Any recommendations for a dentist in Bangkok? I am headed to Shanghai, then Bangkok next week. Just broke a crown. No time for a repair in the US. Any suggestions appreciated.
This says a lot about the Charge Masters that American medical care providers use. Of course, they accept a lot less from insurance companies but those without insurance get slammed with the Charge Master rates.
My French wife came to me 25 years with extensive dental work, almost all of which has had to be redone over the years. Guess like the Trojans I should have looked a gift horse in the mouth. And perhaps single payer universal healthcare isn't all it's cracked up to be when it comes to dental.
1
I'd add Romania to the list of places for high quality dental tourism. There are many modern dental offices there with prices that are about a quarter of US prices.
I am a dentist. I am a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry (1974). Several years ago one of my patients who is Polish had moved to the US after marrying a British citizen who worked in our area. She needed quite a lot of dental work and asked me if I would be angry if she went back to Poland for her dental treatment which would cost much less than if she had it done here. I told her that I would not be upset and that she should do whatever she felt comfortable with doing. She had the work done in Poland. She returned to my office a few months later for her check-up. The dental work, which was extensive crown and bridge, was without fault. The occlusion (bite) was correct and the margins of the crowns were as good as or better than much of the US dentistry I see from day to day. We have this attitude in the US that we are better than everyone at everything and that just is not true.
29
Thank you. I just commented on a related piece so I won't repeat everything, but the fact is the only reason I can finally get all my implant work done (bone grafts, too) is because I am going to Cancun to have it done - saving me at least $15,000 over having it done at home, even with airfare and hotel included.
4
And what was your backup plan to deal with any complications from these dental procedures? I am astonished that you would dispense with an ongoing relationship with a trusted medical professional to save such a small amount of money. If I were to quantify the value of dealing with someone who has treated me (successfully) for 10 years and whom I can return to almost immediately for any unexpected complications, it's way more than the little you saved.
1
Patients who travel internationally can purchase coverage specifically to cover complications for medical or dental care. The coverage will pay for additional procedures and travel expenses. There are mulitple products out there that address your question.
2
The defensive, fear mongering by US physicians in these comments is borderline absurd. So many posters pick stories of patients with failed outcomes from non-accredited and unqualified clinics in such locations as northern Mexico.
To act like the care is always first class in the USA is ridiculous. First of all, as reported by the NY Times, most US hospital errors go unreported. Not to mention the # of Deaths in American Hospitals Due to Medication Errors is Equivalent To More Than One Fully-Loaded 747 Crash Each Day For a Year! See this: https://www.propublica.org/article/how-many-die-from-medical-mistakes-in...
To act like the care is always first class in the USA is ridiculous. First of all, as reported by the NY Times, most US hospital errors go unreported. Not to mention the # of Deaths in American Hospitals Due to Medication Errors is Equivalent To More Than One Fully-Loaded 747 Crash Each Day For a Year! See this: https://www.propublica.org/article/how-many-die-from-medical-mistakes-in...
18
There seems to be a certain mindset in the USA, especially among providers that it is ok to have two sets of standards (US and Foreign) when it comes to acceptance of risk. As if almost nothing ever goes wrong in the states and if it does, it should be accepted. Whereas it is almost assumed that care abroad is always substandard regardless of location. And this pervasive midset exists without considering actual statisitical data, only anecdotes.
Definitely appears to be a fear of disruptive competition among doctors and dentists.
Definitely appears to be a fear of disruptive competition among doctors and dentists.
14
That you have to do copious amounts of online research at all just for some routine dental work is insane. This country deserves single payer health care under Medicaid or Medicare.
27
I had vision correction surgery done in Tijuana. I couldn't get the procedure done here because the lenses for astigmatism are still waiting FDA approval (the regular ones are but then I would have had to have Lasik done in addition to the lens inserts). My vision is too poor for Lasik. I went to a doctor recommended by my ophthalmologist. in fact he had been to the facility and was very impressed. I was too. They pick you up at the San Diego airport. The down side are the terrible hotels in TJ. Many seniors go to have cataract surgery. It is half price or less. I could have had it done in Canada near Niagara Falls but that doctor's office wasn't easy to deal with and it was easier to use frequent flyer miles to SD than train or drive to Canada.
6
My mother is 58 and went to Colombia go get a myriad of dental bridges put in. It was very cheap but a year later there were some infections which she had to fix in the US. The pain and the new doctors bill added up . This articles ignores a huge part of it which is ...what if something goes wrong ??
My mom later on went to Columbia to get a pair of breast implants which came at a very low cost compared to the United States. This week her right breast is in pain and she has to fly back ... once again there is no assurance that everything will stay in place
My mom later on went to Columbia to get a pair of breast implants which came at a very low cost compared to the United States. This week her right breast is in pain and she has to fly back ... once again there is no assurance that everything will stay in place
1
When I asked my dentist about Americans and other who travel to have dental work done, he said it was not a good idea. He told me that doctors often use inferior material (lead mixture instead of silver for example), to save on costs so you cannot be sure what you are getting under the surface of things. A vacation to a paradise country is one thing, but where is the guarantee that proper work is being done? Wish someone would crunch the numbers and give us more stats on this kind of thing, and help the public who may have designs of their own on saving money and having a great vacation at the same time, save bundles of money.
4
Until a rigorous comparison is done of equivalent practitioners and practices in America vs. other countries, there is no way to know if the rate of problems and complications is higher abroad than it is I the US. The doctors and dentists who decry foreign work are silent about substandard work by American dentists. And anecdotal reports are not empirical.
Take Thailand, for example. There are excellent dentists and poor quality ones. But the same is true here, although the percentages might vary as a result of licensing. You need to do your homework wherever you go.
I speak as someone whose father died as a result of a tooth exaction done in the good ole US of A.
Take Thailand, for example. There are excellent dentists and poor quality ones. But the same is true here, although the percentages might vary as a result of licensing. You need to do your homework wherever you go.
I speak as someone whose father died as a result of a tooth exaction done in the good ole US of A.
