The Ultimate Guide to Dentists in Mexico

Last fact-checked: 10 April 2023

With the prospect of saving up to 75% on a range of general, cosmetic and restorative treatments compared to rising costs in the USA and Canada, it’s no wonder why Mexico is now the world’s biggest dental tourism market.

Accounting for approximately 25% of all cross-border dental travel, more patients than ever are heading to Mexico for treatment. But with this huge influx in arrivals, patients are now seeking better assurances in terms of safety and reliability, rather than just lower prices.

When you book with Dental Departures, you can look forward to receiving the same high standards of care and professionalism as any leading dentist back home. This is thanks to our stringent vetting processes, with every clinic and dentist listed on our site having been independently verified.

Find out more below, including the best-recommended dentists in Mexico, price comparisons, reviews, and travel tips to destinations such as Los Algodones, Cancun, Tijuana, and Cabo San Lucas.

How Much Can I Save on Dentistry in Mexico Compared to the USA or Canada?

It is estimated that one-third of Americans are skipping the dentist because of prohibitively high prices, leading to a minefield of oral health issues across all age brackets.

But here is the good news: In Mexico, dental treatment typically costs between 50% and 75% less than in the USA, Canada, the UK and the EU.

Here are some examples of how much patients booking through Dental Departures can save in Mexico:

• In the USA, a single tooth replacement (dental implant + abutment + crown) might set you back as much as $5,000.
  
  The same course of treatment in Mexico costs as low as $1,100.

• In the USA, All-on-4 implants (full-arch restorations) cost between $25,000 - $30,000 (per arch).
  
  In Mexico, the same treatment with implant systems provided by Nobel Biocare or Straumann costs between $8,000 - $11,000.

• In the USA, a full ‘Hollywood’ smile makeover (12 - 18 porcelain veneers) can cost anywhere between $20,000 - $40,000.
  
  Clinics in Mexico offer these same packages–using the same world-renowned brands–from just $7,500.

For more price breakdowns (in USD), see the price comparison tables below

Dental Implant Prices in the US vs Mexico:

Veneers / Smile Makeover Prices in the US vs Mexico:

Other Treatments in the US vs Mexico:

Note: All prices above are based on average estimates at the time of writing. Any currency conversions are subject to exchange rate fluctuation.

Mexico Dental Tourism Packages

To make life easier for both new and returning patients, clinics in Mexico catering to international patients frequently offer eye-catching package deals where all necessary treatment costs are built into one single price.

Unlike many dentists in North America that might not include charges to use certain facilities, diagnostic tests, anesthesia or sedation costs, temporary prosthetics, and “administrative charges”, Mexico dentists are generally more transparent in their pricing–meaning it’s less likely to get a nasty surprise when the final bill arrives.

These dental packages typically cover all aspects of more complex restoration work, such as:

• Dental implants with crowns/abutments

• Full mouth restoration with crowns

• Full-arch restoration with All-on-4/6 systems and fixed prosthetic teeth

• Smile makeovers with a full set of veneers

Additionally, some packages may also include accommodation and transportation, further reducing the overall amount you pay for your new teeth in Mexico!

Are There Any Hidden Fees?

You will discover no hidden fees or upfront charges to book through Dental Departures. It’s also free to cancel your booking–as long as you do so anytime up to 24 hours before your appointment.

Connect with our Customer Care Team here to discover our range of exclusive, limited-time Mexico dental packages.

Above: Take the stress out of visiting the dentist one of our fully-certified clinics in Cancun.

Types of Dentistry Available in Mexico

Some of the best dentists in Mexico may work in smaller clinics but specialize in two or more different areas, allowing them to carry out a wide range of procedures under one roof.

Other multidisciplinary clinics work with large teams of specialists; working in collaboration with expert lab technicians, anesthesiologists and assistants allows them to cover all fields of dentistry, including:

• Cosmetic dentistry, such as teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, and gum contouring.

