Last fact-checked: 14 April 2025

Looking for affordable, high-quality dental care in Mexico? Book an Appointment with a quality-checked Dentist in Los Algodones (Molar City), where every year, thousands of dental travelers can save up to 70% on their treatment!

Located just minutes from Yuma, Arizona, Molar City offers convenient, safe access to world-class dental care without long wait times. Every year, thousands of dental tourists from the United States and Canada travel to this bustling border town, drawn by over 900 experienced dentists and 300 clinics offering affordable, expert treatment to international patients.

Molar City is easily accessible on foot or by car. Most patients come for the day and return home the same evening — while others take advantage of dental vacation packages for more extensive dental work.

Whether you're seeking low-cost dental implants in Mexico or simply a routine checkup, Los Algodones has earned its reputation as the dental capital of the world.

Join the thousands of satisfied patients who have chosen Molar City for dental treatment in Mexico. Browse clinics, read verified reviews, and book your appointment today through Dental Departures.

Dental Departures is the world's leading platform for booking at trusted, verified global dentists. Patients using our service can look forward to saving thousands of dollars, thanks to the substantial price differences between clinics in the US and Canada and those in Mexico.

Traveling to Mexico for dental care has exploded in popularity over the past two decades, and Dental Departures is proud to work with the very best dental clinics in Los Algodones that deliver world-class care, quick turnaround times, and impressive results that last.

We pre-screen every Algodones dentist we work with, so you don't have to compromise when it comes to quality—or end up getting dragged into a clinic closest to the border by a shop tout where you'll probably pay more than you should. 

Keep reading to see how much you can save on dental implants, crowns, veneers, fixed prosthetics, dentures, root canals, and more at our top partner clinics, as well as travel tips, booking information, and other logistical information to make your dental trip go as smoothly as possible.

Several thousand patients cross the US-Mexico border every day for more affordable care in "Molar City", many arriving on foot via Southern Arizona.

Los Algodones is the northernmost city in Mexico, located just seven miles west of Yuma near the southern borders of California and Arizona.

Most patients arrive by car from the large metro areas of Phoenix, Tucson, San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles. Molar City dentists also treat tens of thousands of patients each year from Canada, the UK, and all over the world.

 
Map via Google: Los Algodones is located just past the border near Yuma, AZ

Los Algodones is a great destination to visit for affordable dental care, particularly for budget-conscious North Americans who don't want to travel far for excellent care. Here's why:

-Easy access. Within walking distance of the US-Mexico border crossing at Andrade are over 300 dentists situated within just a few blocks. You can drive or fly-drive, leaving your car at one of the secure parking lots on the US side of the border, which means you need not worry about obtaining additional insurance for Mexico.

-Excellent quality care. Our best 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 satisfactory outcomes.

>> Click here for the best dentists in Los Algodones.

-Great prices. If you are among the millions struggling with the high costs of dental care at home, then Algodones could be just the place to get your dental health on track. Savings on most procedures range from 40-70%.

-English is spoken here. Because Algodones dentists cater largely to North American visitors, English is fluently spoken at all the best clinics.   

-Additional medical services.  In addition to Los Algodones' wide choice of dental options, medical travelers also take advantage of affordable vision care (including check-ups and new spectacles) and less costly pharmaceuticals. Some 30 optical clinics and more than a dozen reputable pharmacies help make Los Algodones a one-stop shop for multiple medical needs.

Downtown San Diego: A 2.5-hour drive from Los Algodones (Cr. Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

New table inserted from old DD site:

[Note: These figures are estimates at the time of writing; please check our clinic listings for up-to-date prices.]

Although you will discover only a few hotels in town, free or discounted rates can be arranged at the Hacienda; complimentary stays or discounted rates can be arranged through your appointment with Dental Departures, depending on the type and amount of work you require.

Many patients choose their lodgings in nearby Yuma or stay at the Quechan Resort and Casino, just two miles up the road from downtown Algodones.

Is Los Algodones Safe?

Thousands of seniors and retirees visit weekly to tend to their teeth, fill prescriptions inexpensively at one of the many reputable pharmacies, or visit an optical clinic for a vision examination or new pair of specs. The town is safe for walking, safe to carry cash, and easy to navigate.

