Can quarterly or bi-annual dental treatments be used to apply for a DTV visa in Thailand?

Jan 24, 2025
5 days ago
Has anyone tried signing up for quarterly/bi-annual dental treatments (e.g. scaling/polishing) and use this to apply the DTV successfully ?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation discusses the feasibility of applying for a DTV (Non-Immigrant Visa for Medical Treatment) in Thailand based on routine dental treatments such as scaling and polishing. While some comments express skepticism, a detailed response from the Thai Embassy emphasizes that only treatments classified as "medical necessity" would qualify, requiring comprehensive documentation and potentially meeting cost thresholds. The discussion includes examples of dental procedures that might justify a DTV visa, alongside procedural requirements and the importance of consulting with both dental clinics and the Thai embassy to ensure compliance with visa regulations.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Ken ********
You got to be dreaming
James ********
Nope... Suggest you try another DTV Visa option. And be extra careful where you will make application for the DTV visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate.
Lisa *********
Additional info regarding dental: ***The key factor is whether the dental treatment is classified as a “medical necessity” rather than a purely cosmetic or elective procedure.***

For a dental plan to qualify for the DTV visa, it must meet certain criteria:

1. Medical Necessity: The treatment must address a significant health issue or condition that impacts overall well-being.

2. Comprehensive Documentation: A detailed treatment plan letter from a licensed dental clinic or hospital in Thailand must be provided.

3. Cost Thresholds: Some embassies may require the total cost of the treatment to meet a minimum threshold to justify the issuance of the visa.

4. Duration of Treatment: The length of stay required for the treatment should align with the visa’s validity period (e.g., 6 months or up to 5 years).

Examples of Dental Plans That Could Qualify

Below are examples of dental plans that could potentially qualify for a DTV visa:

1. Full-Mouth Rehabilitation

* Description: This involves extensive restorative work such as crowns, bridges, implants, and periodontal therapy to restore oral function and health.

* Eligibility Justification: Full-mouth rehabilitation is often medically necessary for individuals with severe tooth loss, advanced gum disease, or bite dysfunctions that affect chewing and overall health.

* Treatment Duration: Typically requires multiple visits over several months (e.g., 6 months to 1 year).

* Cost Range: $10,000–$50,000 depending on complexity.

2. Orthognathic Surgery (Jaw Surgery)

* Description: Corrective surgery for jaw misalignment issues such as overbites, underbites, or facial asymmetry.

* Eligibility Justification: This procedure is medically necessary when jaw misalignment causes difficulty in chewing, speaking, or breathing.

* Treatment Duration: Often requires pre-surgical orthodontics (6–12 months), surgery itself (1–2 weeks recovery), and post-surgical follow-up (up to 6 months).

* Cost Range: $15,000–$30,000.

3. Dental Implant Procedures

* Description: Replacement of missing teeth with titanium implants and prosthetic crowns.

* Eligibility Justification: Implants are medically necessary when tooth loss affects chewing ability or leads to bone resorption in the jaw.

* Treatment Duration: Requires multiple stages over 3–6 months due to healing time between implant placement and crown attachment.

* Cost Range: $3,000–$5,000 per implant; full-mouth cases can exceed $20,000.

4. Periodontal Disease Treatment

* Description: Advanced treatments such as scaling/root planing or surgical interventions for severe gum disease.

* Eligibility Justification: Gum disease can lead to systemic health issues like cardiovascular problems if left untreated.

* Treatment Duration: May require ongoing care over several months (e.g., 3–6 months).

* Cost Range: $500–$5,000 depending on severity.

5. Invisalign or Braces for Severe Malocclusion

* Description: Orthodontic treatments using braces or clear aligners like Invisalign to correct severe malocclusions affecting oral function.

* Eligibility Justification: Severe cases where malocclusion causes speech difficulties or TMJ disorders may be considered medically necessary rather than cosmetic.

* Treatment Duration: Typically spans 12–24 months but can be broken into phases lasting 6 months each if required by visa conditions.

* Cost Range: $3,000–$8,000.

Additional Notes:

For any of these plans:

1. A detailed treatment plan letter from a Thai clinic/hospital must outline:

* Diagnosis

* Proposed procedures

* Estimated costs

* Timeline

2. Clinics such as Bangkok Smile Dental Clinic or Bumrungrad International Hospital in Thailand are experienced in providing documentation tailored for visa applications.

Does It Need To Be For Only 6 Months Or The Full 5 Years?

The duration required depends on the nature of the treatment:

1. If your dental plan involves short-term procedures (e.g., periodontal therapy), you may only need a DTV valid for up to 6 months.

2. For long-term treatments like orthodontics spanning multiple years (e.g., braces), you may need an extended DTV valid up to 5 years with periodic renewals based on progress reports from your dentist.

It’s essential to confirm with both your chosen clinic and the Thai embassy/consulate handling your application regarding specific requirements tied to duration.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question

1. Royal Thai Embassy Official Website

* Description: Provides official guidelines on e-Visa applications and specific requirements for medical visas like the DTV category.

2. Bangkok Smile Dental Clinic

* Description: A leading dental provider in Thailand known for offering comprehensive services and assisting international patients with documentation needed for medical visas.

3. Bumrungrad International Hospital

* Description: One of Thailand’s premier hospitals offering world-class medical and dental services; frequently assists patients with obtaining medical visas through detailed treatment plans tailored for embassy requirements.
Lisa *********
Inquired about this directly with Thai Embassy in Mexico. Here is their reply: The DTV visa may not be suitable for your visit to Thailand. Applying for an inappropriate visa type could result in a change of visa type without prior notice or a rejection of your application.

Considering that a dental appointment differs from "medical treatment," we recommend applying for a Tourist Visa TR5 Medical Treatment (valid for up to 60 days). You may also request a visa extension through the Thai Immigration Bureau. For more information, you can visit the E-extension platform at
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Ko *******
The posts getting funnier day by day…🤣
Wannikea *********
I doubt routine dental hygiene care would genuinely qualify. This could be done on visa exempt entries. Nice try tho.