17
Finding a good dentist is no easy thing. I'm a dentist living in France and working in Switzerland. I have also worked in Germany and France (briefly) and I found that the treatment approach is so different from what I learned in my training in the US that I would hesitate to have dental treatment in either France or Germany. Non-dentists probably don't imagine that there can be huge differences in treatment practices in one country versus another, nor can they properly evaluate what the most conservative approach is nor who the best dentist might be. So many variables! Yeah, you could say the same about a US dentist, but I'd prefer to take my chances in the US or Switzerland because you can't undo a poorly done dental procedure.
Also, choosing a dentist essentially based on hearsay is kind of scary to me. Especially since I've seen first-hand "great dentistry" done abroad. If at all possible, try going to a dental school for lower prices but high quality work. Many of the restorations I placed 30 years ago are still going strong.
Also, choosing a dentist essentially based on hearsay is kind of scary to me. Especially since I've seen first-hand "great dentistry" done abroad. If at all possible, try going to a dental school for lower prices but high quality work. Many of the restorations I placed 30 years ago are still going strong.
6
Very interesting and sad that the most advanced and wealthiest country won't provide quality affordable healthcare to it's residents. SAD!!!
29
Also infuriating. And, I ask myself, WHY is dental care, which is so important to overall health, considered completely separate?
10
What about Cuba?
I have heard only good things, and it is a magnet for medical training through out the Americas and much of the world.
I have heard only good things, and it is a magnet for medical training through out the Americas and much of the world.
5
Cuba has some excellent facilities, including a state of the art dental clinic. I visited there last November and was very impressed with both the staff and facility.
4
Can you provide me with more detail? Just spent 6K on two implants Tuesday. Would go to Cuba to have the rest done.
2
My husband just got back from Mexico (where he's originally from). He went to visit family, but also to have dental work done. Since he's from there he went to a regular dentist and not one that caters to tourists. This said he was able to get a lot of dental work done. We ended up spending $4000 there on work we were told would cost over $20,000 by our dentist here!
11
I've traveled Canada from Pacific to Atlantic for almost 50 years, so awhile back when my U.S. dentist quoted me a sticker-shock price for some major work, I flew across the border -- it's close for a lot of Americans -- and had the work done by a first-rate dentist in Calgary. Dr. L. was a graduate of one of Canada's best schools, had great chairside manner, and charged me less than half the U.S. price. I had solid dental insurance, so it wasn't the money, but the principal. Naturally, the dentist here tried to diss Dr. L. with no facts. Once again, our neighbors to the north were a shining beacon in healthcare.
37
Rob: "Once again, our neighbors to the north were a shining beacon in healthcare."
You should really consider moving there, Rob.
You should really consider moving there, Rob.
2
It is not un-American to want the best for our own country. Our healthcare system wastes resources and results in high profits for a limited few and low quality for most. It is not un-patriotic to admire another country when it does something well. Because I love my country, I want the best for us, including the best healthcare. I don't measure the best by how well our healthcare is working for the 1% but rather by how well it is working for most Americans.
15
Don't worry, many people are!
2
Try Germany. We have a dual health care system (public single-payer plus private), so anyone can visit and get top quality treatment here, no questions asked. Doctors are bound to a catalog with mandatory prices for medical procedures. You can research it online in advance (GOÄ "Gebührenordnung für Ärzte"). If I were to live in the USA, I'd always fly back to get treatment here, if only for the comfort of knowing that my doctor is in it to help people and not to get rich.
27
Doctors aren't paid in Germany?
Interesting.
Interesting.
1
precisely where did the comment on which you made your remark state or imply the doctors in Germany are not paid?
and that said, you are aware that Physicians in other developed world countries are indeed paid a good deal less than American doctors while delivering comparable care based on outcome measures ,at a far lower price , as evidenced by the percent of medical expenses against GDP for those countries versus the roughly 16% of American GDP that goes to medical expenses?
Let me be clear. I do not blame the doctors solely. It is the insurance companies and the pharmaceutical companies that are much more responsible for the much higher cost of Healthcare in the United States
nor should you forget that the cost of treating the uninsured in the United States are passed on to everybody else in the form of higher premiums for insurance. a situation which will only worsen with the passage of the Republican repeal and replace of the Affordable Care Act , has anyone but the House Republicans no even without the scoring of their proposed legislation by the Congressional budget office. indeed it was laughable slash pathetic to observe Republican Congressman Steve king of Iowa try to respond to the question post him of how many of his constituents would lose insurance coverage under the repeal and replace, he had no idea. Ignorance is bliss when you are mindlessly committed to an ideological position
and that said, you are aware that Physicians in other developed world countries are indeed paid a good deal less than American doctors while delivering comparable care based on outcome measures ,at a far lower price , as evidenced by the percent of medical expenses against GDP for those countries versus the roughly 16% of American GDP that goes to medical expenses?
Let me be clear. I do not blame the doctors solely. It is the insurance companies and the pharmaceutical companies that are much more responsible for the much higher cost of Healthcare in the United States
nor should you forget that the cost of treating the uninsured in the United States are passed on to everybody else in the form of higher premiums for insurance. a situation which will only worsen with the passage of the Republican repeal and replace of the Affordable Care Act , has anyone but the House Republicans no even without the scoring of their proposed legislation by the Congressional budget office. indeed it was laughable slash pathetic to observe Republican Congressman Steve king of Iowa try to respond to the question post him of how many of his constituents would lose insurance coverage under the repeal and replace, he had no idea. Ignorance is bliss when you are mindlessly committed to an ideological position
2
I have a patient who just had a dental implant done in Mexico. It replaced his lateral incisor tooth that broke off at/below the gum line while he was visiting friends in Arizona. He already has an implant in the canine position, and had he just asked me, I would have told him not to get another implant at all. A common and well documented restorative technique is to use his existing implant in the canine position to support a missing lateral incisor without the need for another implant.
Techniques differ by training. He saved about $600 on his implant by doing it in Mexico, but he didn't need it.
Techniques differ by training. He saved about $600 on his implant by doing it in Mexico, but he didn't need it.
5
From a fancy Greenwich Village dentist I bought a small bridge for $3000 from which I only got 3 years of use because that dentist didn't evaluate me correctly. What's your point?
