Dentists in Qatar: accessing public and private care

If you’re moving to Qatar, you’ll need to know how to access dental care. You’ll be pleased to know there are several public and private options for your oral health.

To ensure you don’t bite off more than you can chew, our look at dentists in Qatar covers the following topics:

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The Qatari healthcare system

As a resident of Qatar, you can either use the state public healthcare system or private care. However, although the state provides the care, it’s usually not free-of-charge for foreigners.

Indeed, while locals in Qatar have access to free healthcare, expats typically need to pay a fee for public healthcare services.

Qatar’s healthcare services are advanced, well-developed and of a high standard. The public system is overseen by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and state services are provided by the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) and the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).

To access these services, you need a health card, which you can apply for in-person at a health center or through Hukoomi online. As of 2025, the card costs QR100 and you will need to provide the following:

• passport/valid ID
• valid residence permit
• passport-size photographs
• proof of address (e.g., a recent utility bill)
• vaccination card (children only)
• ID of your sponsor (domestic staff only)

Overview of dental care in Qatar

Compared to some other countries in the Middle East where dental care is extremely affordable, prices in Qatar typically sit at the higher end of the scale.

All dentists practicing in Qatar need to be registered with the Ministry of Public Health with stringent rules for practice, including a minimum of five years of undergraduate dental school and two years of post-graduate experience.

Once signed up for the public healthcare system in Qatar, you can access state-subsidized dental care from one of the public clinics.

Alternatively, many expats access dental treatment on the private system. This will typically mean you get an earlier appointment, although you will have to pay for it. Private treatment can be paid for directly or reimbursed through any private health insurance policy you may have.

Public dental healthcare in Qatar

While state dental care for expats is not free, it is subsidized if you have a health card.

Public dental clinics in Qatar focus on prevention, early detection, and treatment of all oral problems. It is advisable to see your dentist twice a year for optimal health.

In Qatar, public dental services are operated by the government through either the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) or the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). You are free to choose between clinics operated by the two corporations. Clinics are modern and well-appointed, offering a wide range of dental care options.

PHCC dental clinics offer a range of general dental services to patients across all age groups through a hybrid system. This includes pre-booked appointments for general care and check-ups and walk-in appointments for urgent dental care.

PHCC clinics offer more specialized services to all age groups. These include treatment for problems requiring oral surgery, advanced periodontal issues, and dental treatment using laser technology.

Meanwhile, patients can book a range of services at the Hamad Dental Center and other HMC locations. They offer routine dental procedures (e.g., exams, fillings) and more complex procedures, such as root canals and restorations. More advanced conditions and treatments may require a referral from a primary dentist.

Private dental care in Qatar

Due to Qatar’s growing foreign population, more and more private dental clinics are opening across the country. If you have private health insurance, this will cover treatments either in part or fully.

Even if you don’t have private health insurance, you can still visit a private dental clinic in Qatar. While the prices are typically higher than at public clinics, you can typically get an appointment more quickly.

The range of services available at private clinics is generally comparable to those at public centers. However, as certain cosmetic procedures are not typically covered through the public system, you may wish to visit a private dental clinic in Qatar. This includes smile enhancement and whitening.

Dental insurance in Qatar

As most expats in Qatar must pay for dental treatment, many invest in private health insurance. Often, employers subsidize or even fully cover private medical insurance for expat workers. Even local Qataris decide to go the private route in Qatar if they are looking for quicker treatment.

There are a number of health insurance providers operating in Qatar, including:

• Allianz Care
• Cigna Global

For more information on finding the right provider for you, read our article on getting health insurance in Qatar.

Accessing dental care in Qatar

To make an appointment at either a public or a private dental clinic in Qatar you can typically book online or on the phone. For public dental centers, you will need to ensure that you have your health card with you when you attend your appointment.

If you are visiting a private clinic, it’s a good idea to bring proof of ID, insurance card, and any referral letters you may need.

Before making an appointment at either a public or private dental clinic in Qatar, you may want to call ahead for a quote for the services you require. This avoids unexpected costs during your visit.

Finding a dentist in Qatar

It is relatively easy to find a qualified dentist in Qatar thanks to the breadth and accessibility of the local healthcare system. You can find a list of registered professionals through the Council for Healthcare Practitioners.

Alternatively, it’s always a good idea to ask for recommendations from the local expat community. This could be through friends and coworkers in your new home or on an online forum. Personal recommendations can be a great way to ensure you and your family get the care you need.

Finding an English-speaking dentist in Qatar

Due to the large number of expats arriving in Qatar, there are a large number of practices that offer services in English. These are concentrated in Doha. It is a good idea to find recommendations on online forums or from friends and neighbors.

Visiting a dentist in Qatar

Whether you opt for private or public dental care in Qatar, it’s best to make an appointment in advance. There are a number of clinics available, so you won’t have to wait long to be seen, especially if you’re based in the capital, Doha. If you are using the state healthcare system, be sure to take your healthcare card with you.

It’s also a good idea to take your ID with you when you go for your appointment. If you’re using the private system, contact your insurance provider to find out the payment situation, whether your bills will be covered or if you’ll need to seek reimbursement.

The cost of dental care in Qatar

The cost of visiting a dentist in Qatar largely depends on what treatment you receive, and whether you use the public or private system.

If you opt to attend a public clinic then you will find the prices lower than most private clinics. The downside is that you may have to wait longer to get an appointment.

Private dental clinics set their own fee schedules with a great variety in pricing depending on the procedure. Average costs for popular treatments in the private system are:

• Checkup and X-Ray: QR200-300
• Filling: QR500-800
• Crowns: QR2500-3000

Low-cost dental care in Qatar

Prices for different procedures vary from clinic to clinic, so it’s a good idea to look around if you’re on a budget. Generally speaking, you’ll find cheaper care in the public system. Many expats also book in for dental work when they are visiting Dubai in the nearby United Arab Emirates, as the prices there are often more affordable.

Children’s dental care in Qatar

Children’s healthcare services in Qatar are generally of high quality. Similar to adults, they can be seen at either public or private clinics across the region, with costs varying accordingly. You can apply for a health card for your child to access the state healthcare providers. Be aware that you will need to show their birth certificate along with their vaccination card.

A number of pediatric specialty clinics cater especially to children, staffed by dentists and nurses with experience working with younger patients.

Emergency dental care in Qatar

The emergency service number for ambulance, fire, or police in Qatar is 999, and response time is usually very quick. Depending on what type of treatment is required, public dental clinics may or may not subsidize the treatment.

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Emergency numbers and services in Qatar

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Several private clinics offer 24-hour urgent care. Be sure to check if this is covered by your insurance provider or understand the pricing in full if you need to pay out of pocket.

Doha 24-hour clinics include:

• British International Centre
• Avenues Dental Center

Useful resources

• The Primary Health Care Corporation – the state healthcare provider
• The Hamad Medical Corporation – homepage of the state healthcare provider
• MoPH’s Healthcare Practitioner database – search for medical professionals in Qatar