How To Find The Best Dentist in Los Algodones Mexico (My Journey)

Patient Interview

Cameron lives and travels full time in his RV with his wife, daughter, and pup. He has had “bad teeth” for as long as he can remember as a result of both genetics and neglect. Coming to the realization that no matter how good he was to take care of his teeth from now on, the damage was already done. He knew it was time to seek help. At the time, Cameron was traveling through California, so he stopped into two different dental offices and received a quote from both regarding the work that needed to be done – both roughly the same, totaling around $30,000 USD minimum.
This led him to look into other options online – where he found out about dental tourism, and within 4 days, he was on a plane!

1. Please give us an overview of how and when you made the decision to utilize medical tourism for your procedure? And what made you choose Mexico as your destination?In the midst of a front tooth breaking apart, I realized it was finally time for me to get my teeth worked on. As many people do, I had pushed it aside for as long as possible. After getting 2 quotes from Dentists in the area (Central California), I began searching on Google for other, more affordable options. That’s when I came across the concept of Dental Tourism. Being in California at the time, I decided to look into the facilities in Mexico.

2. Was this your first medical tourism trip? How did you pre-pare for your journey?
Within finding out that dental tourism existed, I was on a plan and in the chair at the dentist in Mexico within 4 days!
The only thing I needed to have sent to the dentist prior to making my appointment was my current xrays. This was the “consultation” if you will, in order for the dentist to look at my teeth and have some sort of an idea as far as what treatment I should expect upon arriving. Thankfully, I had just received xrays from a consultation with an American dentist, so all I had to do was sign a Medical Release for them to fax them to Mexico.

3. How did you choose what dentist to use?
I utilized a third-party (www.dentaldepartures.com) that lists many facilities along with corresponding reviews. I did my research within their website, and once I narrowed it down, I took that information and searched elsewhere to see if the reviews were organic. They were, and my decision was made!

4. How was the cleanliness and appearance of the dental clinic you received treatment from? How was the staff and nurses?
The cleanliness was par with what you would expect to see in the US. They had up to date equipment and their staff was very knowledgeable and kind throughout the process.

5. Did you travel with a companion? If so, what were the benefits? if any.
I did not. I was a solo traveler. To that point, I never once felt like there was a safety issue, however, I don’t know that I would necessarily say that’s the best way to travel… only that it’s do-able.

6. How did the dental care compare to the US?
For one, if I would have stayed in the US to receive treatment, it would have taken more than 3 times as long. They would have had to send out for my crowns – whereas at the dental practice I went to in Los Algodones, they have their crowns made on site.
Again, the equipment and the knowledge of the staff there was very comparable to that of an office in the US.

7. Did the language barrier impact your medical trip in any way? If so, how?
Not at all. Everyone I spoke with at the dental office as well as at the hotels I stayed in and the restaurants I went to all spoke and understood English.

8. Did you have any fears or concerns about receiving dental care in Mexico? If so, what were they?
Initially I think I did – this was more a fear of the unknown than a legitimate fear. When I traveled to Mexico, the thought of traveling for dental work was still very new, throw in the addition of emerging myself into an unknown culture as well as… let’s face it, the dental work itself! I must say though, on this side of things, I am very thankful that I didn’t let the fear of the unknown stop me from going.

9. Was there any difference between the US and your medical tourism destination, regarding their hospitality?
In all actuality, you do have to realize that since this is becoming a more sought out way of getting medical and dental procedures done – and since, at least for Mexico, being so close to the US, there are many people traveling to these facilities for major work.
What this means is that you need to do the research to find a good fit for you – for example, when I was looking at facilities, there were some that had high ratings but were known for making you feel like you were cattle in a big herd being moved through a facility. I knew this wasn’t what I desired, so I was able to choose a dental practice that would take intentional time with me.

10. Did you feel safe at your hotel and other places you visited in Mexico?
Absolutely! Like I mentioned previously, there wasn’t ever a time where I felt like safety was an issue. All the hotels I stayed at as well as the restaurants I ate at were all conveniently located within walking distance to the dental practice.

11. Did you enjoy any of Mexico’s entertainment or food?
The food! I sure did, well, as much as I could given the restrictions from the dentist on what I was able to eat with the work I was getting done.

12. How long did it take you to recover before you could travel home, and what did you do during the recovery phase?
I was in Mexico for a week total, that included 2 days of dental work, a rest day, and 2 more days of dental work. I was on a plane home the following day.

13. What are some advantages of getting dental procedures in Mexico?
The price! This was my number 1 motivator, as I’m sure it is high on the list for most people who travel for dental or medical procedures. Another advantage, as mentioned earlier, is that the whole process took less than a week – whereas, in the US, it would’ve been months. Lastly, it’s always nice to have a little change of pace/ scenery every now and again 🙂

14. What advice would you give someone thinking of traveling to Mexico for dental work?
Do your research and read reviews! Don’t be afraid to call the facilities that you are thinking about going to and asking questions. And don’t let the fear of the unknown stop you!

15. What is something that the dentist could’ve offered you, that would’ve made your experience better?
Maybe free transportation to and from the airport as well as meal vouchers.

16. What did you like or dislike about the Mexican culture?
FOOD! Need I say more?

17. Would you go to Mexico for treatment again? Would you recommend the country to your family and friends? I absolutely would go there again should the need arise in the future for more work. I HAVE recommended the experience to many of my family members and friends already.

Before Photo: Dental Procedure in Los Algodones Mexico

After Photo: Dental Work in Los Algodones Mexico

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