10
Caveat emptor. As an anesthesiologist, I see quite a few patients who present for revision/redo operations due to complications from mostly plastic and bariatric procedures done in Mexico. US physicians/hospitals are not immune from having complications and we're far more expensive than other countries for reasons out of my control, but at least in this country you know what you're getting: a professional nursing staff, a US board certified surgeon, a US board certified anesthesiologist, an operation performed in a Joint Commission accredited facility that is continually hounded on quality measures, and a medicolegal environment that ensures everyone involved cares about complications and follow up.
16
This article has nothing to do with "frugal" but a whole lot to do with vacations that feature dental work as a sideline.
Who has the time and money to travel, stay in hotels, etc. just to save some money on dental (or medical) bills? Answer: those who already have some sort of disposable income in the first place.
I know so many people who cannot even afford to visit a dentist in the U.S., let alone spend money on planes, trains, and hotels. For them, it is a question of food and medicine, utilities, rent, etc. versus getting dental work done or going to the doctor.
How is traipsing to another country (with a 17 month old child, no less) feasible for the majority of people who barely scrape by?
This article tells more about the deplorable United States health system than it does about "saving" money.
Who has the time and money to travel, stay in hotels, etc. just to save some money on dental (or medical) bills? Answer: those who already have some sort of disposable income in the first place.
I know so many people who cannot even afford to visit a dentist in the U.S., let alone spend money on planes, trains, and hotels. For them, it is a question of food and medicine, utilities, rent, etc. versus getting dental work done or going to the doctor.
How is traipsing to another country (with a 17 month old child, no less) feasible for the majority of people who barely scrape by?
This article tells more about the deplorable United States health system than it does about "saving" money.
50
Well put.
9
It's not feasible for the people barely scraping by, but that doesn't mean that an article on saving thousands of dollars on medical work doesn't have value. Is it ok with you if some articles are targeted to the middle class?
More and more of us are freelancers. We have flexibility and time as assets more than money. Our income streams are irregular, so saving is important. Our insurance is paid for completely by ourselves, so we often get the cheapest, and no employer is providing even partial dental/vision coverage.
This article has value even if it doesn't help the poorest of the poor (is there any article in the Travel section that significantly would help them?).
More and more of us are freelancers. We have flexibility and time as assets more than money. Our income streams are irregular, so saving is important. Our insurance is paid for completely by ourselves, so we often get the cheapest, and no employer is providing even partial dental/vision coverage.
This article has value even if it doesn't help the poorest of the poor (is there any article in the Travel section that significantly would help them?).
6
Funny you write this now... I had an emergency tooth-pull last summer in Austria, and now face exorbitant bills for the implant -- with potential for complications. Just last week I suggested to my husband that, since I'll be in land again next summer, perhaps I should just wait and go to the 'fancy clinic' that caters to 'high-end international guests' (read: Russians), even thought I'm neither. Their rate is about 2/3 of what my potential bill is here. And that's the inflated rate, for foreigners without AT comprehensive healthcare!
Reading about people going to the developing world for such work, makes me feel more secure about engaging in such in an OECD country...
Reading about people going to the developing world for such work, makes me feel more secure about engaging in such in an OECD country...
8
One problem with going abroad for care is timing, as well as follow-up. A couple of years ago I had a tooth extraction followed by an implant. Besides being incredibly expensive, it took a long time with many visits. This subject was discussed on a travel forum, and there were a number of people who pointed out that with cheap inter-Europe flights, people from, say, Britain could go to places like the Czech Republic for medical procedures that required multiple visits, but that isn't practical for Americans. On the other hand, some here have mentioned Mexico or South American countries where that might be doable.
3
Every year we go to Mexico. When I needed two implants i had the work done in Mexico. The price was one half of US prices and i saved $4,000.
9
Actually the crazy thing is to have basic procedures done in the US if not covered. This winter in Mexico I had my teeth cleaned and my eyes checked. Both offices were gleaming and spotless with ultra-modern equipment. The professionals were attentive, thorough, careful and knowledgable and spoke English well (though I communicated in Spanish personally). There were no appointments, bureaucracy, insurance forms or paperwork beyond the basic sign-ins and I had same day service. Total costs were $65 for the two visits. Do these things in the US? Never again.
22
David: Friends of mine have had great dental care at Washington Dental Clinic in Tijuana, Mexico. You park on the American side of the border and walk through. I think they pay for taxi or shuttle to and from their office. Look up their website for details, prices, etc.
6
One reason that some of these medical procedures are so much cheaper in other countries is because of universal health care and strict legislation and regulation of both the medical and health insurance branches. The author and other medical tourists are in a way freeriders, benefiting from a system they never paid for. The places globalization takes us never ceases to amaze. Can we finally fix our own health care system so this quest for affordable care will no longer be necessary?
47
Good luck. If anything it's about to get worse.
17
What you describe is not accurate, at least not for many countries. I have had medical work done in Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Namibia, and all those health systems have both public and private services. The public health system is subsidized by taxpayers and is usually for poor people. People who have the means go to professionals in private practice, which is what I did in all the above-mentioned countries. Excellent care at a fraction of the price it would have cost here in the US. I am now facing a dental implant, which encompasses four or five visits in a period of six to eight months. Unfortunately, I cannot do it abroad, and it will cot me over US$10,000 in the US.
3
There's no way to take advantage of the system. At least not in Germany. If you're not insured, you'll have to pay. However, and that's the point, even then it's like 2-5 times cheaper than in the U.S.
5
As I read this article, I'm sitting in the dentist office in Marches region with my daughter having braces worked on. One of the first conversions were how my wife, back home in Georgia, spent upwards of 1000 USD for an emergency root canal. And all he did was drill, not even fill. The same cost here is around 120 euro. Yup, we'll finish up her braces here before heading stateside...
BTW, if anyone wants to come spend some time lounging around the Adriatic Sea in the resorts of Sirolo and Numana, with a little dental work on the side, give me a call!
BTW, if anyone wants to come spend some time lounging around the Adriatic Sea in the resorts of Sirolo and Numana, with a little dental work on the side, give me a call!
