Whether you’re on vacation or moving out of the country, you need to learn how to find the best dental clinic when you need oral healthcare overseas. Costa Rica is home to some quality dentists, but you might have trouble finding one due to the language barrier and unfamiliar scenery.
Follow these strategies so that you can get help with anything from a checkup to an emergency extraction.
Start with Reviews to Find the Best Dental Clinic
When you’re looking for the best dental clinic during your stay in Costa Rica, it’s important to read reviews. By seeing what other people are saying about their dental service, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect.
You can look into Google Reviews and Yelp in addition to sites dedicated to medical reviews. If you find reviews in Spanish, run them through a translation program. Don’t rely solely on star reviews.
Another option is to check the Facebook pages of the clinics you’re interested in. Here you may find genuine reviews and testimonials. You can even contact previous patients to see what their experience was like.
Check the dentist’s site as well to see their background and how long they’ve been in practice. Look up the dentists independently so that you can learn where they went to school and other relevant information.
Look for photos, videos, and virtual tours to get a feel for their practice. You should also visit in person and speak with the dentists.
Contact Your Dental Insurance Provider
It’s important that you touch base with your dental insurance provider to see if the work will be covered.
A lot of these plans have clauses that allow you to get dental care when you’re out of the country. Contact them ahead of time so that you can review your plan and ensure you can get the help you need.
In many cases, your dental insurance provider will be able to direct you to affiliate dentists in Costa Rica.
Know What Kind of Service You’re Looking for
It’s easier to get quality dental service when you know what you’re searching for.
For instance, you might choose a particular dentist for getting a dental implant and go to another one for a teeth whitening. By knowing what these dental pros specialize in, you’ll be able to get the specific care you need.
Consult different dental providers and discuss your options. Inquire about their rates and payment plans as well.
Find ADA Volunteers
In general, you’re in good hands when you need to find quality dental professionals in Costa Rica. The country happens to be home to some of the best dentists in the world.
Part of the reason for this is that dental tourism is very popular in Costa Rica. There are several ADA certified dental professionals who travel to this region for volunteer opportunities, continued training and education, and internships.
Dental professionals are attracted by the weather and opportunity, so you shouldn’t feel as though you’re getting subpar service in this country.
There’s a good chance that you can find ADA volunteers or dental students who can handle basic dental work for next to nothing. Look up some of these professionals to see what types of opportunities exist.
Figure Out Ahead of Time What the Service Will Cost You
It’s vital that you learn about the cost of dental service before you sign up for it.
Ask your dentist in advance for an estimated bill, and they will let be glad to assist you. Compare these rates to what you might pay if the dentist accepts your dental insurance plan.
Once you get billing estimates, take the time to speak to a few different dental clinics. This will allow you to compare their prices on a like-for-like basis and get a fair price.
Since dental work isn’t exactly cheap, never go with the first price you get unless it’s reasonable.
Get Copies of Your Dental Records
Make sure you keep the dental records after leaving the clinic. This will allow you to build a strong and accurate dental history.
When you get home, touch base with your dental professional and pass the records along. This way, they will have something to build on if you require followup service.
You will also want to pass this documentation along to your dental insurance provider. Even if you don’t have provisions for international service, many providers will at least partially reimburse you for the work.
If you travel to Costa Rica often, you will also want to keep records so you can return to the dentist if you need any further service. Keep copies in both physical and digital form for your own records and peace of mind.
Take Great Care Whenever You Need Dental Work
The more you know about getting professional dental work, the easier it will be for you to receive the care that you need when you need it. Take the time to find the best dental clinic, research your options, and compare prices.
This is an industry that’s continually evolving, so do what you can to stay up to date with the latest dental news.
If you’re ever in Costa Rica and need the help of a skilled dental professional, we’ll be glad to help you out. Look us up and stop by our site to learn more about the dental services we offer. Contact us to see how we can help!
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