• Orthodontics, with treatment options including traditional metal braces, clear aligners (e.g. Invisalign®), and retainers for teeth and bite misalignment.

• Implantology, with experts using world-renowned implant providers, such as Nobel Biocare®, Straumann®, and Osstem®, to replace missing or failing teeth with fixed prosthetics.

• Prosthetic dentistry, an area of dentistry that often overlaps with implantology; custom-made solutions for missing teeth include crowns, veneers, dentures, and implant-retained full-arch prosthetics (eg All-on-4).

• Periodontics, which focuses on the treatment of oral disease and gum-related issues.

• Endodontics, including both minimally invasive and surgical procedures to treat damaged or infected teeth.

• Oral and maxillofacial surgery, such as wisdom teeth removal, sinus lifting, and jaw procedures

• Pediatric dentistry (treatment for children, infants, and teenagers).

Why Choose Mexico for Dental Care?

Mexico is an ideal destination to visit for affordable dental care, particularly for budget-conscious Americans and Canadians who don't want to travel far for high-quality, inexpensive treatment. Here's why:

High Quality of Care

Our background-checked partner dentists have been trained in the US and are likely to be members of the American Dental Association or accredited by one of the leading US accreditation agencies. Search Dental Departures for verified dentists with excellent reviews from patients who have experienced satisfying outcomes.

Great Prices

If you are among the millions of people struggling with record-high dental prices in the States, Canada, or Europe, then Mexico is a viable, realistic alternative for more affordable treatment.

As one of the world’s most-traveled dental destinations for safe, effective, and affordable care, savings on most procedures in Mexico range from 40-75% compared to prices back home.

English Is Widely Spoken

Our network of certified dentists and clinics in Mexico are experienced in treating patients from around the world; in fact, many top clinics in destinations like Los Algodones, Tijuana, and Cancun welcome a predominantly international clientele who travel to Mexico for the sole purpose of receiving more affordable care.

As a result, you can expect English to be widely spoken around town–and close to fluent proficiency by dentists at any of the leading clinics.

Enjoy a Dental Vacation in Mexico

For those wanting to combine a holiday with dental work, Mexico's resort destinations such as Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, or Puerto Vallarta offer some of the world's finest beaches, affordable lodging, and plenty of sightseeing.

For dental patients wanting to experience a little more, there are countless options to ensure you have the ideal vacation. Some of the top destinations are:

• Puerto Vallarta for its stunning beaches, cliff-side resorts, upscale nightlife, and lively art scene.

• Cancun, Mexico’s most-visited vacation spot known for its enviable position on the Yucatan Peninsula–ideal for exploring the Riviera Maya and nearby ancient ruins.

• Los Algodones, aka "Molar City", is known for its amazing-low-cost dental care, quaint border town ambiance, and easy-to-reach location for those living in California or Arizona.

• Cabo San Lucas is also well-traveled for its stunning beaches, adventure activities, and eclectic nightlife.

• Mexicali with its modern city facilities and excellent travel lengths right next to the US-Mexico border.

• Tijuana, home to the busiest border crossing in the world, with tens of thousands of people traveling back and forth from the US every day–both for action-packed day trips and low-cost healthcare.

Above: The highly-rated Simply Dental clinic in Los Algodones, Mexico

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Best Dentists in Mexico, Recommended by DD

Take a quick look below at some of our top dentists in three of Mexico's most popular locations for dental tourism:

Best Dentists in Los Algodones:

• Supreme Dental Clinic

• Sani Dental Group

• Sani Dental Group Platinum

> See all dentists in Los Algodones

Best Dentists in Tijuana:

• Dental Brush

• I Love my Dentist

• American Biodental Center

> See all dentists in Tijuana

Best Dentists in Cancun:

• Dental Clinic Cancun

• Sani Dental Group Cancun Riviera

• All on 4 Cancun

> See all dentists in Cancun

Note: You can also use our site's handy search function to look for a specific destination in Mexico, with dozens to choose from across the country.