12
How can you do orthodontics in another country? It's done over a 2 year period usually. You would need the cooperation of a local orthodontist.
5
Obviously they currently live there and are "finishing up" the braces before returning to US. It's not a recommendation but an observation
8
Medical tourism is a fools errand. As a doctor I wouldn't hesitate to have medical services in a developed nation medical system, like France, Germany the UK, etc. On the other hand, I would not be caught anywhere where the rest of the health care system is of dubious quality or of tenuous regulation. If, God forbid, you had unexpected outcome or other serious problem you would end up out of luck in a foreign country where you would have to be medically transported out at a cost of 10's of thousands of dollars. Furthermore, for example, if you were unhappy with the outcome of plastic surgery or other procedure you would not have any means for legal redress. No medical intervention is "routine" even something as simple as root canal or wisdom tooth extraction can lead to infections or other complications that could threaten your life if not backed up by a modern medical system.
14
That's exactly how I feel about so-called medical "tourism". If you are already living in another country, that's one thing, but flying all around, searching for good doctors/dentists in a foreign land--no thank you. You are correct--anything can go wrong, even if you are in the best of health. I would not want to chance being so far from home in the event of an emergency.
3
Of choices chances are being taken but what choice does one have? To "stay home" in the US means to go without care, grow sicker and sicker. Unable to afford any care at all, at least at 1/3 the price a neighboring country allows one the chance to be treated with dignity, like a human being. Unlike here, in Republicanstan.
9
Funny that is the same things the doctors in Thailand could say about the American medical system, but they are to polite to say it. I have had a stent implanted in Thailand, emergencv shoulder surgery and lots of dental work done there. No complaints and much better care than here. Depends who you are talking to and what side of the line you live on.
4
Having dental insurance is virtually useless! Mine maxes out at $1500 a year -- which barely made a dent in last year's bill for a root canal and an implant...
25
But you are forgetting that the rest of the work you had done is at highly-discounted in-network rates!
1
I grew up with bad, damaged dentition, have required more-than-average care all my life, spent 5-figures in New York in the 90s with great doctors but still the work didn't last. But most dental work doesn't.
I fell on hard times in this 21st Century, especially since '08. Very little health care in the last 16 years, certainly no insurance, luckily I'm healthy.
Except for my teeth. Having multiple problems, I suffered, broke seemingly unable to ever afford any substantial work in the US. Dental pricing is outrageous. A root canal and crown $3500? One tooth?
I went to Mexico and without much trouble found an English-speaking dentist educated in the US with a practice equivalent in every way to my NY dentists. Totally pro, top notch work.
I was in very bad dental health and had work done that would've cost me $20,000 run less than $6,000. Flights to Mexico are so cheap I can go there for follow-up.
We are being held economic hostage by the US medical and dental industries. Not only do we need national single payer health care but with a strong dental component too. Why is dental insurance apart from health? What doesn't Medicare cover dental health? How did the ADA rig that?
I fell on hard times in this 21st Century, especially since '08. Very little health care in the last 16 years, certainly no insurance, luckily I'm healthy.
Except for my teeth. Having multiple problems, I suffered, broke seemingly unable to ever afford any substantial work in the US. Dental pricing is outrageous. A root canal and crown $3500? One tooth?
I went to Mexico and without much trouble found an English-speaking dentist educated in the US with a practice equivalent in every way to my NY dentists. Totally pro, top notch work.
I was in very bad dental health and had work done that would've cost me $20,000 run less than $6,000. Flights to Mexico are so cheap I can go there for follow-up.
We are being held economic hostage by the US medical and dental industries. Not only do we need national single payer health care but with a strong dental component too. Why is dental insurance apart from health? What doesn't Medicare cover dental health? How did the ADA rig that?
91
Although it might be difficult, it is essential that you are sure of the credentials and training of the person that you choose for your care. It is also nice to have recommendations of some Americans.
Having diplomas and other credentials does not assure quality. It is difficult but worthwhile to spend some effort to learn more about the facility and the physicians or dentist who will provide your care.
Try to inform yourself as well as possible before committing to the care.
Having diplomas and other credentials does not assure quality. It is difficult but worthwhile to spend some effort to learn more about the facility and the physicians or dentist who will provide your care.
Try to inform yourself as well as possible before committing to the care.
8
Thank you for your comment. This should be standard practice whether at home or abroad.
2
Dental work in the US is one of the costliest in the entire world. People here writing possibly from their Ivory towers. Real people, average individuals and families worse nightmares is the dental cost to maintain a fairly healthy mouth. Orthodontist, root canal, not taking about implants, common people, dentist have Americans by the balls.
30
"Dental work in the US is one of the costliest in the entire world."
I'd be very surprised if you couldn't remove "one of" from that sentence.
I'd be very surprised if you couldn't remove "one of" from that sentence.
19
For the past 12 years, I have lived in Southwest AZ and within 20 minutes can be at the two border crossing points of San Luis, AZ & Mexico, or Algodones, Mexico (Algodones- major dental tourism). The quality of medical care here in my U.S. town has not always been great.
My husband and I have a wonderful dentist in San Luis, Mexico. Many of our friends go there, also. I know snowbirds from northern states that go to Algodones. So right now, I have recommendations on two good dentists, and I will admit that I probably wouldn't have gone to the dentist in Mexico had I not known people who highly recommended him (and I'd lost two teeth to bad root canals on this side of the border). The bill is always 50-70% less than my local dentist would charge, and the dentist in Mexico is a better dentist. In Algodones, if walking in without a line on a good dentist, you may have to walk around a bit and chat with a few offices to find one you are comfortable with, as some will quote you prices without even having the dentist look at you to evaluate the problem. This is not good.
A few weeks ago a colleague told me that a new medical clinic is going to open on the other side of the border and you will literally just have to walk through the border crossing building and cross the street to enter the clinic. With the healthcare plan just announced by our GOP politicians, I can see this clinic getting a lot of use by folks on the U.S. side of the border.
