Do Cruise Ships Have Dentists? What You Need to Know About Onboard Dental Care

Cruise trips promise rest and adventure, but the last thing you want is a sudden toothache at sea. Do cruise ships have dentists, and what should you do if dental problems happen when you are far from land? This article answers those questions in simple words, backed by dental experts and real stories. By the end, you’ll know how to keep your smile safe before, during, and after your cruise.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Why Dental Care at Sea Matters

Picture this: you’re looking at the endless blue ocean, enjoying a fun show, when you suddenly feel a quick pain in your tooth. You start to worry—there’s no dentist sign around! Is anyone on the cruise ship ready to help you in a dental emergency?

Most people don’t think about dental care until there’s a problem. Cruising is fun, but it can be hard if your teeth start hurting. Knowing what help is available, how much it might cost, and what you should bring will save you stress—and money—if you have trouble.

I’ve worked with dentists and cruise travelers, so I’ll show you everything you need. Let’s start with the big question…

Do All Cruise Ships Have Dentists?

No, almost all cruise ships do NOT have a full-time dentist onboard. This surprises many people. The world’s large cruise lines—including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Princess, Disney, Holland America, and others—almost always have doctors and nurses, but not dental experts.

Are there exceptions? Sometimes, yes:

• A few very large or fancy ships (like some world cruises or giant Oasis-class ships) might have a dentist for a short time or for special trips.
• This is rare. Less than 5% of cruise ships have a full-time dentist, says the Cruise Medical Managers Association.

So, if you’re planning to sail, don’t expect a dentist to be down the hall.

What Kind of Dental Care Is Available Onboard?

You might be thinking, “If there’s no dentist, what happens if I get a toothache?”

Cruise ship medical centers help with simple medical issues, not big dental work. This means:

• Pain Relief: Ship doctors can give you pain medicine or antibiotics if you have an infection.
• Temporary Fixes: For lost crowns or fillings, the doctors might use a quick filling or dental wax to help with the pain.
• Emergency Tooth Removal: Only in very rare and serious cases will a ship doctor try to pull a tooth. This is a last resort!

What you won’t find on a cruise ship:

• Normal check-ups, deep cleanings, root canals, dental x-rays, or new crowns. There are no dental hygienists or special dental tools available.

As Dr. Joe Dental says, “The main job of the medical team is to stop the pain, give simple help, and get you to a real dentist as soon as possible if you need it.”

Who Takes Care of Tooth Problems on Ships?

On a cruise, ship doctors and nurses are the people who help with dental problems.

They are trained in general medicine and first aid, but not the detailed work of a dentist. Their main goal is to help you until you can go to a real dental office at the next port. Here’s how it works:

• The medical center is open each day, and there’s a doctor or nurse on call all the time.
• You will see someone who can give you medicine, first aid, or maybe a short-term fix.
• For bigger things—like a root canal, crown, or broken tooth—they will tell you to find a dentist on land as soon as you can.

A friend of mine chipped a tooth on a Mediterranean cruise. The nurse fixed her up with a quick fix and pain medicine. She finished her trip and saw her dentist after getting home for full treatment.

How Much Does Dental Treatment Cost on a Cruise?

Now let’s talk about money.

Medical centers on ships work like private clinics. So you pay for almost everything yourself, and the prices are often higher than at home:

• Doctor’s Visit: Usually $150–$300 for a visit.
• Dental Procedures: Temporary fillings, pain medicine, and antibiotics are extra.
• No Standard Prices: Each cruise line can set its own prices. Also, medicine is often more expensive on ships.

A New York Times story told of someone being charged $695 for a doctor’s visit and antibiotics after a tooth infection. That’s a big bill!

That’s why it’s important to…

Will Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies on Cruises?

Here’s the bad news: Regular dental insurance or national health plans almost never pay for care at sea. Most do not work in international waters or foreign clinics.

The good news: If you buy good travel insurance, you can often get:

• Emergency dental help (some plans pay up to $1,000 for sudden pain or accident).
• Medical evacuation coverage (so a tooth infection that gets really bad doesn’t give you a giant bill).

Dr. Joe Dental says always read the fine print! Check that your travel insurance has dental and emergency medical care before you leave.

Dental Health Tips Before You Sail

A little prevention is better than a lot of fixing! Smart travelers always see their dentist before big trips, especially cruises.

Do’s and don’ts:

• Do see your dentist 1–2 weeks before your trip. Talk about any cracks, pains, or loose fillings.
• Do fix problems early. Small issues become big problems at sea. Get cavities or sensitive teeth fixed right away.
• Don’t put off needed work. Even a little filling could turn into an emergency on a ship.
• Ask your dentist how to care for crowns, dentures, or new dental work while traveling.

Doing these things means less worry—and no emergency root canal on the ocean!

Packing a Dental Emergency Kit for Your Cruise

A little planning makes your trip much better. Here’s what to pack for dental emergencies:

Simple Dental Emergency Kit:

• Pain medicine (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
• Temporary filling from the drugstore
• Dental wax for sharp spots
• Dental floss and a soft toothbrush
• Small bottle of mouth rinse
• Your dentist’s contact info

One traveler who lost a filling at sea said this kit “saved my vacation!” Just a few things can help a lot.

What to Do If You Have a Dental Emergency at Sea

If you get a toothache or hurt your tooth, don’t panic! Here’s what to do:

Step-by-Step:

Remember: Any help you get on the ship is just until you can see a real dental ceramics lab or dentist on land.

Can You Get Dental Help at a Port of Call?

Yes! When the ship is at a port, you can find a local dentist for real help. But be careful with:

• Language (bring a translator app!)
• Finding a good dentist (ask the ship’s guest service for info)
• Time—you may only be in port a few hours
• Insurance—check what you need for getting money back

If it’s really urgent, the cruise line may help you find a clinic. Still, always see your own dentist as soon as you get home.

What General Medical Facilities Are on Cruise Ships?

Though full dental care is rare, all major cruise ships have medical places to help with health needs.

Usual Medical Center Setup:

• At least one licensed doctor and nurses.
• Rooms for exams and a small pharmacy.
• Supplies for first aid, small injuries, and common sickness (like a cold or seasickness).
• Tools for emergencies (like defibrillators).
• Space to keep sick people separate if needed.

Think of the ship’s medical center like a simple clinic, not a hospital or dental office.

If you need special help, like from a crown or bridge lab, you’ll be sent to a provider on land.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are there dental clinics onboard luxury or long cruises?

A: A few fancy cruise lines on world trips sometimes have dentists for a short time. Most cruises do not have dental clinics.

Q: Can ship doctors pull a tooth?

A: Only as a very last option, and only if your health is at serious risk. It is not common.

Q: What if my dentures break or I lose a crown?

A: Ship staff might use dental wax or a quick fix, but you will need a proper repair from your dentist later.

Q: Should I avoid cruising if I have dental implants or crowns?

A: Not at all! Just check with your dentist before your trip and ask about any special care you may need.

Q: Is tooth pain an emergency at sea?

A: If you have a fever, swelling, or really bad pain, tell the medical team right away.

Important Things to Remember

• Most cruise ships do not have a dentist or dental clinic.
• Onboard medical staff can give emergency help—pain medicine, antibiotics, and quick fixes—but not full dental care.
• Costs can be high, and normal insurance usually doesn’t pay for care at sea.
• See a dentist before your cruise to catch problems early.
• Pack a small dental emergency kit every time you travel.
• Buy travel insurance that covers dental and emergency medical needs.
• See your dentist once you are home for real treatment.

Stay safe, have fun, and remember—a healthy smile comes from good planning. Enjoy your cruise and let dental worries float away!