How to Get a Second Opinion on a Dental Quote in Seongnam
Published by The Seoul Dental Clinic · Meet the dentists
Bring the first quote, your X-rays and any reports, and ask the second dentist for their own findings before looking at the price. Then compare the two plans line by line: same teeth, same materials, same inclusions. Getting a second opinion is normal and sensible for larger treatment such as implants or orthodontics.
When a second opinion helps
Large plans
Treatment that is expensive or takes months is worth checking.
Unclear explanations
If you do not understand why something is needed, another view can help.
Very different options
If you were offered extraction when you hoped to save a tooth, ask another dentist.
Pressure to decide
A good plan can wait while you think. Pressure is a reason to slow down.
What to bring
Bring the written quote, any X-rays or scans and a short note about your symptoms and past treatment. If the first clinic can email your images, ask for them before your visit. Without images, the second dentist may need to take new ones.
Tell the second clinic plainly that you want a second opinion. A good dentist will not mind, and the clinic can then focus on explaining what it finds rather than selling a plan.
Step by step
Ask for the first plan in writing
It should name the teeth, the procedures, the materials and the price of each.
Get your own findings
At the second clinic, let the dentist examine you first and describe the problem before seeing the quote, if you can.
Compare the diagnosis
Do both dentists agree on what is wrong? Differences in diagnosis matter more than differences in price.
Compare the plan
Look at what is proposed, in what order and over how many visits.
Compare the price
Only after the scope matches does the price comparison mean anything.
A fair comparison table
| Check | Quote A | Quote B |
|---|---|---|
| Teeth and procedures named | ||
| Brand or system | ||
| Crown or restoration material | ||
| What is included (scan, temporary, follow-up) | ||
| VAT included or not | ||
| Number of visits | ||
| Anything quoted after examination |
Copy this into your notes and fill it in for each quote.
Why quotes can differ legitimately
Two dentists can reasonably propose different plans because they weigh risks and goals differently, or because one scope includes more. A lower quote may leave out items that the higher one includes. In Korea, non-covered treatment is priced by each clinic, so some variation is normal.
What you want to know is whether the difference is in the scope, the material, the skill needed or the clarity of the explanation.
Second opinions at our clinic
If you bring a quote from another clinic to The Seoul Dental Clinic, we will examine you and explain our own findings and plan in English. We do not criticise other clinics' plans without seeing your mouth. Where our published prices apply, such as a MegaGen implant with PFM crown at ₩350,000, or a zirconia crown at ₩450,000 for a back tooth and ₩550,000 for a front tooth, we will show the list, and quote the rest after examination.
When the two opinions disagree
If two dentists disagree about the diagnosis, ask each to show you the evidence on the X-ray or in your mouth. A good explanation matters more than certainty.
You may decide to go with the more conservative plan, to take a third view, or to wait and monitor, if that is clinically safe. Whatever you choose, ask what warning signs would change the plan.
Keep all quotes and images together. They help any future dentist understand your history.
Frequently asked questions
Will you review a quote from another clinic?
Yes, we can examine you and explain our own plan. Bring the quote and any images you have.
Do I need new X-rays?
Possibly. If you cannot bring recent images, the dentist may advise taking new ones.
Is a second opinion a form of insult to the first dentist?
No. It is a normal part of deciding on large treatment.
Can I get a second opinion remotely?
A firm opinion needs an examination. The clinic can tell you what it can say from records alone.
English-speaking dentists in Seongnam
The clinic was founded by two brothers trained at Seoul National University who direct it together. Three further dentists hold Ministry of Health and Welfare specialist certifications. Full credentials →
Dr. Hyun Sung Park
Clinic Director
- Co-founder and joint clinic director
- DDS, Seoul National University School of Dentistry
- Master’s degree, SNU Graduate School of Dentistry
- Former staff, Dept. of General Dentistry, SNU Dental Hospital
- Microendodontics Programme, SNU
- Course completion, UCLA, USA
- Member, UPenn Endodontics Study Club, USA
- Certified Invisalign Provider
- Osstem Implant AIC Programme
- Member, International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)
Dr. Hyeonjoon Park
Clinic Director
- Co-founder and joint clinic director
- DDS, Seoul National University School of Dentistry
- Master’s degree, SNU Graduate School of Dentistry
- Former staff, Dept. of General Dentistry, SNU Dental Hospital
- Affiliate Associate Fellow, American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID)
- Certified Invisalign Provider; leads orthodontic treatment
- Course completion, UCLA, USA
- Member, UPenn Endodontics Study Club, USA
- Member, International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)
- Member, Seoul Prime Orthodontic Study Club
Dr. Yu Jin Kim
Dentist
- Board-certified specialist, Advanced General Dentistry (Ministry of Health and Welfare)
- Johns Hopkins University, USA
- Master’s degree, SNU Graduate School of Dentistry
- Former staff, Osaka University Dental Hospital, Japan
Dr. Min Ji Choi
Dentist
- Board-certified specialist, Conservative Dentistry
- Board-certified specialist, Advanced General Dentistry
- Internship and residency, Jeonbuk National University Dental Hospital
- Master’s degree in Conservative Dentistry, Jeonbuk National University
Dr. Jin Young Choi
Dentist
- Board-certified specialist, Advanced General Dentistry
- Clinical training, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Canada
- Master’s degree, Kyungpook National University Graduate School of Dentistry
- BA in English Language and Literature, Korea University
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