For more options, head to our full Mexico clinic listing here –with over 700 options to choose from!

Above: Get the ‘corner office treatment’ at Cey Aesthetic Dental Boutique, Mexico City.

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Why Use Us to Book?

At Dental Departures, we can’t stress enough the importance of finding a reputable clinic to ensure your treatment will be as good as you will find at home. Our quality checks ensure that Dental Departures' best clinics meet high standards across the board, taking into account dentist qualifications and safety measures regarding hygiene and equipment in the clinics.

You need not settle for less-than-the-best when care at the best clinics in Mexico actually surpasses quality standards in most other countries; many of our partner dentists are members of the American Dental Association, World Dental Federation and the International Congress of Oral Implantology, among other prestigious associations.

This ensures that they are subject to the same strict and ever-improving guidelines, and best practices codes of conduct as their American counterparts.

Dental Departures’ Verification Process

We can assist you in finding the best possible dental care in Mexico by:

• Only working with the most reputable clinics that have been fully background-checked; if they don’t meet our high standards, they won’t be listed on our site

• Collating and publishing real patient reviews

• Verifying dentists’ qualifications, licenses, and memberships with professional boards

• Carrying out legal checks and investigating any potential malpractice claims

• Guarantee you will receive the lowest price offered to any patient by all our clinics: no haggling is required.

• Publishing real clinic images and before & after treatment photos

• Providing around-the-clock custom support before, during, and after your dental trip to Mexico

World’s Leading Booking Platform for Global Health Travel

With more than 130,000 bookings to date, Dental Departures is the #1 dental travel agency in the world. Together with our sister site, Medical Departures, we have partnered with thousands of dentists, doctors, clinics and hospitals in some 40 countries across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

At Dental Departures, you can choose from an array of well-established clinics and oral surgeons throughout Mexico–or anywhere else in the world that may be a little closer to home–who deliver top-quality work at a fraction of the price that you would pay at home.

Best Places to Go in Mexico for Dental Care

Three of the top regions for cheap dental work in Mexico–where you don’t have to compromise when it comes to quality–are outlined below:

North Mexico Border Region

For those based in a southern state, like Texas or California, one of Mexico's many border towns may well be within driving distance, or easily reached with a short, direct flight. Such towns and cities that are popular for affordable dental care include Los Algodones, Tijuana, Mexicali, Nuevo Progreso, Matamoros, Reynosa, Tecate and Nuevo Laredo.

Central Mexico

Another choice for patients in North America, as well as further afield (thanks to direct flights from Europe and elsewhere), is Central Mexico. Our site lists clinics based in popular destinations including Mexico City, the capital, as well as Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta on the country's central-west coastline.

> See More: Ultimate Guide to Dentists in Mexico City

Yucatan Peninsula

As Mexico's most-visited spot for vacations, this is where you can combine affordable, safe dental care with some time on the beach or exploring ancient ruins slightly inland. Top destinations dotted around this southwestern coastline include Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and Tulum.

Above: The modern Sani Dental Group Playacar, just three minutes from the beach!

More About Mexico: History, Travel Tips, Accommodation

Mexico’s enduring popularity as a tourist destination has also seen a surge in the number of dental tourists arriving here. Along with affordable prices and quality care, Mexico offers visitors everything from tranquil mountains, historical archaeological sites, picturesque old-world villages, modern cities and, of course, its stunning coastlines with breathtaking beaches and abundant marine life.

Brief History of Mexico

Mexico has a rich cultural heritage. Advanced ancient civilizations such as the Maya and the Aztecs were here long before the first Europeans from Spain arrived in the 16th Century. Spain’s colonization lasted some 300 years before Mexico was granted independence in 1821. Following independence, political and economic instability led to the Mexican Revolution in 1910, and the emergence of the existing political system.

Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, tourism has been one of Mexico’s largest industries. Mexico’s fusion of European and Meso-American cultures, its colonial cities, ancient ruins and beach resorts have long enticed visitors to its unique attractions. The majority of visitors arrive from North America – attracted to Mexico's temperate climate, relatively short travel times and low cost of living.

More recently, Mexico has been at the forefront of medical and dental tourism. Historically US nationals, particularly from the South, Southwest and Southern California, have traveled over the border for discounted supplies, particularly pharmaceuticals. This has burgeoned into an industry and it is now commonplace for Americans and Canadians to travel to Mexico for dental and medical care.

Where Is Mexico?

Bordered to the north by the United States of America and to the southeast by Belize and Guatemala, Mexico is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

For dental patients, hundreds of daily flights throughout North America to Mexico’s popular cities and resorts, as well as the multiple crossing points along the US-Mexican border, have made it a convenient, accessible destination.

Accommodation Options

Depending on where and when you go, Mexico has a variety of different types of accommodations suiting all budgets and tastes.

Budget accommodation can be as little as $10 nightly; five-star hotels can often be had for less than $100 a night. By booking through Dental Departures you may be able to get free or discounted hotel rates, depending upon the type or amount of dental treatment you're planning.

Is Mexico Safe?

With rare exceptions, yes. While Mexico has certainly suffered its share of social and political turmoil over the past ten years, it's the world's eighth most-traveled tourism destination. Every year, tens of millions of leisure (and medical/dental) tourists from around the globe visit Mexico without incident.

Most border and resort towns are safe provided you don’t go looking for trouble, particularly at night. If you are seeking a higher level of security, most dental clinics offer free ground transportation to and from airports and train or bus stations. Your hotel or dental clinic can arrange a reliable taxi service to and from restaurants or attractions you might want to visit.

What Happens If Something Goes Wrong? (Warranties & Guarantees)

Less than 0.01% of our patients who have booked an appointment through Dental Departures encounter difficulties. On these rare occurrences, we see to it that any problem is put right. Should you have any issue with your dental care, the procedures and lab work are covered under warranty.

Competition for patients is steep; clinics only survive by providing excellent quality care. Further, when scheduling your appointment through Dental Departures, you can be sure you are visiting a quality-checked clinic, with an advocate working on your behalf. While no practitioner in the world can guarantee 100% success rates, if something needs to be fixed, we are here to help resolve any problems.

Do I Need to Speak Spanish?

No. All of the best dentists in Mexico regularly cater to American, Canadian, and European patients and thus speak fluent or close-to-fluent English. And if you prefer to speak another language, clinics can arrange for professional translators so you’ll face no communication issues.

As for getting by at local markets or eateries in some of the country’s quieter towns and villages, simply using Google Translate or a pocket phrasebook can go a long way!

How to Pay for Dental Work in Mexico

While American currency is preferred by most dental offices, all the quality clinics accept traveler’s checks, personal checks and major credit cards. Credit card payments are typically subject to a small processing fee (typically around 3-4%).

For the more expensive treatments, some patients may consider taking out a personal loan to essentially finance their new teeth. You can approach banks, credit unions, or online lenders to obtain a personal loan–but do make sure you are aware of the potential risks of small loans.

To ensure a smooth payment process, feel free to ask our team about how you plan to pay and make arrangements before your appointment.

What About Dental Insurance in Mexico?

Make sure to check if your provider covers services outside the United States; if they do, ask them about your particular treatment and what percentage (if any) they will cover.

We also recommend taking out general travel and medical insurance, just as you would when going anywhere else in the world; this may cover loss of personal belongings, flight cancellations, and healthcare expenses in case of an accident or emergency.

> Related: Can I Use My Dental Insurance in Mexico?

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

Peak tourist times are December to February when the weather is cooler. You'll want to book further ahead during the high season and look for bargains during the offseason.

Mexico can be visited at any time of the year. The country has one of the world's most diverse weather systems: the north experiences cooler temperatures during the winter, and the south– including the Yucatan Peninsula–remains fairly constant throughout the year.

