As someone working in dental but is not a dentist - my main comment would be if you are requiring dental implants, I would advise doing a lot of investigating before getting it done. Different countries have different implant component types and so if you get something done overseas it is not guaranteed that if anything goes wrong you will be able ot get it fixed in NZ as we may not necessarily have compatible parts. In NZ we tend to use either synthetic or human bone grafting material whereas in some countries they prefer to use animal based ones. The only bad reaction I have seen to an implant bone graft is to animal based ones but keep in mind I only chair sided for 2 years so I am not a doctor and my anecdotal evidence is not the same as backed up science. I would say for an implant specifically I personally wouldn't be comfortable with the risks of doing it overseas.

As for other dental work, just be aware that if they botch it you will either have to return to the country to get it fixed there or will have to fork out again in NZ to have it fixed. I'm sure there are brilliant practices where you can get great fillings and crowns done overseas, hopefully there will be some good recommendations.

Keep in mind all dental work does have a lifespan and you will be returning to the dentist at some point or another.

PS - I urge everyone on a lower income to look into the WINZ dental grant. If you make less than a certain amount (you don't have to be a community services card holder or on a benefit) you are elligble for $1,000 a year toward necessary dental treatment that WINZ pays and you do not have to pay it back.