FAQ: Dental Care for Expats & International Families | Best English-Speaking Dentist in Taipei | Longwood Dental
- longwoodclinic
- 2 days ago
- 8 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
written by Longwood Dental staff, reviewed by Dr. Kelly Wang, MMSc., BDent.
Why Choose Longwood Dental?
At Longwood Dental Taipei, patients receive internationally aligned dental care led by Harvard-trained dentists and a top-tier team of in-house specialists who care for patients collaboratively to take care of all dental needs, general or complex.
Our clinic’s approach is prevention-focused, comprehensive, patient-centered, and committed to solving problems long-term, not prolonging them or over-treating. We understand as internationals in Taiwan, there are many questions surrounding finding the most suitable dental care with reasonable charges for you and your loved ones. So here are a few questions we frequently receive.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. “How do I find an English-speaking dentist in Taipei for my family?”
Answer:
At Longwood Dental, you’ll find English-speaking dentists and bilingual staff who understand the concerns of expatriates and international families.
Our Harvard-alumni and US and internationally-trained team provides world-class care in a calm, friendly environment, ensuring you always feel comfortable discussing your treatment options in English.
We care for patients who value clear communication, quality dentistry, caring providers, and a family-friendly setting. Longwood Dental is conveniently located in Taipei’s Dazhi–Neihu area, and we proudly care for families from Shilin, Tianmu, Xinyi, Zhongshan, and many other nearby neighborhoods across Greater Taipei. We also have many patients who travel to Taipei from out of town and even internationally. Our location, bilingual staff, and most importantly, our dentists who truly care about improving your oral health make us a trusted choice for both local and international families seeking high-quality, patient-centered dental care.
2. “Which type of dental care is most relevant for foreigners and international families in Taiwan?”
Answer:
Most expats and international families come to Longwood for:
Comprehensive checkups & professional cleaning – ideal after moving or between long work assignments.
Preventive and restorative dentistry – to maintain long-term oral health.
Children’s dental care and orthodontics – handled by bilingual specialists who make young patients feel safe and confident.
Aesthetic and smile-enhancement treatments – including whitening, veneers, and top-quality crowns to enhance your look of vibrancy.
More complex needs – such as wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, root canal treatments, and gum disease treatments.
All treatments are provided by a multidisciplinary team, ensuring your entire family’s needs are covered in one coordinated clinic.
3. “How does dental pricing and treatment planning work for non-Taiwanese or non-NHI patients?”
Answer:
At Longwood Dental, most of our patients are already enrolled in Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI). However, they choose us because NHI only covers basic dental treatments, such as basic cleanings or simple fillings. Modern, long-lasting care — including crowns, implants, orthodontics, whitening, and advanced restorations — typically falls outside NHI coverage and is paid out-of-pocket at all clinics.
At Longwood, these out-of-pocket treatments reflect our commitment to top-quality care and materials. We use only imported equipment and certified materials that meet or exceed ISO standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO)* and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)*. From our cutting-edge diagnostic technology to the smallest treatment consumables, every detail is chosen to ensure that the care you receive here in Taipei matches the safety, precision, and comfort expected at world-class international dental centers.
Our fees are commensurate with most quality local dental clinics offering non-NHI out-of-pocket treatments. In other words:
Costs are the same for patients with or without NHI, local or international.
Quality of care and treatment is superior, with more time dedicated to your care and longer-lasting results.
You receive a clear, English-language treatment plan and quotation before receiving any treatment.
That transparency — combined with our prevention-first approach — gives international patients confidence and peace of mind. *ISO/TC 106 Dentistry: International Standards for Dentistry
4. “Why is a team-based specialist dental clinic better than smaller solo dental practices?”
Answer:
Specialized experience and collaboration make a difference. Dentistry today is highly specialized — implants, orthodontics, root canal treatments, and more sophisticated periodontal care and cosmetic dentistry require additional years of advanced training and practice beyond what is required of a GP (General Practitioner/Dentist).
At Longwood Dental, all your treatment is handled by specialists with years of experience in their specific fields, all working as a coordinated team. This ensures:
Expert opinions from multiple specialists in-house (no need for multiple external referrals).
Consistent, long-term planning between your primary dentist and dental specialist.
Fewer treatment surprises and higher predictability.
In short, you get the benefit of collective expertise, not just one dentist’s opinion — and that leads to safer, more reliable, and longer-lasting results.
5. “How often should my children have dental checkups in Taipei? At what age should my child begin visiting the dentist or orthodontist?”
Answer:
We recommend:
Children should receive dental checkups as soon as they have teeth and children under 12 should visit the dentist every 6 months. Today’s modern diets—often higher in refined, processed, and sugary foods—can significantly increase the risk of cavities for both children and adults. In Taiwan, this risk is even greater because tap water does not contain fluoride, meaning families don’t receive the natural cavity-preventive benefits of fluoride during daily water intake, brushing and rinsing.