Do I Need to Speak Spanish?

No. Most dentists in Molar City speak fluent English; if not, a dental assistant or staff member will be available to translate.

What Payment Methods Are Accepted?

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

Best Time to Visit

During the winter months, retirees and snowbirds from all over North America pack the town. Peak season is December-March, and the dental clinics are quite busy this time of year. If you plan to visit during these months, border waits can be long, and you will need to schedule your appointment further ahead of time. 

The good news is that the weather is the best during the winter; if you can’t stand the heat, scheduling your visit during the winter is ideal.

Summer is the slowest time of the year, and while temperatures can run quite hot, you can take advantage of summer promotional prices while avoiding border waits. Late spring and early fall are also good times to visit a Los Algodones dentist.

What Else Is There in Town?

Dozens of reputable pharmacies and optical clinics provide prescription medication and optical services for steep discounts compared to the costs in the US and Canada. So long as you are there, you can save additional money on your prescription medications and optical care.

Curio shops, alfresco restaurants, liquor stores, and souvenir stands provide other shopping opportunities. Our Customer Service Team can help refer patients to reliable vendors for these important add-on services.

Flying In

The closest airport is located in Yuma (YUM), though flights into Palm Springs (PSP), Phoenix Sky Harbor(PHX), and San Diego (SAN) are also options. From the Yuma airport, you can take a taxi to the border at a cost of around $30. 

We recommend that you call a local taxi company ahead of time to schedule, as there are no taxi stands.  Also, many of our better clinics offer free or inexpensive airport pickup and drop-off.

-Yuma City Cab: (928) 783-4444 (928) 783-4444

-Foothills Taxi Service: (928) 446-8782 (928) 446-8782

A taxi can take you right to the border crossing, and the dental clinics in Algodones are all located within a four-block radius of the border. Rental cars are also available at either airport for you to drive down.

Border Crossing Document Requirements and Hours of Operation

Entry into Mexico to receive dental treatment is quite easy. US citizens generally need a passport, passport card, or enhanced driver’s license for crossing the border and re-entry into the US. A visa isn’t typically required for short visits, but always check current entry requirements before making the trip.

The Andrade border crossing opens daily at 6:00 am and closes at 10:00 pm. 

Is Algodones Wheelchair Accessible?

While the streets and sidewalks improve every year, navigating a wheelchair remains a challenge. Many of our dental clinics offer shuttle services from the border, with ample lobby room for wheelchairs and disabled-friendly bathrooms. 

Many patients in wheelchairs do visit; we’re happy to help facilitate your trip and get you to one of our great clinics. 

Please contact us to find a clinic that can help shuttle you to the office from the border and accommodate your needs.

Will My Algodones Dentist Accept US or Canadian Dental Insurance?

The dental clinics are not typically able to bill your insurance company directly, although you may be eligible for reimbursement upon your return home. Contact your dental insurance company to inquire if they reimburse for out-of-network care and, if so, what documents might be required in order to successfully process your claim.

Distance to Town from Airports and Nearest Metro Areas

Approximate distances and driving times to the border crossing:

-Yuma: 7 miles, 15 minutes

-Phoenix: 200 miles, 3.5 hours

-Palm Springs: 200 miles, 3.5 hours

-San Diego: 165 miles, 2.5 hours

-Las Vegas: 300 miles, 5.5 hours

-Tucson: 250 miles, 4 hours

-Los Angeles: 280 miles, 4.5 hours

Blue Skies and Low-Cost Dentistry: Downtown Los Algodones a few blocks from the US-Mexico Border

At a recommended clinic, absolutely. In fact, many of our patients tell us the facilities and quality of care are far better than what they experience at home. That said, of the more than 900 doctors in the area, some are better than others, and some have experience and skills to match your treatment requirements.

Let Dental Departures help. We only work with the most reputable clinics that have been background-checked, pre-screened, and vetted for quality. Read reviews and search and compare prices. We guarantee you will receive the lowest price offered by all of our clinics: no haggling is required, and you can be assured you will have a great experience.

