Dental Scaling Cost in Korea

Dental scaling — professional removal of plaque and tartar — is a common preventive dental treatment in Korea. Costs vary widely depending on insurance status, clinic type, location, and additional services included.

Typical Costs Without Korean Insurance

For non-insured patients (e.g., tourists or short-term visitors), prices are usually out-of-pocket:

Standard Scaling & Polishing

• ₩60,000 – ₩100,000 KRW (approx. $50 – $85 USD) at many clinics across Korea.
• In premium areas (e.g., Gangnam), clinics often charge around ₩80,000 – ₩120,000 KRW. 서울스마일스튜디오
• Scaling may be bundled with check-up, X-ray, or polishing at some clinics (confirm before treatment).

Deep Cleaning (Gum Disease / Root Planing)

• ₩150,000 – ₩250,000 KRW or more for deeper periodontal cleaning if gum disease or heavy tartar is present.

Insurance (NHIS) Pricing for Residents

If you are covered by Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS), scaling is partially covered once per year for adults:

• ₩15,000 – ₩28,000 KRW with insurance depending on clinic type (private office, dental hospital, or university hospital).
• Insurance coverage is limited to basic scaling; additional treatments (deeper cleaning, antibiotics, X-rays) may cost extra.

Note: Tourists without NHIS pay the full non-insured price — insurance does not apply.

Regional & Clinic Price Differences

• Major cities (Seoul, Busan) — Mid-range prices (~₩60,000 – ₩100,000).
• Premium clinics (Gangnam, central Seoul) — Higher pricing (~₩80,000 – ₩120,000+).
• Smaller towns/suburban clinics — Often slightly lower rates (~₩40,000 – ₩60,000).

Some listings even show very low advertised prices (e.g., ~₩15,000–₩60,000) at select clinics — always check what’s included (check-up, polishing, exam) before booking.

What’s Usually Included in Dental Scaling

A typical scaling appointment may include:

• Oral examination & consultation
• Ultrasonic scaling to remove tartar
• Manual polishing of teeth
• Fluoride application (in some clinics for an extra fee)
• X-rays are typically not included unless requested separately

Some clinics also offer scaling packages that bundle cleaning with a checkup or fluoride treatment for one combined price.

Tips for Foreign Patients

Ask for a quote in advance:
Clarify whether the price you’re quoted includes check-up exam, polishing, and any additional services.

Confirm what’s included:
Scaling alone is often cheaper than “scaling + polishing + exam + fluoride.”

Shop around:
Prices can vary quite a bit even within the same city — compare 2–3 clinics before booking.

Final Takeaway

Dental scaling in Korea is generally affordable and ranges from about ₩60,000 – ₩120,000 KRW for non-insured patients, with deeper periodontal cleaning costing more. Residents with Korean health insurance benefit from much lower subsidized fees, but visitors typically pay the full rate.