Montreux attracts many international visitors every year, for business, vacation, or cultural events. During their stay, some of them face an unexpected dental issue: a crown that comes loose, a tooth that fractures, a pain that intensifies, an abscess that develops.
For several months now, Dental Swiss Clinics has been seeing a growing proportion of patients coming from Singapore, Hong Kong, Paris, London, Zurich, and other destinations. This trend likely reflects a combination of several factors: our focus on digital dentistry, our English-speaking team, and our ability to quickly handle a dental emergency during a short stay.
Here is how we have structured our care for these situations.
Why international patients choose us
The main reason is clear: dental emergencies.
A patient who is traveling, far from their regular dentist, who feels dental pain or discovers a problem (a loose crown, a broken tooth, a developing infection), is looking for a fast and reliable solution. This patient won’t postpone care until they get home. They are looking for a practice that can see them the same day, assess them thoroughly, and provide an immediate clinical response.
The most common reasons we see are:
- Re-cementing or replacing a loose crown
- Treating acute pain (pulpitis, abscess)
- Assessing and treating a fractured tooth
- Managing pericoronitis or a localized infection
- Providing emergency treatment while the patient waits to return to their home country
In most cases, the patient leaves with a solution suited to their stay, and a clinical report in English to pass on to their regular dentist.
What makes a difference for an international patient
We have identified several things that really matter to these patients.
Understanding an international mindset
An international patient away from home doesn’t have the same expectations as a local patient. Above all, they want to be reassured, to be heard in their own language, and to clearly understand what is being proposed. They are not looking for a complex treatment plan; they are looking for a concrete solution to their immediate problem. Our team is trained to listen with this in mind.
Communicating in English
The entire team speaks fluent English. Dr. Zerguine himself uses English daily with international patients. Other languages are also spoken at the practice as needed (French, Arabic, Romanian).
WhatsApp as the preferred way to get in touch
This has become the main channel for international patients. A simple message to +41 79 434 01 04 lets you describe the situation, send a photo if needed, and get a quick response. For a patient unfamiliar with the country, this is far simpler than making an international phone call.
Clear, fair pricing
Switzerland has a reputation as an expensive country for dental care. This perception is partly justified, but it deserves some nuance. We offer transparent pricing, communicated before any treatment, that remains competitive for comparable quality with reference countries (United Kingdom, Germany, Scandinavia). For patients from Singapore, Hong Kong, or the United States, our rates are often seen as very reasonable compared to their local market.
A digital workflow that streamlines treatment
Thanks to our in-house equipment (intraoral scanner, computer-assisted design, on-site manufacturing of crowns and veneers), we can often resolve in a single visit a problem that would take several appointments elsewhere. For a patient leaving in three days, this compressed treatment timeline makes all the difference.
A convenient location
The practice is located at Grand’Rue 52, in the heart of Montreux, within easy reach of hotels and public transport. It’s easy to find, even for a patient unfamiliar with the city.
Different cultures of care
Every country has its own approach to dental health. A British patient doesn’t have the same frame of reference as a Swiss patient. A patient from Singapore doesn’t have the same expectations as a French patient. An American patient doesn’t view pricing the same way as a German patient.
This diversity is part of our everyday reality. We don’t try to impose a one-size-fits-all approach. We listen, we explain, we propose. Our role is to make the care process clear for each patient, whatever their cultural background.
We remain professional and do our best to help every patient, respecting their expectations and constraints.
Follow-up after the patient returns home
Emergency treatment during a stay almost always calls for follow-up back in the patient’s home country. We systematically prepare a detailed clinical report in English, which can be sent to the patient’s regular dentist.
This report documents:
- The initial clinical situation
- The treatment performed
- The materials used
- Any follow-up recommendations
- Points to monitor over the medium term
This communication supports continuity of care and helps avoid misunderstandings with the patient’s regular dentist.
How to reach us from abroad
We offer three ways to get in touch.
WhatsApp (recommended)
The simplest channel for an international patient. You can send a photo, describe the situation in text, and get a quick response, in an asynchronous format that works across time zones.
Phone
+41 21 966 54 54
For patients who prefer direct voice contact.
Email
contact@dentalswiss-clinics.ch
For non-urgent requests or to send documents.
Our hours of care
From Monday to Friday, we see patients during the following hours:
- Monday from 8 AM to 8 PM
- Tuesday to Friday from 8 AM to 6 PM
Emergencies are assessed the same day during these hours, provided you contact us beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I book before arriving in Montreux?
For an emergency during your stay, it’s best to reach out via WhatsApp a few hours or a day in advance. This allows us to arrange your appointment under the best possible conditions.
How long does an emergency consultation take?
A full assessment usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. If immediate treatment is possible (re-cementing a crown, composite restoration, draining an abscess), it can be carried out during the same visit.
Can I get a crown in a single visit?
Yes, in the vast majority of cases. Our in-house equipment allows us to scan, design, and manufacture a ceramic crown at the practice, and fit it the same day. This is especially useful for patients on a short stay.
How does payment work for an international patient?
Payment is made at the end of treatment, in Swiss francs, by credit card or bank transfer depending on the amount. A quote is always provided before any major treatment, so you have a clear view of the costs.
Will you send a report to my regular dentist?
Yes, always upon request. We prepare a detailed report in English, which can be sent by email directly to your regular dentist.
For any dental emergency during your stay in Montreux, contact us via WhatsApp or by phone (+41 21 966 54 54). We will do our best to see you the same day.