Above: The Dental Departures team together with management from Sani Dental Group, a "Global Patients' Choice" Clinic.

What Happens If Something Goes Wrong? Is My Dental Care Guaranteed?

Should you have any issues 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 and have an advocate for your care working on your behalf.

While no practitioner can guarantee 100% perfect work, fewer than one percent of our patients experience complications or other issues related to their treatment. If something needs to be fixed, we are here to help resolve any problems.

What's the Downside? What Should I Know About Traveling to Los Algodones for Dental Work?

Unlike many of the more exotic dental destinations like Cancun or Los Cabos, Algodones is not a resort destination and thus lacks the appeal and amenities common to leisure tourism destinations. Don’t be put off by appearances; once you step inside our selected dental clinics in Algodones, you can expect to find first-rate facilities and cleanliness on par with your local dental office.

Pushy street vendors are common. In addition, you will also encounter “pickers” who are paid by unethical clinics to lure patients to their offices. They can be seen on the Mexican side of the border and will approach you when you cross. Clinics that employ pickers are generally not of good quality; the best dental clinics consider it unethical to employ street salesmen. 

Just as anywhere, Algodones has great dentists and not-so-good ones. The majority of clinics are tiny single-dentist offices occupied by a general dentist and an assistant. For a filling or a cleaning, they are probably okay. While these clinics may offer full dental services, if you require more complex care, you should visit an established dental clinic that has a specialist qualified to treat you.

Our highest-rated clinics are hand-selected and thoroughly screened for quality. We can help find the appropriate specialist for your case.

Sedation is not widely available in Algodones, and gas (nitrous oxide) sedation is not offered. Of course, local anesthetics (numbing) is used for any treatment requiring it.

For patients who require sedation or anxiety medication for treatment, it is important to find a dentist who offers this. Anxiety medication such as Valium, is available, which you can request prior to your visit. If you require full sedation, select clinics can provide this service with a licensed anesthesiologist available to provide sedation. The cost is typically $400-$600. 

1. Is it safe to get dental work done in Los Algodones?
Yes, many clinics in Los Algodones maintain high sterilization standards and use modern dental technology. 

2. Why is dental care so affordable in Los Algodones?
Lower overhead and labor costs allow dentists in Mexico to offer treatments at a fraction of U.S. prices—often 50–70% less—without sacrificing quality.

3. How do I choose the right dentist or clinic in Los Algodones?
Look for clinics with certified dentists, positive patient reviews, and transparent pricing. Many top clinics also provide before-and-after photos and offer free online consultations.

4. Do Los Algodones dentists speak English?
Yes, most dentists and clinic staff are fluent in English as they cater primarily to American and Canadian patients.

5. What types of dental procedures are most popular with tourists?
Common treatments include dental implants, all-on-4, crowns, bridges, root canals, and cosmetic dentistry like veneers and laser teeth whitening.

At Dental Departures, you can choose from thousands of clinics and oral surgeons from Los Algodones and around the world who deliver top-quality crowns at a fraction of the price that you would pay at home.

Our website contains all the information you need to research top clinic locations and start comparing prices. We offer a best-price guarantee to ensure that you get an unbeatable deal.

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're ready to schedule your appointment, you can book online with us right here, any time of the day or night, at no charge to you.

Sources:

Dentistry. Patients Beyond Borders. Web accessed 14 April 2025. https://patientsbeyondborders.com/procedure/dentistry

Devoted to Implant Education, International Council of Oral Implantologists, Web accessed 10 April 2025. ICOI - International Congress of Oral Implantologists

AFP. Americans Seek Cheaper Dentistry in Mexico's 'Molar City.' Bangkok Post PCL. 21 Apr 2023. https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/2554121/americans-

U.S.-Mexico Border, City of San Diego, Web accessed 14 April 2025. https://www.sandiego.org/plan/visitors-information-services/border.aspx 

Mexpro. Website accessed: 12 April 2025. https://www.mexpro.com/

Travel.State.Gov. Website accessed: Website accessed 13 April 2025. http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html