Why you should consider going to Mexico for dental work

In a previous article it was mentioned that there are many reasons why a person should consider Mexico, not just as an alternative source, but as the prime source for dental care. The first reason was elaborated, but the others were just listed. Here we will further expound on the reasons you should consider going to Mexico for dental work.

The cost factor. This was the reason that was previously discussed, but it is simply that the costs of dental work in the USA are prohibitive, and in Mexico they are very reasonable. One can expect to save at least 75% on most procedures. When you have been neglecting your teeth for years because you couldn't afford to fix them, the next thing you know, it can add up to a small fortune in order to save your teeth. Many people have been shocked when their local dentist tells them that the total cost to restore their mouth is over $10,000. Mexico sounds pretty appealing when you find out that the same procedure there can be done for under $2,500. Try Sam Dental in Tijuana and look at their price list. 

1. The quality of dental care in Mexico is superior. Most people have the misconception that everything in Mexico, or any other foreign country is backward and low tech. The truth is, especially in Mexico, the dentists have just as good an education in dentistry as an American dentist. The equipment is often state of the art, or at least modern and of good quality. But one factor that most people fail to realize is that practice makes perfect, and because of the extremely high volume of work done, the Mexican dentists along the border, especially in Tijuana, are very good at what they do. Most patients come from out of state, and you don't go all the way from Huston, or Chicago to Tijuana to just have a few fillings. Most jobs are major dental work, like multiple bridges and crowns. A dentist in Tijuana will often prepare more teeth for crowns than a USA in a week dentist will do in a month. The more you do something, the better you get, and the Mexican dentists have gotten really good.
2. There is ease of access to Mexico, especially Tijuana. Because Tijuana is located just on the other side of the border from San Diego, California, it is very easy to get there. This is true not just because it is so close to the 37 million people of CA, but also to everywhere else in the USA. For some reason, t it is cheap to get a flight to San Diego Airport. For example, from Orlando, Florida it only costs $240 round trip. But what ever one pays for airfare, it is worth it because of the incredible savings on dental work in Mexico. From the airport, public transportation to the border is very easy and inexpensive. One can simply take the city shuttle bus to downtown and then hop the light rail train, the "San Diego Trolley", which will take you to the Mexican border, all for only $5. Also, many dental clinics are willing to make arrangements to shuttle you straight from the airport all the way to the clinic in Tijuana.
3. A safe environment can be provided. Tijuana has gotten a lot of bad press because of the conflicts between drug cartels. Although this has been a problem, the truth is that the violence is way down, and the new President of Mexico has really cracked down on the drug trafficking. Also, when there were problems, the press failed to point out that there has been a lot of drug related violence in all the major cities in the USA, as well as lots of gang violence, and that Tijuana hasn't been all that much worse. People who get into trouble in Tijuana are the same ones who get into trouble in L.A. or any other major US city, they are the ones who are going out night clubbing, and buying drugs, looking for hookers, and hanging out with the bad elements. The regular person who comes for dental treatments is not anywhere near the trouble zones of the city. Most people who go to the dental clinics remark about how laid back everything is. Also, most hotels have night watchmen patrolling outside at night, and security is good. There is no reason to feel unsafe in Tijuana.
4. Lodging is inexpensive, the food is great, there are fun things to do, and it makes a great place to just have a little vacation while you are having treatments. Have you ever noticed that in the USA when you see the advertised price of a motel, that you always end up paying a lot more? This is because of all the taxes and surcharges they and on. For example, they may tell you that the room is $69 a night, but when you pay for it, with taxes etc., you are charged more like $84. In Mexico, the government does take all those fees or taxes on a room. When they tell you a room costs $45, that is all it costs. There are several 4 star hotels in down town Tijuana that cost under $60 a night. There are some nice moderate hotels for around $40. Also, the food is very good. There is everything from seafood places, to traditional Mexican food, to Italian, to America. They even have all the junk food places like McDonalds or Wendy's. In Tijuana, the beach is not too far, and many people like to get a nice, yet inexpensive, room near the beach. There are a lot of shops and it is very relaxing. There are several shuttle buses that will take you down to Rosarita beach or Ensenada to go and hang out while you are waiting for your lab work to get done. All in all, Tijuana is a nice place to take a dental vacation.  

The dentist that I recommend is Sam Dental in Tijuana, Mexico, located just South of San Diego, CA. For more information go to: http://www.GoodSamDental.org They are extremely honest, very capable, have very low prices, and they guarantee their work. The will also help facilitate your trip by helping with transportation needs, and hotel reservations.

About the author: Jim C. has lived in South America for many years, and traveled extensively in Mexico. He speaks Spanish fluently, and is and expert in cross-cultural communications. In other words, he knows his way around!