The north, especially the border towns and Baja California, is fairly dry throughout most of the year. In the tropical areas toward the south is more rainfall, with islands such as Cozumel experiencing high humidity due to the surrounding waters.

> Related: Yes! The Mexico Border Is Open for Dental Patients

What About Wheelchair Access?

Many of our dentists provide wheelchair-accessible facilities and will arrange transport to and from your hotel to your appointment. Please contact us for further information and we will make sure you are served by one of our wheelchair-accessible clinics.

What's the Downside? What Should I Know About Visiting?

If you are traveling to one of our dental clinics in the border towns you may experience long waits at some of the border crossings. While some have now initiated dedicated medical tourist lanes, reducing waits to around 20 minutes to get back into the US, there is still a wait on the US side to clear customs.

Climate conditions vary depending on which area you visit. Prior to booking your trip, you'll want to determine which climate suits you best.

Although local anesthetic pain relief is standard, gas sedation (nitrous oxide) is not. Some of our clinics offer gas sedation with advance notice, although it requires the services of a licensed anesthesiologist at additional cost. Contact us if you think you will require this service, or if you need anxiety medication such as Valium.

What Else Is There to See & Do in Mexico?

Mexico is one of 18 megadiverse countries in the world containing 10-12% of the world’s biodiversity. Sixty-seven national parks and a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites ensure Mexico is not just about beach resorts and tequila.

Colonial towns such as Puebla, near Mexico City, or mountain villages such as Todos Santos near Cabo, are lovely to stroll around in and sample international cuisine in first-rate restaurants. Mexico City has more than 150 museums and art galleries, and countless historical sights. For water lovers, there is diving, snorkeling and other water-based activities in Mexico’s coastal resorts.

Golfers will find no shortage of world-class courses throughout the country. For adventurers, there's no loss for high-adrenaline activities including zip wires and abseiling. Dental travelers to Cancun or Playa del Carmen won't want to miss the spectacular ruins of Tulum an hour to the south.

> Related: Clinics in Cabo San Lucas for All-on-4® treatment concept and All-on-6

Getting to Mexico

Visitors can fly into Mexico's major cities and tourist resorts, including Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, non-stop from around the US and Canada.

For dental patients visiting the border towns, you'll find points of entry along the US border to access Tijuana, Los Algodones, and Mexicali where you can either drive through or park and walk. There are usually plenty of taxis to take you to your destination once through into the Mexico side. Many of our clinics offer free shuttles to and from the US side.

Note: If you drive over the border please, note your car insurance may not be valid in Mexico and you will need to arrange separate coverage. It's relatively inexpensive at around $10 a day. Alternatively, you can park on the US side for a nominal walk or take a shuttle into many of the border towns.

Distances and Flying Times (Benito Juarez International, Mexico City)

• New York: 1817 miles, 5 hours

• Los Angeles: 1350 miles, 3.5 hours

• Montreal: 2004 miles, 5.5 hours

• Sydney: 7012 miles, 18 hours

• Auckland: 5921 miles, 15 hours

• London: 4808, 12.5 hours

How Do I Get Started?

Our website has all the information you need to find a top clinic in a location that suits you; and with our transparent price lists, you can find a dentist in Mexico providing the treatment you need, at the right price.

We offer the Best Price Guarantee to ensure that you get an unbeatable deal, and we also enjoy close affiliations with several independent insurance providers who can provide dental insurance for extra peace of mind.

If you have any queries, our Customer Care Team is always happy to answer your questions via our online chat facility, by e-mail, or on our toll-free telephone number. Or if you have selected your clinic, you can book your appointment online with us, at no charge to you. We're available seven days a week, day or night.

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Mexico's Climate Varies From Arid to Tropical. Internationally Living. Website accessed: 5 April 2023. https://internationalliving.com/countries/mexico/climate-in-mexico