My husband and I have a wonderful dentist in San Luis, Mexico. Many of our friends go there, also. I know snowbirds from northern states that go to Algodones. So right now, I have recommendations on two good dentists, and I will admit that I probably wouldn't have gone to the dentist in Mexico had I not known people who highly recommended him (and I'd lost two teeth to bad root canals on this side of the border). The bill is always 50-70% less than my local dentist would charge, and the dentist in Mexico is a better dentist. In Algodones, if walking in without a line on a good dentist, you may have to walk around a bit and chat with a few offices to find one you are comfortable with, as some will quote you prices without even having the dentist look at you to evaluate the problem. This is not good.
A few weeks ago a colleague told me that a new medical clinic is going to open on the other side of the border and you will literally just have to walk through the border crossing building and cross the street to enter the clinic. With the healthcare plan just announced by our GOP politicians, I can see this clinic getting a lot of use by folks on the U.S. side of the border.
30
Having lived in Costa Rica the last eleven years, in a neighborhood populated by a fair number of expats, we've had a lot of exposure to local medical and dental services. In no instance I'm aware of has the outcome been anything but positive for anyone we know.
My wife and I have had three root canals and three or four crowns. Right now, she's in the midst of a double implant procedure that has been just fine. Other dental procedures have had equally positive outcomes.
Other medical procedures known to us have likewise had perfectly acceptable outcomes. In two instances, fractures that required open reduction and stabilization have turned out well. Recovery from a bowel resection was without incident. Cardiac stents have been successfully inserted. Likewise, non-surgical procedures including cardiac testing and monitoring, colonoscopies and gastroscopies and diabetes management have all produced the hoped-for results.
All these services and many more are readily available from U.S.-quality hospitals and physicians and dentists trained in top-notch facilities worldwide. Our gastroenterologist was trained in Japan's foremost cancer treatment facility. And he'll devote more time and attention to you than virtually any U.S. practitioner.
My wife and I have had three root canals and three or four crowns. Right now, she's in the midst of a double implant procedure that has been just fine. Other dental procedures have had equally positive outcomes.
Other medical procedures known to us have likewise had perfectly acceptable outcomes. In two instances, fractures that required open reduction and stabilization have turned out well. Recovery from a bowel resection was without incident. Cardiac stents have been successfully inserted. Likewise, non-surgical procedures including cardiac testing and monitoring, colonoscopies and gastroscopies and diabetes management have all produced the hoped-for results.
All these services and many more are readily available from U.S.-quality hospitals and physicians and dentists trained in top-notch facilities worldwide. Our gastroenterologist was trained in Japan's foremost cancer treatment facility. And he'll devote more time and attention to you than virtually any U.S. practitioner.
41
Just wondering, can the average citizens of Costa Rica afford the procedures or are expats with money belts running up the costs.
8
This discussion can now, with the Republican efforts to deconstruct our health care system, be expanded to include American retirees like me, who, at 62, are too young for Medicare and about to get clobbered by Trumpcare. I can afford a root canal here in Denver. What I cannot afford is a $1500-2500 per month health care premium for a plan that I assume will have a large deductible. I am looking at a 3 year "vacation" in a country with affordable health care. I will be happy to spend my money there instead of in the U.S., if the U.S. decides to pull the rug out from under me on healthcare. Anyone need a nice mountainside rental home for a few years? This might be just the thing to get me off the couch and exploring the world! If this ends up being as bad for my age group as projected, I will see you in 3 years, assuming Medicare survives the Republicans.
69
Heh Greg, I am in the same boat, the one that is sinking, and have been working on my open water swimming. See you on the other side.
23
Best friend just bought a farm in Croatia dirt cheap. She is pregnant and getting much better and cheaper care there than in the US. Residency isn't too hard to get, and with it you get free health coverage.
7
This witty article does nothing more than expose the tragedy of American health care. Yes, there are good doctors elsewhere but what about follow up visits when/if something goes wrong? The loss of Obamacare is lamentable. I am so sorry my fellow Americans are deprived of such a basic human right.
74
I live in Silicon Valley and refuse to pay the rapaciously greedy fees charged here for dental services, even though I have insurance. I have received dental services in Mexico, Ukraine, and of course my home country, U.K., all of which is just as good as that offered in Silicon Valley for a fraction of the price.
13
This article needed a itemized comparison budget showing exactly what all the costs of the trip, dental work plus vacation, were compared with the costs of getting the dental work done in the USA. As it is written, it's impossible to clearly evaluate the monetary benefit, which I believe, was the main point.
32
Agreed. Plus, if you don't have the money for travel in the first place, the entire article is irrelevant. This article is just for people who have SOME extra money and can contemplate the option of foreign care, but not for people who don't have anything extra. Dental work is the perfect example. In many areas in our country, it's simply not possible for people to get Medicaid dental care without traveling for hours, because Medicaid dental providers are few and far between. If you're on Medicaid, you won't have the money to contemplate dental tourism.
17
The article mentions "dental insurance" but I have never seen it as insurance but a shared payment plan. It gets you discounts on many of the most common dental procedures up to a certain capped amount for the year. I once had a very good older dentist who has now since retired. His costs were reasonable but the key thing was he did only what was necessary. And he did not take "insurance" so offered no discounts but his office manager would help the patient file their claim directly. The problem he told me was that the dental insurance companies would tell him that if he provided a free annual exam and Xrays and a couple of free or very discounted cleanings he could make it up with services like crowns, bridges and other work! In other words up-sell other services whether they are justified or not.
I saw this first hand when he was on vacation and I had a filling come out. I saw another dentist near my home who took my insurance. After an exam and an Xray he said he recommended a major periodontal cleaning followed by a crown on the tooth that lost the filling and couldn't rule out a root canal! I said no thanks and waited to see my regular dentist 2 weeks later. He said the tooth was fine and replaced the filling and it is still doing fine 15 years later.
I saw this first hand when he was on vacation and I had a filling come out. I saw another dentist near my home who took my insurance. After an exam and an Xray he said he recommended a major periodontal cleaning followed by a crown on the tooth that lost the filling and couldn't rule out a root canal! I said no thanks and waited to see my regular dentist 2 weeks later. He said the tooth was fine and replaced the filling and it is still doing fine 15 years later.
