Mexico has long been a leading vacation destination for travelers from all over the globe, particularly those based in the US and Canada who can reach border towns as well as coastal cities in a matter of hours. From the stunning countryside to the spectacular beaches, not to mention the food and vibrant culture, there is something for everyone.
Today, there is another reason to travel to Mexico. The country's dental market has exploded to meet the needs of global dental travelers. This is due to the low cost and excellent quality of many of Mexico’s dental clinics.
That said, not all clinics and dentists are equal and so it's important to put the effort into finding a good dentist in Mexico. Here are five tips to help you find treatment in the country's top destination for dental tourism: Los Algodones.
1. Picking a Destination in Mexico
If you want to find a good Mexican dentist, then Los Algodones is the place to visit. The small town is completely dedicated to dentistry with multiple clinics on every corner. In total there are over 1,000 dentists and 300 clinics, in a town with a population of only 6,000! The reason for this high number is due to the town drawing in thousands upon thousands of travelers from the US, Canada, and even further afield.
The town is easy to reach as it is located in the very north of Mexico, near the California and Arizona borders. You can literally walk across the border straight into the town. There are also many convenient flight options, as well.
Obviously, with so many dentists and clinics crammed together, it may be hard to determine which ones are good. There are some important things to look for...
2. Find a Clinic with an Established Reputation
New clinics in Los Algodones are constantly springing up due to the town's popularity. Every one of them is trying to make money from the flood of dental tourists, however, not all of them are good. It pays to find an established clinic with a track record of satisfied patients.
3. Make Sure Your Dentist is Well Qualified
Obviously, choose a well-trained and qualified dentist. Some dentists have studied overseas, however many received their qualifications in Mexico. Don't be put off by this. The top dental schools in Mexico are comparable to those found in the USA, Canada and other modern countries.
It is also worth taking into consideration professional memberships and affiliations with official boards, such as the Mexican and/or American Dental Association.
4. Pick a Specialist in the Area you Require
Many clinics in Los Algodones specialize in just one or two areas, while some of the larger ones will have specialists across the board. You should pick one based on what dental treatment you require.
For example, if you need dental implants, you'll obviously want to find an implantology specialist; for root canals, an experienced endodontist; or for braces, an orthodontist.
5. Is Your Dentist Fluent in English?
Choose a dentist that speaks your language to avoid communication problems. Many of the dentists in Los Algodones can speak English to varying degrees. Find a clinic where all the dentists and staff speak English fluently. You don't want anything getting lost in translation when it comes to dental treatment.
Booking with Dental Departures
The Dental Departures online appointment scheduler makes it quick and simple to set up an appointment with one of our dentists in Los Algodones.
Simply click through to their respective listing page on our site and click on the orange ‘schedule appointment’ button. You will be asked for your preferred time and date, your contact details, and other important information.
Dental Departures does everything else for you, with our team sending you a confirmation once your appointment is booked in. You are also covered by a cancellation policy that extends to 24 hours before your appointment, along with the Dental Departures Best Price Guarantee.
See below for more information or get in touch with our Customer Care Team here.
Sources:
Jacobs, Harrison. This tiny Mexican town has more than 350 dentists — and treats the thousands of Americans who flock across the border for dental care. Business Insider. 3 January 2018. https://www.businessinsider.com/andrew-waits-photos-of-molar-city-2014-6
American Dental Association. Website accessed: 3 October 2020. https://www.ada.org/en
Dental implant surgery. Mayo Clinic. 29 January 2019. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622