panadol. No need to carry large quantities from the UK.
- Straws: Avoid using straws for 3 to 5 days after implant surgery (suction can disrupt healing). Not needed during veneer treatment.
Category 4: Practical travel documents and essentials
Essential documents:
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date. Vietnam immigration can refuse entry if your passport expires within 6 months of travel.
- Vietnam e-visa: Print the approval document before departure. Keep a digital copy on your phone. Apply online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Cost is approximately GBP 22.
- Travel insurance documents: Printed policy summary and emergency contact number.
- Return flight details: Printed or easily accessible on your phone.
Money and payments:
- GBP to exchange: Picasso accepts card payment. Most hotels accept international cards (Visa and Mastercard). Local restaurants, markets, and taxis often prefer cash in Vietnamese Dong (VND). Bring GBP 100 to GBP 200 to exchange at the airport or your hotel on arrival. The exchange rate is approximately GBP 1 to VND 32,000 (May 2026).
- Notify your bank: Tell your UK bank you are travelling to Vietnam for 2 weeks. This prevents your card being blocked for suspicious activity.
Electronics:
- Universal travel adaptor: Vietnam uses Type A (US two-pin) and Type C (European round-pin) sockets. UK three-pin plugs require an adaptor. Buy before travelling. Cost: GBP 5 to GBP 10.
- Portable phone charger (power bank): Useful for long clinic appointment days and day trips.
Category 5: Clothing for Da Nang
Da Nang is hot. May through August averages 28 to 35 degrees Celsius with high humidity.
Pack:
- 3 to 4 lightweight cotton or linen shirts
- 2 pairs of comfortable shorts or lightweight trousers
- Light layers for air-conditioned clinic environments (clinics are often cool)
- Comfortable walking sandals and one pair of closed-toe shoes (useful for Hoi An cobbled streets and temple visits)
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- SPF 50+ sunscreen (also available locally, but bring enough for the first few days)
- A light rain jacket (brief afternoon showers are common in Da Nang in some months)
Avoid: Heavy jeans, multiple formal outfits, bulky trainers. You will not need them. Vietnam is casual.
Category 6: Helpful apps to set up before you travel
- Grab: Vietnam’s dominant ride-hailing app. Works like Uber. Set up payment before travel. Essential for getting around Da Nang cheaply and without language barriers.
- Google Translate: Download the Vietnamese language pack for offline use. The camera translation feature is useful for reading menus and pharmacy labels.
- WhatsApp: Picasso communicates with UK patients via WhatsApp. Ensure it is installed and working. The clinic number is +84 989 067 888.
- Google Maps: Download the Da Nang map for offline use before you travel.
- Booking.com or Agoda: For managing your hotel reservation and finding backup accommodation if needed.
Category 7: What to organise before you travel (not to pack, but to do)
- Send dental photos to Picasso in advance: WhatsApp your smile photos before booking flights. Get a provisional GBP quote and confirm your appointment dates.
- Confirm travel insurance covers dental complications: Read the policy exclusions carefully. Standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment but should cover emergency complications.
- Tell your UK GP about your trip: If you take any medication that might affect dental surgery (blood thinners, bisphosphonates, diabetes medication), discuss the trip with your GP 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
- Arrange a UK dentist contact: Give Picasso the contact details of your regular UK dentist for continuity of care once you return.
What NOT to bring
- Elaborate cooking equipment or food from home: You do not need it. Da Nang has excellent soft food at every corner. Vietnamese congee (chao) and pho are ideal dental recovery foods and cost GBP 1 to GBP 2 per bowl.
- A huge suitcase full of snacks: 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Vinmart convenience stores are everywhere in Da Nang. You can buy yoghurt, soft fruit, smoothies, and biscuits within 5 minutes of any hotel.
- Whitening products: Do not bring whitening toothpaste, whitening strips, or whitening mouthwash. These interfere with shade matching for veneers and can irritate post-surgical tissue.
- Very hot drinks in a travel mug: Avoid very hot drinks for 48 hours after veneer bonding and for the first week after implant surgery.
One final check before you leave
Before you go through security at Manchester or London, confirm:
- E-visa printed and in your bag
- Dental records (X-rays, notes, photos) packed or uploaded to cloud storage
- Medication list written and accessible
- Grab app installed on your phone
- Picasso’s WhatsApp number saved (+84 989 067 888)
- Bank notified of travel
Book your treatment before you pack
Send your dental photos and any existing X-rays to Picasso’s team for a written GBP quote before booking flights.