Is Dental Tourism truly an Option?

Due to the rising costs of dental and medical treatment in North America, many patients either settle for less quality or seek treatment in foreign countries. Those that excel as medical tourism options are countries like Mexico, Hungary, Thailand, India, and of course, Costa Rica. The idea of dental tourism causes debate within professional circles and interested patients because although the cost of treatment is perceptibly less and the option of an adjoining vacation is appealing, some still object. Here are three of these objections.

Dental standards are not the same as in North America.

This is absolutely right. However, just because something is foreign does not mean it is inferior. Countries generally have boards or colleges of dentists that regulate the quality of not only dental education but also dental practices, and sanitary regulations. There are dentists whose professional practices have even higher standards than those in North America. In fact, because cost is so much an issue there, dentists tend to offer the most accessible materials and treatment options, notwithstanding the contraindications in these. Take for example crowns. Most dentists in North America will offer metal-porcelain crowns, whereas the standard in foreign countries is full-porcelain or zirconium crowns because of their esthetics and their durability. The same situation happens with the option of full mouth reconstructions, the type of dentures, the option of root canals and other procedures.  At least at the Costa Rica Dental Team, we are confident to say our dental standards are higher than those in North America.

Foreign countries have language barriers.

Of course, language barriers can be a problem with dental tourism. However, globalization has made English so widespread that most people are trained in some degree, however basic, in the language. Now, in seeking medical and dental treatments it is very important to find doctors who can communicate fluently and clearly. In Costa Rica, most dental professionals are acquainted with the language because dental schools require it at graduation. At the Costa Rica Dental Team, we take care the entire staff, even the front office, is fluent in your language.

Dental tourism does not offer continuity of care.

When a new patient arrives at a dental clinic, he or she will be asked to state her medical condition previous to the start of treatment. The same happens whenever a patient changes his doctor even if it is within the same country. It is also common, and ethical, for practices to release the information related to the patient in benefit of his health, whenever requested by him. By this means, the doctor is able to plan and diagnose correctly. Now, if the patient is able to, the best solution for ideal continuity is to have him stay for some time after the treatment, especially after surgical procedures, in order to attend follow up visits. Since most dental tourism clinics are acquainted with this problem, it is also important to seek those who guarantee their work. In this way, even if unforeseeable circumstances happen, the practice will respond to the situation. At the Costa Rica Dental Team, we offer an incredible 10-year replacement warranty for fracture or chipping of crowns, bridges, and dentures.

There is no reason to be afraid of dental tourism in Costa Rica. The key is to find the clinic that gives you the most confidence based on its experience, skills, and customer reviews. We invite you to inquire about the Costa Rica Dental Team and the quality we offer. With our personalized, detailed, and caring attention, our goal is that you get more than what you pay for.

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