Now that we’ve determined it’s safe to go to Mexico, let’s discuss going there for what some might perceive a dreadful purpose. Many people (we won’t call them tourists, because touring is not really what they’re up to) come to Mexico from Canada and the Unites States for dental work. We’ve been delighted to hear stories that oppose the attitude of dread from our friends who’ve had extensive dental work done south of the border. Puerto Vallarta is an excellent destination for those seeking everything from teeth cleaning to implants.

Though some opt for an entire mouth full of brand new teeth, taking as little time as a week, many visitors come for biannual visits and see a regular dentist, just as they would back in their hometown.

We spoke with one patient who, after an estimate of over $50,000 in the US, decided to have a partial makeover for approximately $6,000. There’s a lot of appeal in paying a tenth of the price for virtually the same product. Toss an airfare on top of that and you can still afford to stay in a very nice hotel. If you do an online search from home, you will find companies who will arrange your trip, book your hotel and even plan side tours.

Why is it so much cheaper to get dental work in Puerto Vallarta and other towns and cities in Mexico?

The Mexican government subsidizes many dentists’ education so they aren’t burdened by a huge student loan debt to start out their career. Often if there’s a debt owed to the government by a student, it can be paid with a year of free service.

Many dental clinics in Puerto Vallarta are state-of-the art but they tend to be simple environments with ordinary laminate counters, rather than the granite and marble receptions seen in the fancier counterparts of their neighbors to the north. North American cities have dental offices with inlaid floors, custom carpets, creative lighting and elaborate play areas for children. The décor in Mexico is plain, functional and doesn’t usually look like a high end hotel lobby, art gallery or law office.

Dentists in Puerto Vallarta ordinarily work on their own without an assistant and will do your teeth cleaning, whereas in the States a hygienist, who can make as much as $65 per hour, not only cleans your teeth but also does your exam.

Patient insurance doesn’t figure into the pricing system, which significantly raises prices to meet the market; malpractice insurance is non-existent.

That said, we recommend you do your research before booking appointments. If you have friends who’ve had Mexican dental work, ask to look in their mouths, inquire how happy they are with everything from the cosmetics to their bite. You can get everything from Zoom cleaning to implants in Mexico at a great savings with complete peace of mind.

Que cómo es es.

Thanks to our guest blogger Adam Garcia for this article!