Did you know that for certain procedures you can save more than $4000 by going to a dentist in Costa Rica instead of one in the USA?
Costa Rica is one of the most cost-effective countries to visit for dental tourism. Not only that but there are literally dozens of beautiful landscapes and attractions that make a trip out here affordable, fun, and exciting for the whole family.
It’s an easy choice. You can either spend upwards of $5000 for one visit in an American office, or you can pay less than $1000 at a Costa Rican dentist and use the rest of the money on a much-needed vacation.
If you’ve decided to go with option B, just know you’re not alone. Over 400,000 Americans traveled outside the country for dental work in 2013, and that number has continued to grow since then.
So what are you waiting for? It’s time to discuss how to make your dental tourism trip a success.
Here are our 6 tips for finding a great dentist in Costa Rica.
1. Understand Your Dental Needs
The first step to determining the best dentist to visit in Costa Rica is understanding your dental needs.
While there are many talented dentists our here, some specialize only in a few procedures. Knowing what procedure you need will make it easier to ask questions and determine the best dentist for you.
The most advantageous trips are the ones where a large amount of dental work needs to be completed. Some good examples of this are dental crowns and implants.
If you are preparing to get dental crowns in Costa Rica check out our comprehensive guide! You’ll want to make sure the place you pick can handle all of your needs.
2. Do a Quick Google Search
The next step is the simplest, check on Google! This will give you a good idea of some of the places out there.
However, it’s important to note that not all of the information out there is accurate. Don’t let Google be the last stop in the search for you. Try finding alternative ways to learn more about the dental offices.
One way you can do this is through referrals.
If you don’t know anyone in Costa Rica, post on your social media accounts. People love to give advice and you’re sure to get a couple of leads.
If you have family and friends out in Costa Rica, don’t forget to leverage their knowledge as well. A personal recommendation can go a long way.
3. Check their Certification
Many dentists outside of the country go through extensive training and classes to become USA certified.
You can even verify that their certifications are accurate is through unbiased websites. Two examples of this are the American Dental Association and the American College of Prosthodontist.
Both these organizations have places where you can search for a certified and verified dentist. If dentists claim to be certified, but you can’t seem to find them in one of the searches, that’s a major red flag.
4. Search for Reviews
Testimonials and reviews are extra tools you can use to gain a better understanding of the facility. Unfortunately, it is harder to verify the authenticity of reviews than it is the certification.
Even if the people leaving reviews and testimonials are real people, they still might have some unknown bias towards the company. Some dentists might ask friends or family to write reviews for them.
If the dental office has a hundred or more reviews, those reviews will most likely be more realistic than an office that has 10 or 15.
Another helpful tip is to look for before and after shots. Many people will post these shots either on social media or give it to the office to use.
These photos can give you an idea of the kind of work that the offices have completed. Perhaps you’ll even be able to see how they’ve handled cases similar to yours.
5. Talk with the Office
One of the best ways to get to know the potential dentist in Costa Rica is to talk with their office. Just be wary of long-distance phone call fees when you do.
Calling the office will give you a good idea of how easy they are to work with and how they treat their customers.
While you are on the phone with them, ask them any lingering questions left from your research. This is your time to really interview them, and get to know as much as you can.
Most dentists understand that you feel nervous about traveling to a different country for your dental work. The best dental offices will take the time to answer your questions and help you feel that this is the best plan for you.
And if they don’t?
Well, then there are probably better dental offices out there that you should find.
6. Talk with Your Insurance Provider
The final step in choosing a dentist in Costa Rica is to see if they work with your insurance provider.
Even though the procedures are less expensive, prices can still add up and take a toll out of your wallet. Luckily though, that’s what insurance is for!
Many dentists in Costa Rica work with American insurance companies. However, even if you know that the office has worked with your insurance, it’s still important to talk with your representative ahead of time.
On the other hand, if you don’t have dental insurance, as 40% of Americans claim, you’ll have to cover all of the costs yourself. Be sure to take into account the cost of flights, hotels, and food as you plan your trip.
Find a Dentist in Costa Rica
Finding a dentist in Costa Rica doesn’t seem so bad now, does it? If you’re still worried just follow our 8 simple rules and you’ll have a fantastic dental trip.
Need some help getting started? Send us a message. We love helping people get the best dental service they deserve!
Related:
https://advancedentalcostarica.com/about-dr-eugenio-brenes/
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