Mexico has become a popular destination for dental work due to its proximity to North America, the affordability of services, and the availability of high-quality dental care. Mexico has numerous cities which are suitable for dental tourism. Online platform FlyHospital has a guide on How to choose a city in Mexico for dental tourism along with highly rated clinics suitable for foreigners to access dental care.
Patients from US and Canada can easily save 50%-70% on their dental procedures. So lets get started on things you should know before you travel to Mexico for Dental Work:
Dentist Qualification
Many Mexican dentists are highly trained and speak English, with many having studied or trained in the U.S. or other countries with stringent dental regulations. Dental clinics in popular dental tourism cities are often equipped with modern technology and adhere to international standards of hygiene and safety.
Dentist Experience
Dentist in Mexico are as experienced and qualified as anywhere else. Like everywhere else, There are good and bad dentist as well. It is recommended that patients consider platforms like FlyHospital to access healthcare in foreign country.
Online Reviews
Do not trust the online reviews so easily especially if they are all good. You will be surprised to know this can be manipulated so easily. If you don’t believe, just Google yourself “Buy Reviews” and you will be surprised to see shady services coming up for it. While reviews are generally good to go with but you should have the skill to spot the manipulated reviews.
How much can you save
Overall, people traveling to Mexico for dental work can often save anywhere from 40% to 70% of the cost they would pay in the U.S. or Canada. However, the savings depend on the location (for example, border cities like Tijuana, Los Algodones, or Cancun tend to offer lower prices) and the clinic’s reputation and quality. It is advisable patients choose clinics carefully.
Insurance coverage
A lot of US insurance companies do not cover dental work in the US but have coverage in the Mexico. It is recommended that you consider your insurance providers PPO network. Remember to get all your paperwork done in Mexico so that you can claim reimbursement upon your return.
Estimate Pricing
Before travelling let your chosen clinic share you the estimated pricing for your treatment along with the treatment plan so that you have the fair idea of your schedule and can do bookings in advance.
Can people in Mexico communicate in English
Yes of course. Not only the dentist, but most of the support staff at dental clinics can communicate in English easily as well people in tourist areas.
Hygiene & Sterilization
Most dental practices in popular dental tourism destinations (like Tijuana, Los Algodones, Cancun, and others) maintain high standards of cleanliness and sterilization, often comparable to U.S. or Canadian practices. Most common form of sterilization is Autoclave which is also a mandatory compliance from CDC. The Mexican Dental Association regulates dental practices in Mexico, ensuring a baseline of care and hygiene standards.
Visa requirements
There is no special visa required specifically for dental tourism. The regular tourist visa (FMM) is sufficient for dental procedures, as long as your trip is for leisure and stays under 180 days. If you’re traveling by land from the U.S. to Mexico, there may be wait times at the border, especially during busy hours, so plan accordingly. If you’re entering by air, the FMM is typically included in the price of your airline ticket. If you’re entering by land, there is a small fee (usually around $25 USD). It’s a good idea to have a return or onward ticket, as sometimes immigration officers may ask for proof that you plan to leave within the allowed time.
Mexico is cheap for dental works, does that mean it’s an inferior quality work
No, the lower cost of dental work in Mexico does not necessarily mean inferior quality. Many dental clinics in Mexico, especially in popular dental tourism areas like Tijuana, Los Algodones, Cancun, and others, offer high-quality care that is on par with or even exceeds the standards in the U.S. and Canada. Cost is lower mostly due to lower cost of living and lower overheads but almost all clinics attending to international patients have latest technology and qualified dentist.
Guarantee of dental work in Mexico
In Mexico, many dental clinics offer guarantees on their dental work, but the specifics can vary depending on the clinic, the type of treatment, and the dentist’s policies. Generally, dental work in Mexico can be guaranteed for a specific period, often ranging from 6 months to several years, depending on the procedure. But do remember that it is a responsibility of patient as well to do follow the dentist prescribed after care.