It is popular in the Southern border states to go to Mexico for dental work. We heard it from many RVers when we were first traveling toward Arizona and several that came down from Canada for dental work.
I was a little skeptical, but my husband was all for it after we researched the difference in price and the quality of the Mexican dentists. The cost was literally one-seventh of the U.S. estimates! The U.S. estimate was $63,000 and the cost in Mexico was $9,000!
I did a massive amount of research into costs, reviews, and education before we chose one in Los Algodones, Mexico. Los Algodones is a border town that is known for dental and cosmetic work, as well as for those buying prescription eyeglasses. It is within 10 miles of Yuma, AZ, and just southwest of Winterhaven, CA.
We did not like the first dentist, so after paying for the X-rays, we returned to Yuma. After more research and more calls, we decided on a new dentist. Great choice! It turned out that the dentist studied and graduated from school in San Diego, spoke perfect English, and was so considerate with the exam and answering all my husband’s questions.
Recently, this fall, we returned to Mexico for more work and were pleasantly surprised how much easier and quicker it was to get back into the U.S. While it was still hot and the snowbirds had not yet arrived in force, the waiting line was now shaded, better organized, and had more agents to check us back into the U.S.
Shops and street sellers abound near the border, and while it was a bit disturbing to be approached constantly to buy something, I had soon learned to say, “No, gracias” (no, thanks), “No necesito” (I don’t need), or “No quiero” (I don’t want) and keep walking.
It is fun to buy stuff and to haggle on the price. While we were there, we received news that our newest granddaughter was born. I giddily showed the newborn pictures to the sales ladies as I bought some outfits for her and her big sister.
I bought a couple of tin pieces—a barrel cactus and saguaro—but really had to refrain from the very large flamingo with a glass of beer!
We have eaten without issue, but I always remember to ask for an unopened bottle of soda or water, a glass with a straw and no ice, and I stay away from a lot of fresh fruits or vegetables. We’ve never had a problem with anything cooked well, so boiled soup is always my go-to if I’m concerned.
Lots of medication is available without a prescription and most are legal to bring back through the border to the U.S. They ask what we bought, I show them and they pass us through.
All in all, it’s always a great experience going to Mexico.
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##RVT1183
Can you tell us who it was that you liked? I had an implant done a few years ago. Very happy with the results and the price, but the dentist was not a pleasant person.
I’m a retired Dental Hygienist. I’ve known a lot of nice DDS’s that I would never let them do work in my mouth. Agree, their rent and overhead are cheaper, which trickles down and saves you money. But what materials are they using? Not all metal alloys are the same. If you have allergies, beware. If that crown fits like ‘Socks on a Chicken,’ you will have more problems down the road. Did they evaluate your periodonatal health. They can put a beautiful crown on a tooth, but if the foundation is unstable, you will have problems. I could go on, but won’t.
I’ve visited Mexico border towns many times for different reasons. I’ve always had good experiences.
My wife speaks Spanish and when we go to Mexico, she gets great prices on anything. I got a quote for some work to be done. When I went to get the work done, she went. Talking to the Doctor and staff in Spanish, even though they all spoke English, when we paid, we received a 25% discount that we didn’t even ask for.
We used to go to Mexico quite frequently to get drugs, and a friend had dental work when we went. I got a pair of glasses in Matamoras. We ate and never had an issue. All this stopped with the publicity of the cartels and border violence and as a result of 911. I don’t speak much Spanish and we have decided to stay on this side of the Rio Grand.
We have been going to Al Gadones now for 13 years, the second year had all 28 crowns at once, price 179 per crown compared to $1600 to 18 in the states. For 10 years no problems, she was a great dentist but you need to put up with the Mex minute. Don’t expect them to ever be on time. Every year get a cleaning and a big hug when she sees us. at 10 years had to replace one. I recommend using a dentist that some one had used just as a precaution. There are over 400 dentist in that 4 sq block area. We spend a day, with teeth, glasses, hair cut, pedicure, lunch and really enjoy the day except the 1-2 hr getting back across unless you do it early or late in the day.
There is a huge variation the “quality” of dental schools in Mexico. At least five them are allowed to have their grads work in California in rural areas.
Extensive bridgework and implants should be done by qualified dentists only, as they quite complicated with much to go wrong if not done properly. The same is true for orthodontics and other specialties.
Find out about the dentist and if he is a US grad or from one of the excellent Mexican schools before you go! (I am a retired dentist.)
You should consider doing an article for RV Travel on which of the schools are the accredited ones, what letters or certifications to look for on the dentist’s diploma, etc.
This article did lack A LOT!
I’m a retired dental hygienist who lives in OH. Each state will have its own professional license look-up. Poke around in the state .gov site you want to find a professional in. Ohio’s is:
https://elicense.ohio.gov/oh_verifylicense
Wait you lost me, I thought this article was about Mexico dental work, instead I read about shopping and eating!