20
As some of the other commenters mention, the major issue with medical tourism is not the quality of the initial care. Many, if not most, of the dentists and physicians you'll see in countries like Thailand, Mexico, and Costa Rica have trained in the USA or Europe. While highly trained doctor and staff can perform excellent work anywhere given the right resources, the problem with medical tourism is the inability to obtain long-term followup. No dental or medical procedure can performed without some risk of side effects or complications, and being thousands of miles from your doctor weeks, months, or years later is a terrible risk. In my practice, it is extremely challenging to care for the complications of a procedure performed elsewhere, because you simply cannot know exactly what the previous doctor saw at the time or what techniques were used. Records are usually sparse, and difficult to obtain, especially when from overseas. For these reasons, I strongly discourage my patients from choosing financial benefits over significant long-term risks when considering medical tourism.
20
Years later no physician or dentist is going to have records anyway. The worst dental care I ever received was in NYC - true across the 3 different dentists I saw. When I moved back to TX my clients convinced me to try Mexico. Better care at 1/3 of the cost.
While Freda moon may have done it for the financial benefits, it's unfortunately a necessity for many who cannot afford American health care.
9
Good doc..are you aware of telemedicine which can solve all problems you state
11
I've always had dental insurance, but I still go to the University of Michigan School of Dentistry for my procedures. You can choose the closely supervised student clinic, the graduate student clinic, or the faculty clinic. Best of all, I can walk there from work. Many uninsured and low income patients choose this option. Medical tourism seems rather off the wall to me.
9
Catherine brings up a very good point about dental schools. Years ago, I had six teeth (all wisdoms and two smaller back teeth) pulled by very qualified advanced dental students. Dental school clinics are popular and the work is very good.
2
Is this what YOUR dentist recommended? One of the problems with medical care in this country is the popular notion that your doctor or dentist always knows what is best for you better than you do yourself.
3
Sometimes you have emergencies which must be handled immediately. My spouse got excellent care in Mexico where we lived as students. My kid lives abroad. He has had dental checkups and cleaning but no major work. However, his Nepalese doctor diagnosed a condition requiring surgery. We had him come to the US for the surgery and, even though he has a good individual health insurance policy, his out-of-pocket was about $3000. The US surgeon said the diagnosis was spot on.
On a trip to Northern Ireland, my son had a bike injury. He received very good care in an emergency department and they did not ask for payment at that point, though we tried to pay. They billed us after our return to the US and the cost was a very small fraction of what one would pay in the US for an emergency room visit.
Eye glasses are incredibly cheap abroad. I was sorry I did not have some made on a recent trip to Asia.
But I really do not know about invasive procedures. Hepatitis is endemic in Asia. However, if one has had the Hep A and B vaccines, perhaps it is OK. For older people, too, it is important to remember that Medicare covers one only in the US. It is essential to have a supplemental policy here to cover at least part of what Medicare will not pay. So it would be very important to have insurance that can be used abroad.
Interesting article, though.
On a trip to Northern Ireland, my son had a bike injury. He received very good care in an emergency department and they did not ask for payment at that point, though we tried to pay. They billed us after our return to the US and the cost was a very small fraction of what one would pay in the US for an emergency room visit.
Eye glasses are incredibly cheap abroad. I was sorry I did not have some made on a recent trip to Asia.
But I really do not know about invasive procedures. Hepatitis is endemic in Asia. However, if one has had the Hep A and B vaccines, perhaps it is OK. For older people, too, it is important to remember that Medicare covers one only in the US. It is essential to have a supplemental policy here to cover at least part of what Medicare will not pay. So it would be very important to have insurance that can be used abroad.
Interesting article, though.
8
I want to hear a heckuva lot more specifics - the quality of the care, the cleanliness and quality of the equipment, training of the dentists, how it compares to dental care in the US, how well the bite was adjusted, and how the work held up afterwards.
Of course it's enticing to be enjoy a vacation in a beautiful warm place and have dental work done for less than the price of dental work alone in the States. But the first consideration is the quality of the work.
Of course it's enticing to be enjoy a vacation in a beautiful warm place and have dental work done for less than the price of dental work alone in the States. But the first consideration is the quality of the work.
4
As the CEO of Dental Departures *disclosure*, myself and my family have all received dental care in Canada, United States, Mexico, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines.
From first hand experience, there are good/bad dentists in the United States just as there are in Mexico/Thailand/Indonesia etc. Ultimately, it is a matter of finding high quality dentists in all countries by validating dental registration, dental training, years of experience and talking with past patients or reading patient reviews.
Dentists around the world genuinely want to help their patients achieve better oral healthcare no matter what country I've received care. The cost savings are real but like any investment you really need to do you research ahead of time.
From first hand experience, there are good/bad dentists in the United States just as there are in Mexico/Thailand/Indonesia etc. Ultimately, it is a matter of finding high quality dentists in all countries by validating dental registration, dental training, years of experience and talking with past patients or reading patient reviews.
Dentists around the world genuinely want to help their patients achieve better oral healthcare no matter what country I've received care. The cost savings are real but like any investment you really need to do you research ahead of time.
6
Lots of people come to Hungary and other Eastern European countries from UK for otherwise expensive bridge work and crowns. I'll be in Serbia and will get new crowns this summer. In France, bridgework and crowns are very expensive, the dentists say they use the money to make up for the small amount they get for standard medical care from the Social System. I find a lot of them don't do teeth cleaning, which will help avoid downhill problems and have yet to see a poor dentist.
1
This article doesn't do a very good job of laying out the costs involved. What was the estimate for your root canal crown in the US? How much did it cost in Thailand? How did you enjoy the rest of your vacation post-procedure? How much was your airport parking?
I've had great dental care in Thailand. But it has near price parity with the US when factoring travel costs. I've also had really bad dental and medical care there, too.
If you've ever had a failed root canal -- and it happens and requires retreatment -- then what? 25 hours of return travel time to the US, sitting in agony crammed into some horrible economy seat suffering a failed root canal would be insane. Then you'd get to splurge to have someone in the US fix it for you.
Everything has a cost.
