A lot of people fear the dentist. It’s painful. It’s expensive. It’s awkward.
Going to the Dentist in Mexico is A Smart Idea
Now, pair hesitation with living in a foreign country! Yikes! It’s almost enough to make me consider booking a ticket back home and going to the dentist I’ve been seeing for years… but is that a smart idea?
Not really. I don’t have American dental insurance anymore, so it’s going to cost me an arm and a leg. Then, there’s the inconvenience and cost of flying, especially right now. Not a good plan at all.
Where does that leave me? It leaves me asking everybody I know in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit for their dentist recommendation. I get plenty. There are a lot of dentists.
There are dentists with offices practically on the beach! Dental work is popular here; in fact, many people come to town with the specific goal of getting a new crown, a root canal, dental implants, or a cleaning.
Why? Because dental work in Mexico is affordable compared to American prices. It’s clean, and it’s safe, too. For example, a filling might cost 600 pesos. That’s about $30 USD.
That’s not with insurance, by the way. That’s the full price! A crown costs about 2,600 pesos (approximately $130 USD) in Puerto Vallarta. Not too shabby.
Finding a Dentist in Mexico Isn’t Too Hard
There are always certain services that find themselves within reach, one way or another. For example, in Mexico, most people visit the dentist. Small towns often have several. The smallest and remote places may not have dental work nearby, but there certainly are options within driving distance.
Expats Find Dentists in Mexico All the Time!
In expat areas, dentists are plentiful. The benefit comes with a drawback, though. It really pays to shop around. Sometimes dentists for tourists and expats charge more.
What to Consider When Choosing a Dentist Abroad
Budget: In Mexico, the dentists right by the beach, ones that seem more like a spa, are designed for upscale (read: wealthy) clients. They’re nice. They’re reliable. They’re not going to hurt, but you might be overpaying for a bilingual receptionist and a waterfront location.
Language: If you need a bilingual dentist (or office—sometimes the receptionist is the bilingual point of contact), then there is that requirement.
If your Spanish is fairly good, you don’t have to worry about that. You might save a few bucks by speaking in Spanish or bringing a friend who does.
Location: Location matters. Some people don’t want to drive around the country when visiting the dentist. Others don’t mind a short (or long) drive if the dentist is a specialist or comes with stellar recommendations.
The Final Word on Mexican Dentists
If you need a dentist, ask a neighbor and check the reviews.
I found a great dentist in Mezcales, Nayarit.
The work is affordable, and the staff is professional.
It’s a local office, so Spanish is necessary.
They are patient with people with a lower level.
If all else fails, smile! Your new dentista will take care of you! Have you found quality dental care where you are?
by: Dale Hanstad
