Dental Tourism Development in Thailand: A Perspective of Service Providers

Authors

  • Methawee Wongkit Faculty of Commerce and Management, Prince of Songkla University, Trang Campus
  • Watsida Boonyanmethaporn Graduate School of Tourism ManagementNational Institute of Development Administration, Bangkok

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the perspectives of dental service providers on the supply side of dental tourism. Using Phuket as the study area, this research intended to understand how the dental service providers deal with dental tourists and why these patients decide to obtain dental treatment during their vacation in Thailand. A qualitative research approach was employed. In-depth interviews were the main instrument for collecting data. Content analysis was utilized to analyse the data. In total, five dentists and ten clinic staff were recruited. The results revealed that simple dental fillings, tooth bleaching, and dental prophylaxis were the most popular treatments. The success of a dental tourism business lies in the attentiveness of both employees and customers. In terms of hospitality, service, and standards of dentistry, the performance of staff in the dental clinic affects the feelings and needs of repeat travelers. Therefore, it is recommended for dental clinic owners to prepare and focus on staff training in terms of language, service quality, and standards of treatment as the quality of dental care services, reasonable costs, qualified dentists, time-saving treatment plans, and friendliness of the atmosphere are the main travel motivations for the successful development of dental tourism.

Author Biographies

Methawee Wongkit, Faculty of Commerce and Management, Prince of Songkla University, Trang Campus

Lecturer at Faculty of Commerce and Management

Watsida Boonyanmethaporn, Graduate School of Tourism ManagementNational Institute of Development Administration, Bangkok

Vice Dean for Administration at Graduate School of Tourism Management

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Published

2020-12-30

How to Cite

Wongkit, M. and Boonyanmethaporn, W. . (2020) “Dental Tourism Development in Thailand: A Perspective of Service Providers”, e-Review of Tourism Research, 18(2), pp. 290–310. Available at: https://ertr-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/ertr/article/view/255 (Accessed: 24 April 2024).

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 2 (2020)

Section

Articles

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