I've had great dental care in Thailand. But it has near price parity with the US when factoring travel costs. I've also had really bad dental and medical care there, too.
If you've ever had a failed root canal -- and it happens and requires retreatment -- then what? 25 hours of return travel time to the US, sitting in agony crammed into some horrible economy seat suffering a failed root canal would be insane. Then you'd get to splurge to have someone in the US fix it for you.
Everything has a cost.
10
I live in Thailand. The care here is first class and the dental clinics are mostly brand new. The cost is about 1/5 what you would pay in Australia which has a pretty good medical system. Medical tourism here in Phuket is absolutely booming and I don't see any end in sight.
4
An important consideration left unmentioned in this rather breezy summary is the issue of medical complications. In short, if your gums get infected or your crown fails, you will need to pay a local American provider to fix the problem, which will diminish or eliminate your savings. I have had great experiences with dental work in Hungary, my wife less so. There are risks involved, both financial and medical. Eyes wide open.
18
I understand this is anecdotal but I thought I would share the perspective of a dentist who has spent years working in a major metropolitan area with a very diverse internal population.
I have seen dental work from around the globe and there is absolutely quality dental work to be found internationally. More frequently, however, I see dental work that is not on par with American professional standards.
There seems to be the desire to classify dental work (and increasingly more invasive surgeries) as a commodity. A root canal is like a widget and I can find a widget cheaper from toothstuff.com. Going abroad to get them dental work can sometimes result in a good "deal," but I find this is usually the exception rather than the rule.
Problem work that I see, including work done in United States, may not necessarily cause pain immediately. If you use the lack of pain immediately post procedure as your standard for good dental care, you may be shocked in several years when all the work you had done needs to be either replaced or taken out at a significantly higher cost.
I do not mean this as a judgement of those who get dental work abroad, only as a warning from someone who has seen and had to clean up the mess/infection/ruined esthetics. In an effort to save money in the near term you may be planting a medical and financial grenade in your future.
I have seen dental work from around the globe and there is absolutely quality dental work to be found internationally. More frequently, however, I see dental work that is not on par with American professional standards.
There seems to be the desire to classify dental work (and increasingly more invasive surgeries) as a commodity. A root canal is like a widget and I can find a widget cheaper from toothstuff.com. Going abroad to get them dental work can sometimes result in a good "deal," but I find this is usually the exception rather than the rule.
Problem work that I see, including work done in United States, may not necessarily cause pain immediately. If you use the lack of pain immediately post procedure as your standard for good dental care, you may be shocked in several years when all the work you had done needs to be either replaced or taken out at a significantly higher cost.
I do not mean this as a judgement of those who get dental work abroad, only as a warning from someone who has seen and had to clean up the mess/infection/ruined esthetics. In an effort to save money in the near term you may be planting a medical and financial grenade in your future.
2
I am struggling with statements by dentists, who are obviously threatened by overseas care,when they talk about seeing poor quality dentistry from foreign countries. What about poor quality dentistry from the U.S.? I've gone to well regarded dentists in the States and had failed root canals and crowns put on so poorly they needed to be replaced within two years. Insurance doesn't pay for those replacements and unless you're very lucky the original dentist won't fix it for free either. I wasn't lucky. We need to stop kidding ourselves that America has the best care in the world. Most expensive doesn't equal highest quality. Don't even get me started on general practitioners...Who are we kidding?
16
Amen; it's a roll of the dice in the U.S. Paying more does not ensure a quality result.
4
Quality of dental care in Thailand is excellent - top clinics with US or European trained dentists, patient care is much better than most clinics I've been to in the US. Do your homework - there on online forum for expats that discuss the best doctors/clinics, check CVs and other reviews. Not getting dental care because you can't afford it is much more dangerous than getting care at a qualified clinic overseas.
4
Pre-Obama care, a fellow artist needed a heart valve replacement, and with no way to pay the 200K + for it, he opted to go to India, and for 10K, he was home in 2 weeks, having had the operation and aftercare done by US trained docs. Still alive and kicking, 10 yrs later, he would do it again with no qualms. Another artist friend goes yearly to Mexico for dental care, the clinic now knows her, keeps meticulous records, and she has saved multi thousands over US dental costs, with no apparent downside. She is genetically predisposed to dental problems, so ongoing care is essential.
6
What is the clinic in Mexico?
2
Dear NYT,
You do realized that most people can't afford this, don't you? I work in education, in a public school, and sorry, but I don't have the money to be a medical tourist, as is almost certainly the case for most Americans.
It's not a bad article about its topic, but to post it under the Travel subheading of "Frugal Family" is idiotic and annoying to your readers who actually DO have to be frugal and could never contemplate such a voyage.
Sincerely,
Barely Middle Class
You do realized that most people can't afford this, don't you? I work in education, in a public school, and sorry, but I don't have the money to be a medical tourist, as is almost certainly the case for most Americans.
It's not a bad article about its topic, but to post it under the Travel subheading of "Frugal Family" is idiotic and annoying to your readers who actually DO have to be frugal and could never contemplate such a voyage.
Sincerely,
Barely Middle Class
28
My thoughts as well, Barely Middle Class. This author's entire approach comes from a perspective of privilege that is unattainable for those of us in the lower/lowest middle class. And for the truly poor? Insulting & demeaning.
You're correct - this article has no business being mentioned in the same space as frugal.
You're correct - this article has no business being mentioned in the same space as frugal.
3
You're not taking the right lessons from this. It's not about affording a vacation. I am so broke I had to go to Mexico to fix my teeth, I had no choice. If you think you have the money for dental care at home and need serious work you can fly somewhere else, stay in hotels and come back with half your money still in your pocket. Wise up.
14
@Lee Berti: What if you don't have the money to go to Mexico? I think YOU are missing MY point. Many people go WITHOUT needed care because they don't have the money to travel. I am guessing you don't know many people who have missing or rotted teeth because they don't have the money for dental care or for getting to Mexico. In the impoverished rural area where I live and work, many adults and even more children walk around every day with rotten and/or missing teeth because they can afford neither the cost of the care (and try finding a dentist that takes Medicaid around here) let alone to go to Mexico to have it done. You're the one who needs to "wise up," as you so kindly suggested to me.
