Medical Tourism and Dentistry

A year ago, I cracked a molar while eating a bag of almonds. I went to a local dentist to see about getting my tooth fixed. The dentist had all of the latest equipment in his office and even offered a discount on the initial x-rays and examination. The examination and x-ray was only $69.00. However, the dentist told me that it would cost me $1800 to get a crown for my cracked tooth.

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I asked why it was so expensive and he told me that they had to grind down my tooth to accept a crown, give me a temporary crown, make an impression and send it to a dental lab for my permanent crown, and then fit me for a permanent crown. I told him that I did not have that much money in my budget for one tooth that was not hurting. He informed me that there was a payment plan where I could pay by the month until the bill was paid out. I graciously declined his offer.

I went home and started doing research on dentists trained in the United States who had dental practices in Mexico. I had previously watched a couple of documentaries on CNN about medical tourism and how many Americans were traveling abroad to get medical and dental services at significant discounts. To my surprise, there were a lot of reputable dentists all over Mexico who spoke English, had credentials that would allow them to practice in the US and whose prices were significantly lower than what I was being asked to pay.

I planned a trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with my best friend and travel partner who also needed some dental work. We stayed at a time share for the week and had a wonderful time while we got our teeth cleaned and a crown constructed. My total dental bill was $450 for a cleaning and a crown for my broken molar. I went to the dentist on a Monday and my permanent crown was ready the following Thursday.

I am going back to the dentist at the end of the month to get my teeth cleaned and because my friend now needs a crown. The dental lab was clean, modern and they also observed proper aseptic technique. If you need medical or dental services and the costs seem astronomical in the US. You may want to consider traveling abroad after you do your research. I know that it may be easier for me because I have been a world traveler for many years and I enjoy and respect people from other cultures and countries.

Make up your own mind, but there is another way.