Even with decent dental insurance, some dental procedures can be prohibitively expensive in the U.S. The high costs cause some patients to delay or forgo treatment entirely, which often results in oral health issues down the line. Fortunately for people in the San Diego area, low-cost dental services are available just minutes away across the border. If you need to have expensive dental work done but you’re unsure about traveling out of the country for care, here’s everything you need to know about dental work in Tijuana.
Is it safe to travel to Mexico for dental work?
Traveling to Tijuana for dental work is as easy and secure as travel within the U.S. Thousands of people walk and drive across the border between Tijuana and San Diego for work, study, medical or dental procedures, and entertainment every day. The local, state, and federal authorities have made visitor safety and security a priority. As long as you practice common sense and follow the same safety guidelines you would for any other type of domestic or international travel, your visit to Tijuana for dental work should be a perfectly safe and pleasant experience.
How do I know if a dentist in Tijuana is qualified?
All dentists in Tijuana Mexico are required to complete the same educational standards and hands-on experience as dentists in the U.S., and reputable dental offices must be licensed as well. This ensures that you will receive the same quality of care on either side of the border.
How do dental clinics in Tijuana compare with U.S. clinics?
Dental offices are rather similar throughout the U.S., and Mexico is no different. Dental clinics in Tijuana are clean, professional, and use the same modern high-tech equipment and advanced sterilization techniques as dentists in the U.S. Also, because American patients are a large part of Tijuana-based dentists’ customer base, almost all office personnel speak fluent English.
What is the difference in price between dentists in the U.S. and Mexico?
Although the same materials are used for dental procedures in the U.S. and Mexico, you can expect savings of about 50-75% at Mexican clinics. For example, the average cost of a dental crown in the U.S. is $1,200-$2,000, while in Mexico dental crown it’s closer to $250-$600. The difference in cost makes a huge difference with pricier dental services like dental implants and cosmetic procedures, especially those that are not covered by most U.S.-based dental insurance policies.
Why is dental work less expensive in Mexico than the U.S.?
Almost everything is less expensive in Mexico, even without considering the currency exchange rate that favors U.S. dollars. For dental offices in Mexico, overhead costs such as rent, payroll, supplies, materials, etc. are much lower than in the U.S., so naturally the cost to customers (patients) is significantly lower as well. Also, dental school is subsidized in Mexico, which mean dentists do not need high profit margins to help pay off student loans—and because dental students in Mexico don’t have to work multiple jobs to support themselves while in school, there is an argument to be made that graduates are more focused and experienced than their U.S. counterparts.
Can I get dental prescriptions filled in Mexico?
If your dental procedure requires a prescription for pain relievers, antibiotics, steroids, or other related medications, you can get it filled same-day at most Mexican pharmacies, which also offer substantially lower prices compared to pharmacies in the U.S.
What else do I need to know about traveling to Tijuana for dental care?
If you’re traveling to Mexico from the U.S., you will need a passport to cross the border back into the U.S. A standard passport book works, but there are also passport cards for frequent border crossers that are only valid for road crossings, not flights. As for payment, most dental offices in Tijuana will take credit cards, which is safer and more convenient, but you might incur exchange rate fees and other credit card costs. Using cash is acceptable as well, but in general, it’s not the best idea to travel with large amounts of cash, regardless of the destination.
High-quality dental care at affordable prices in Tijuana
If you’re looking to save money on dental costs, BioDental Care in Tijuana offers high-quality services at much lower dental prices compared to U.S. dentists. We offer a wide range of services, from regular cleanings to full-mouth dental implants. For more information or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (619) 754-8508.