Regular checkups allow us to monitor your child’s oral health, catch small issues before they become bigger problems, and provide personalized preventive care tailored to families living in Taipei and Taiwan. Our team takes a gentle, child-friendly, and education-focused approach to help your child build lifelong healthy habits.
You can schedule an orthodontic consultation as soon as your child begins losing their first baby teeth. Treatment may not start right away, but an early evaluation allows the orthodontist to monitor jaw growth, bite alignment, breathing patterns, and spacing concerns as the adult teeth come in.
There is no need to wait until all permanent teeth have erupted. In fact, seeing an orthodontist early often helps identify small concerns before they become larger issues, giving your child the best chance for a healthy bite and a confident smile.
This early checkup is especially important for children, where dietary habits, breathing patterns, and childhood development can influence how a child’s teeth and jaws grow. Early orthodontic guidance helps protect your child’s long-term smile, confidence, and oral health—one of the best investments a family can make.
At Longwood, your whole family can be seen together for convenience and continuity of care. We walk parents through every step in clear, reassuring English, ensuring you understand whether your child needs treatment now or simply regular monitoring. Our bilingual team helps children feel at ease while teaching them good brushing habits — building confidence and preventing future dental issues.
6. “What if I have a dental emergency while living in Taipei?”
Answer:
If you experience a chipped tooth, a loose or dislodged crown, or a new discomfort or toothache that’s getting worse, Longwood Dental is here to help. We provide:
Emergency appointments at the earliest available time.
English-speaking staff who help you communicate your symptoms clearly.
On-site specialists equipped to handle urgent procedures—from stabilizing a damaged tooth to treating infections or repairing restorations.
Our priority is to ease your discomfort while also addressing the root cause, ensuring you receive not just temporary relief but a lasting, long-term solution.
If your discomfort is mild, over-the-counter pain relievers such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen can help manage symptoms until your dental appointment. However, if you develop a high fever, swelling that spreads toward the neck, or difficulty swallowing or opening your mouth, these may be signs of a serious infection. In those situations, you should seek care at the nearest emergency room immediately.
At Longwood Dental in Taipei, we always prioritize your safety. If you’re unsure whether your symptoms require urgent attention, please contact us—we’re here to guide you with care and clarity.
7. “What materials and standards do you use — especially for top-quality cosmetic or implant work?”
Answer: At Longwood Dental, all treatments, supporting equipment, and materials adhere to the international standards set by the WHO (World Health Organization)* and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)*. You’ll be presented with clear options for all ceramic restorations, zirconia crowns and bridges, porcelain veneers, and global implant systems (we use the renowned Swiss brand Straumann as our main implant system) with English explanations of each material’s pros and cons. We focus on predictable, evidence-based results that meet the expectations of international patients accustomed to international standards of care. *ISO/TC 106 Dentistry: International Standards for Dentistry
8. “Can you coordinate with international health insurance or provide English documentation?”
Answer:
Absolutely. We can provide upon request:
English-language invoices, reports, and treatment summaries for insurance claims.
Clear breakdowns of treatments.
Assistance for patients coming from or moving abroad who wish to transfer records or continue treatments internationally.
9. “How do I compare cost versus value for dental care in Taiwan?”
Answer:
While international patients may assume dental fees in Taiwan are lower than in many Western countries, top-quality care still depends on the time your doctor invests, the skill and experience of the clinical team, and the standard of materials and technology used.
At Longwood Dental, the value you receive comes from:
Experienced specialists—not just generalists—providing focused, expert care.
Clear English communication and fully transparent treatment planning.
Comfortable, sanitary, and modern facilities designed for families and international patients.
Imported equipment and materials equivalent to those used in top dental hospitals in the U.S. and Europe.
Predictable, long-term outcomes that help prevent future problems, saving you time, cost, and discomfort down the road.
Our patients often tell us they choose Longwood not because we are the cheapest option, but because we are the most trustworthy. While lower-cost alternatives may seem appealing at first, they can sometimes lead to additional expenses, repeated treatments, and unnecessary inconvenience.
Choosing high-quality care from the start ensures your oral health—and your peace of mind—are protected for the long term.
10. “What should I look for in a good dental clinic in Taipei as an expat?”
Answer:
Here’s what matters most:
English-speaking staff and doctors.
Experienced specialists (not just one dentist doing everything).
Transparent, English treatment plans and fair pricing.
Top-quality sterilization and infection-control systems.
Honest and positive expat reviews and reputation.
Longwood Dental meets all of these — blending Harvard-level expertise, teamwork, and genuine care under one roof. That’s why more expats and local professionals alike trust us for their long-term oral health.
Summary
If you’re an expat or international family living in Taipei, Longwood Dental offers everything you need for comfort, clarity, and care — all in English. You’ll find a Harvard-alumni-led team, a collaborative environment, top-quality materials, transparent pricing, and a preventive, solution-focused philosophy. It’s world-class dentistry made approachable, right here in Taipei.
Ready for Your Next Visit?
Take the first step toward healthier teeth and a confident smile. Book an appointment with Longwood Dental Clinic Taipei
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