Would you go to Mexico to get dental work? (Phoenix: RV park, camp)

[mike b1]

If they were allowed to practice in the U.S., they would. Mexican dentists charge one third of what an American dentist does, so I'm sure the profit margin is much lower also. Many times, they will have some certificate on the wall saying they are American trained, but that probably means they attended some seminar, not that they graduated from 4 years of a U.S. dental college. We have rigorous standards here for a reason, and I seriously doubt that Mexican dentists could pass the U.S. dental boards. I live 6 miles from the border, and have noticed that Quality and perfectionism is alien to the culture.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by shadow91

After finding 49 bodies with no heads, feet or hands, noooooooooooooooo way!!!

Originally Posted by Boompa

You understand that is the equivilent of saying you wouldn't visit Wyoming because there were murders in Arizona

Unfortunately, Boompa . . .

That particular scenario is more the norm than the exception. Sadly, there are many many more mass murders all over the country, some being much more than 49 victims, we never hear about.

[Ponderosa]

I have never been to a dentist in Nogales or Juarez, so I can't speak for those places. I think I would avoid them because those are "real" towns with real town problems, especially these days. Going to Los Algodones is nothing like going to Nogales. It's kind of like visiting a dental theme park - the Disneyland of teeth. Anyone who is telling you that Los Algodones is not a safe place or that you can't get dental work there every bit as good as in the US for a fraction of the cost has never been there and does not know what they are talking about. You simply would not come away from the experience with that kind of an attitude about it.

[Boompa]

Originally Posted by Bummer

Unfortunately, Boompa . . .

That particular scenario is more the norm than the exception. Sadly, there are many many more mass murders all over the country, some being much more than 49 victims, we never hear about.

I can see Mexico from my yard, please tell me all about it

[jimj]

Originally Posted by Boompa

I can see Mexico from my yard, please tell me all about it

Well, being you're over 320 miles from Yuma and Algodones I'd bet maybe he could tell you a bit. Algodones is definitely NOT Nogales. I've been to both and would never set foot in Nogales again.

[tijlover]

Originally Posted by mike b1

If they were allowed to practice in the U.S., they would. Mexican dentists charge one third of what an American dentist does, so I'm sure the profit margin is much lower also. Many times, they will have some certificate on the wall saying they are American trained, but that probably means they attended some seminar, not that they graduated from 4 years of a U.S. dental college. We have rigorous standards here for a reason, and I seriously doubt that Mexican dentists could pass the U.S. dental boards. I live 6 miles from the border, and have noticed that Quality and perfectionism is alien to the culture.

Ok, now let's hear from the all-too-many in the U.S. who have had substandard dental care in this country, from those who have passed the U.S. dental boards, or should we start another thread for that, which will entail hundreds of postings?

I don't have to go very far, just to stories from some of my co-workers!

I just got back a few weeks ago from Algodones (first time, as I usually go to Tijuana) for a crown. Talked to a number of Canadians who fly down there for dental work, as I learned how expensive dental work is in Canada.

I was told I have an older crown (which I had done in Tijuana 8-9 years ago) that needs replacement, but I'm going to have that done in Nogales, as I planning on moving to Tucson next year, so I may as well line up a dentist there. Or, I could go furthur south and get it done cheaper in Hermosillo. The furthur away from the border, as you'd expect, the cheaper it gets!

This is what irks me about Border dentists, as I've had much cheaper dental work much furthur south (Central America) is they know it takes courage enough to cross the Border today, and they reason: they certainly aren't going to go furthur south for cheaper work, so they charge accordingly!

I also found that the prices got cheaper the furthur I walked in Algodones, avoiding those closest to the Border! Perhaps they pay the highest rent!

[khuntrevor]

I got 8 years out of a Mexican crown, but then needed a root canal and new crown from the thai dentist. my dad has gotten 35 years out of a few of his American Crowns.

[adventuregurl]

Originally Posted by khuntrevor

I got 8 years out of a Mexican crown, but then needed a root canal and new crown from the thai dentist. my dad has gotten 35 years out of a few of his American Crowns.

That doesn't mean it's the dentist's fault, it could be the state of your tooth. Teeth can decay under a crown, I didn't know this until it happened to me recently and that was a US crown installed in 2003.

[MICHAEL J]

Went to Algodones one time about 8 years ago and saw a female dentist... don't remember her name but she was recommended by a friend. She said I had three cavities and wanted to fill them for $20.00 US each. I decided to wait on the fillings. Upon my return to Havasu I found a dentist and made an appointment for a routine cleaning. After the cleaning he said I had no cavities and my teeth were in perfect shape. I've been seeing him twice a year for cleaning since and still have no cavities.

Another lady friend of mine went to Algodones in 2006 for some dental work and got infection in her lower jaw clear down into the jawbone. She went through several surgeries in Phoenix and 2 years of misery because of it.

Just my 2 cents. I'm sure you can find good and bad dentists anywhere.

[Boompa]

Originally Posted by jimj

Well, being you're over 320 miles from Yuma and Algodones I'd bet maybe he could tell you a bit. Algodones is definitely NOT Nogales. I've been to both and would never set foot in Nogales again.

I've been to Algodones at least ten times, you?

The US is is both north and east of algodones and there is only one small road heading into Mexico from the town.