Mexico, U.S. Option for Affordable Dental Care

Affordable Dental Care:  Getting What You Pay For

As increasing numbers of Americans jump at the opportunities for affordable dental care, Mexican dentists stand by eagerly.  Dental tourism to Mexico is becoming so popular that forums have lead to new ways to entice U.S. patients.  One such idea is a shuttle service from neighboring El Paso to the growing number of Juarez dental clinics.  The costs of the dental procedures are already dirt cheap compared to prices in the States, so what differentiates the various clinics are the frills:  what else can be rolled into the bargain.  But buyers beware, because the saying about all things affordable often holds true with dental care as well.  You get what you pay for. 

U.S. Dentists Caution Seekers of Cheap Health Care

Members of the U.S. dental profession are offering warnings cautioning American dental tourists to be smart about their quests for cheap health care.  Rep. Charlie Norwood (R-GA), a former Army dentist spoke out as early as 2005 through his official Web site writing,  “some patients are lucky, and find a qualified dentist who delivers good treatment at a bargain price.”  He continues, “other patients are not so lucky, suffer serious injury from unqualified hacks, and end up hospitalized or worse from infection.”  Rep. Norwood also wrote, “quality dental care in the border towns is found solely in the luck of the draw.”  

Dental Tourism Industry in Mexico Offers Forums for U.S. Patients

The dental industry has been making efforts to thwart the “luck of the draw” stigma Rep. Norwood described.  The United States consulate in Juarez has four approved dentists listed on its Web site (ciudadJuarez.usconsulate.gov) for American tourists to visit.  Moreover, the consulate’s Web site lists complaints about dentists made by previous American visitors.  Additionally, the Mexican Dental Association’s Web site (adm.org.mx) lists the dentists who’ve actually studied dentistry and are licensed and certified to practice.  With the rise in dental tourism of Americans to the border towns of Mexico, such a forum makes the pursuit of cheap health care less worrisome. 

Source: Arthur Frommer, “Dental Tourism is Booming in Juarez,” Houston Chronicle, January 14, 2007