Dental Treatment Costs in Zambia 2026
Updated March 2026 · 14 treatments priced
Compare dental treatment costs in Zambia — from check-ups and fillings to implants and braces. Private clinics and public hospital dental services compared.
Dental Treatment Prices
Check-up & Cleaning
Examination, scaling, polishing
ZMK 200 – 500
Tooth Filling (Amalgam)
Silver filling, per tooth
ZMK 150 – 400
Tooth Filling (Composite)
White/tooth-colored, per tooth
ZMK 300 – 700
Tooth Extraction (Simple)
Non-surgical, local anaesthesia
ZMK 150 – 400
Tooth Extraction (Surgical)
Wisdom teeth, impacted teeth
ZMK 500 – 1,500
Root Canal Treatment
Per tooth, may need crown after
ZMK 1,000 – 3,000
Dental Crown
Porcelain or metal, per tooth
ZMK 1,500 – 5,000
Dental Bridge (3-unit)
Fixed prosthetic replacement
ZMK 4,000 – 10,000
Dental Implant (Single)
Titanium implant + crown
ZMK 8,000 – 20,000
Dentures (Full Set)
Upper and lower, acrylic
ZMK 3,000 – 8,000
Teeth Whitening
In-office professional treatment
ZMK 1,000 – 3,000
Braces (Orthodontics)
Full treatment, 12-24 months
ZMK 8,000 – 25,000
Dental X-Ray
Per image, panoramic costs more
ZMK 100 – 300
Panoramic X-Ray (OPG)
Full jaw imaging
ZMK 300 – 600
Dental Clinics in Zambia
| Clinic | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| University Teaching Hospital (UTH) Dental Cheapest option, long waits, limited materials | Public | Lusaka |
| Elite Dental Care Modern clinic, fillings, extractions, root canals, implants | Private | Lusaka |
| CityDental Lusaka Extractions, root canals, braces (metal/ceramic/clear aligners) | Private | Lusaka |
| PearliWhyte Dental Solutions Fillings, cosmetic dentistry, braces | Private | Lusaka |
| Coptic Hospital Dental Unit Part of Coptic Hospital complex | Private | Lusaka |
| Medcross Hospital Dental Orthodontics and general dentistry | Private | Lusaka |
| Ndola Central Hospital Dental Copperbelt main public dental facility | Public | Ndola |
Dental Care in Zambia
Dental care in Zambia is primarily available through private clinics in Lusaka, with limited public dental services at UTH and provincial hospitals. There is a significant shortage of dentists — Zambia has fewer than 200 registered dentists for a population of 20 million.
Preventive Care
Regular check-ups every 6 months are recommended but rarely practiced due to cost and limited access. Fluoride toothpaste is widely available (Colgate, Close-Up) at ZMK 15–30. Professional cleaning (ZMK 200–500) can prevent costly treatments later. Many Zambians only visit a dentist for emergencies.
Cosmetic & Advanced Dentistry
Teeth whitening, veneers, implants, and orthodontics are available at select Lusaka clinics. These advanced treatments are typically performed by specialist dentists, some trained in South Africa or the UK. For complex implant cases, some patients travel to South Africa where more specialists and competitive pricing are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a dentist cost in Zambia?
A basic check-up and cleaning costs ZMK 200–500 at private clinics. Simple fillings range from ZMK 150–700. Tooth extraction costs ZMK 150–1,500 depending on complexity. Root canal treatment is ZMK 1,000–3,000 per tooth. Public hospital dental services are cheaper (50-70% less) but limited in scope and materials.
How much do dental implants cost in Zambia?
Single dental implants cost ZMK 8,000–20,000 in Zambia, including the titanium post, abutment, and crown. Only a few clinics in Lusaka offer implant services. The total treatment takes 3-6 months (healing time between implant placement and crown fitting). Some patients opt for dental tourism to South Africa or India for complex implant work.
Is dental care covered by health insurance in Zambia?
NHIMA does not currently cover dental treatments beyond emergency extractions. Some private health insurance plans (Madison Premier, Prudential Platinum) include basic dental coverage — check-ups, fillings, and extractions. Most dental work in Zambia is paid out-of-pocket. Ask your insurer specifically about dental coverage before choosing a plan.
Where can I find an emergency dentist in Zambia?
For dental emergencies in Lusaka, UTH has a dental department open on weekdays. Private clinics like Dental Associates and Smile Dental offer same-day emergency appointments. For after-hours emergencies, SES (Specialty Emergency Services) can provide referrals. On the Copperbelt, Ndola Central Hospital has emergency dental services.
How much do braces cost in Zambia?
Orthodontic treatment (braces) costs ZMK 8,000–25,000 for the full course, typically lasting 12-24 months. This includes initial consultation, fitting, monthly adjustments, and removal. Metal braces are the most common and affordable. Clear aligners and ceramic braces cost more. Only a few orthodontists practice in Zambia, mostly in Lusaka.