A trip to the dentist is not what many would consider as a vacation. Despite greater health care coverage, medical tourism to Mexico is still booming. American seniors are crossing the border in greater numbers for dental care.
While the majority of Americans have dental insurance, only about 30 percent of senior citizens are insured, according to a report by Oral Health America. A major reason is because Medicare doesn’t cover dental care. Seniors could get dental insurance if they buy general health coverage, but usually seniors don’t need it.
Uninsured or underinsured seniors often require the most expensive dental work such as implants and false teeth. So, many are seeking cheaper care in Mexico, where certain areas cater to medical tourists. In these areas, Mexican dentists speak English and even accept U.S. insurance. For those paying out-of-pocket, the prices are unbeatable.
Los Algodones is a virtual dental factory. Roughly 350 dentists work within a few blocks of downtown, according to NPR. Because of the low prices and fast service, most patients come for major work.
Mark Bolzern told the Associated Press that seeing a dentist in Los Algodones had saved him $62,000. He was told he needed extensive dental work. His dentist in the U.S. said it would cost $65,000. Bolzern sought an alternative at a dental school, but even work done by students would cost $35,000.
He paid $3,000 in Mexico and has returned several times for more work.
The cost of dental care continues to climb at a rate of 5 percent each year. Many dental plans have limited coverage and saddle patients with high deductibles.
Mexico has lower costs because of cheaper labor and fewer regulations. Residents in border towns like El Paso, Texas make the trip to Mexico for basic medical needs and prescription medications. There are medical travel agencies in the U.S. for various medical services including bariatric surgery and dental care. Some companies offer shuttle from Phoenix to Los Algodones, making the trip more convenient.
The travel review sight, Trip Advisor, has a lengthy discussion about dental care in Los Algodones.
Going to Mexico, Canada or even Thailand for medical care and various surgeries has been going on for many years. .
Matthew Messina, a dentist and consumer adviser on behalf of the American Dental Association told the Associated Press that Americans should do research before they go. Different countries use different types of equipment, and some items, such as implants, may not have warranties. Malpractice lawsuits may not be an option.
Dentists in Los Algodones say they attend less school than their U.S. counterparts, but spend more time practicing clinical work. They say they practice the same safety standards as American dentists and have offices that are just as clean.
José Obed Zuñiga has been a dentist in Los Algodones for a decade and told the Associated Press: “Everything, the quality, is very similar to the United States.”