I have a FANTASTIC dentist in the US right here in Yuma. I prefer to keep all of my business in the USA.
Again it sounds like for many it is “all about the money”.
The shopping and eating part was weird for me too…
$63,000 US Dollars!!!! vs $9,000. US Dollars! ?
It’s true, my dentist will even give you a quote.
It is when you’re talking about thousands.
I have had teeth cleaning done there. It was mediocre at best. While you should be careful to get a recommendation from someone who has had work done, you need to be careful with that as well. I know of one person who sang praises about a certain dentist there one year and two years later had to have the work completely redone. So longevity in results matter. I’d consider going again with more research.
Read something similar by a blogger a few years ago. Had a whole bunch of crowns done and then had to have them redone several years later when he had further problems with them. He was very happy that it was redone for no cost. But what is the cost to those teeth. They can only experience so much trauma and teeth undergo trauma when they are worked on.
Glad to hear you had a good experience. As a retired dental hygienist from Albuquerque, NM we saw some very scary dentistry from Mexico. Not confident of the sterility of the instruments as well. Please be careful.
As a dentist, I can tell you that I would never have dental work done in Mexico. For reasons ranging from infection control standards to simply sub-standard dental treatment. Quality and level of training is unknown. You will not know the quality of work which was completed, until it fails. Just like I would not seek out a bargain basement cardiac surgeon to operate on my heart, I would not entrust my oral health care to a multitude of unknown risk factors. The consequences can indeed be dire.
It’s all about the $$$$$$$$$$$ !
And as a dentist, maybe you should think about a trip to Algodones and meet with a couple of these dentists and find out why they’re undercutting your business by hundreds of thousands of dollars. Capitalism at its finest…
I have used dentists in Algondones often.. Dr Parra is top notch..Do you think Mexicans do not use dentists in their own towns and cities? How odd of you.. I know that Parras personally over the years..had a root canal done there in the 70s.. and I did not get infected etc ..and saved big bux over what was charged on this side of the border.. Also, when I needed medicine.. on this side it costs me over 100.00 for my prescription a month. there, 25,00 still sealed still made by Lilly.. go figure.
Been having teeth cleaning, crowns, and one root canal over the course of 20 years in Algodones, MX. The crowns look great and I have had no issues with any of them. Even the root canal (which I had heard would not be fun, even in the US) was painless. He is a specialist and only does root canals. All of their instruments are in sealed packages and not reused. I did get recommendations from several people that had been to this facility, so I was confident that it would be a good experience, and it has been for several years now.
What is the name of the practice?
The “comments” provide way more useful info than the article!
Thanks Nanci. Have been for both dental and shopping and have been happy. Crown done in ’93 still there.
My parents live in CA and have had dental and eye wear in Los Algodones for years and she still goes and she is 87. We started going 15 years ago and we live in NE. We have had everything done from crowns, root canals, veneers, implants, deep cleaning and fillings. Way cheaper than US. Our dentist there was educated in US and is a teacher. Her staff is very good also, trained and educated in their field. Each one of them is an expert in their specific area of dentistry. The owner/dentist also does not accept sub-par product either. We love them there, if you want info on who we see just email me.
What is your email? I am looking for a dentist.
Since Pam said in her comment to email her, I’ll email her address to you, and vice versa, so she doesn’t have to tell the whole world and maybe get spammed.😲 Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Part #1
Here is my dentist’s information. You can text her also at the same number.
Her name is Dr. Rosario Pereda Catalan, she goes by Dr. Perada (it’s easier for us). Her phone/text number is (928) 581-0867, she also has an email but I’ve never used it cdrpereda@hotmail.com.
She is on the internet under Desert Dental Algodones
https://www.desertdentalalgodones.com
Part #2
Sorry post was too long for one.
If you look at the pictures Our Happy Patients #8-10, that’s my sister, her and her husband, and then my parents with my sister and husband.
I wish you all the best experience as we have had all these years. You are more than welcome to use us as a reference if you want, Dennis and Pam from Nebraska
Sorry for being so long. Pamh
Thank you very much for your excellent recommendation and great contact information for your dentist, Pam! I know a lot of our readers (and maybe some of our writers) will appreciate it! Have a good night. 😀 –Diane
Match this story with the many horror tales around. I’ll pass
https://www.dentaldestinationscancun.com/
The Growing Popularity of Dental Tourism in Mexico: Why Cancun is Leading the Way
Dental tourism in Mexico, especially in Cancun, has become a top choice for international patients seeking affordable, high-quality care. With treatments up to 53% cheaper than in the U.S. or Canada,
No name of the dentist chosen after the bad experience with x-rays, why? Hiding something? This sounds like a made up story so forget about it
Thank you, Nanci, for the information and the recommendations! I have not been in Mexico, but DW was numerous times as a child when visiting grandparents in San Diego. Perhaps I will get there one day. Meanwhile, have a great weekend and safe travels!