6
TRUMPCARE: outsourcing at it's finest. Get used to it, and be happy with the crumbs. So sad.
9
I lived in Philippines for 7 years. Many of the dentists there had US training, were very very talented, hard working and precise, working in state of the art surgeries. I found a dentist and she did the best work I have ever had on my teeth. At less than 30 per cent what I would pay here in Australia. I'd hop on a plane in a heartbeat if I needed expensive work done again.
4
A sidelight of our de facto pre ACA criminal health system in America.
Agreed while dental is not important as regular medical, nevertheless even more Americans don't have dental insurance than medical insurance.
The conservatives boast how our medical care is top notch. Yes if you are RICH. If not more and more Americans are opting for these foreign countries to get various medical procedures done.
Instead of leading the world re health care, we are approaching the medical care of third world countries where only the rich will have quality, affordable care.
Agreed while dental is not important as regular medical, nevertheless even more Americans don't have dental insurance than medical insurance.
The conservatives boast how our medical care is top notch. Yes if you are RICH. If not more and more Americans are opting for these foreign countries to get various medical procedures done.
Instead of leading the world re health care, we are approaching the medical care of third world countries where only the rich will have quality, affordable care.
32
This article seems to play right into the hands of the administrations new health care package. Trade in your iPhone for a doctor's/dentist's appointment or just take a trip to an exotic locale. Glad I live in a country where all medical procedure prices are regulated by the government at affordable rates for all. Dental insurance is not a big thing, although it exists. No one here will lose their home because they can't pay their meeical bills and the treatment is first class.
28
As a practicing dentist in NYC, I have had the opportunity to see a LOT of foreign work - some great, a lot terrible. What we, in the States, consider to be standard of care is drastically different as those practiced in other countries. I cannot tell you how many times I have had to re-do foreign work because the patient's tooth is abscessed from a poor root canal (most commonly) and their crown/bridgework looks horrible and is uncomfortable for their bite or the edges (margins) of their work is not adequately sealed and has turned into extensive decay. Sure, this can happen with any poor quality dentist is the States. I will say, I've also seen some really great work from countries in Europe and Japan. But because dentistry is such a heavy material science, when I work on foreign work, it's like opening Pandora's box. I have no idea what I'm going to see inside and what material is being used. I think it's safer to use a practitioner that you are comfortable with and who knows you and your mouth. Because in the end, you get what you pay for.
11
Nah, most of us in the U.S. pay a LOT more than what we should for what we get in dental care. "As a practicing dentist in NYC," you're out of touch with what most of the rest of us have to pay (as a percentage of our income).
12
Take regular care of your teeth (brushing, flossing & professional cleanings every six months), and you minimize the odds of needing major work.
The stories about having to have things fixed or replaced after you're back in the U.S. leads me to question the value of trying to tack on medical care to a vacation.
The stories about having to have things fixed or replaced after you're back in the U.S. leads me to question the value of trying to tack on medical care to a vacation.
6
Really? You should learn something about expensive dental problems.
I have a "collapsed bite," the result of the out of whack jaw I inherited from my father's side of the family. I am looking at a minimum of $30,000 of dental work. My teeth and gums are in excellent condition, I get routine care and got expensive orthodontia as a teen that did nothing to correct the underlying problem.
I paid $11,000 last year for an implant and a crown needed because of a childhood accident that broke a tooth.
I have a "collapsed bite," the result of the out of whack jaw I inherited from my father's side of the family. I am looking at a minimum of $30,000 of dental work. My teeth and gums are in excellent condition, I get routine care and got expensive orthodontia as a teen that did nothing to correct the underlying problem.
I paid $11,000 last year for an implant and a crown needed because of a childhood accident that broke a tooth.
2
This is one of the nuttiest articles I have ever read. I cannot imagine going abroad for dentistry to save enough money for a vacation. Vacation? Your teeth? How are they even comparable in importance. Your teeth and their condition indicates how healthy you are, how you present yourself to the world. If you have Bad teeth you are less likely to get a good job. I have spent considerably on my teeth and knowing they look good encourages me to smile more. Your teeth are one of the most important indicators of your health and state of mind. I have had the same dentist for thirty years. What kind of relationship do you have with a cut rate overseas dentist? And when you return and if there r problems then what? This is a false and stupid economy and the writer is setting a bad example for her children by saying teeth are not that important and take care of them as cheaply as possible.
5
Obviously you are affluent and can afford your dental care. You misunderstand the article. Dental care is unaffordable for many, incredibly overpriced compared to our neighbors where great work is available for one third to half the price. That one saves so much the hotel stays in a hopefully interesting place is incidental, then we can see the US patient is being taken.
19
I agree with Lee B. I think the family feels similarly about their teeth as the OP and when faced with serious dental work, didn't want to put it off since their teeth would probably get worse. So they researched an option that worked for them and fit their budget.
An interesting article, but it seems out of touch to cavalierly offer Venezuela as the first reference to where one can get quality care. Even if that was the author's experience years ago, Venezuela is now facing a major economic and social crisis that extends to its once-great medical system. The public health catastrophe its people are facing has been widely covered, so that reference struck me as weird and undercut her overall argument.
26
What a waste of time and energy just to save some money.
7
You must have money...
8
Robert, you must be affluent. When you don't have money and you'll never be able to afford dental care in the US, it makes all the effort worthwhile to have your health.
10
Vacations are not a waste of time and money.
13
(continuing previous post)
Had a crown fitted on the tooth here in the U.S.
Fast forward a few years to this month.
A large part of the CEREC on the other tooth broke off.
Getting a crown on it here in the U.S.
Dental tourism? Not for me, thank you.
Risky. If things go wrong are you going to make another expensive trip?
Even though I no longer have dental insurance, I will get my dental work done here in the U.S.
Had a crown fitted on the tooth here in the U.S.
Fast forward a few years to this month.
A large part of the CEREC on the other tooth broke off.
Getting a crown on it here in the U.S.
Dental tourism? Not for me, thank you.
Risky. If things go wrong are you going to make another expensive trip?
Even though I no longer have dental insurance, I will get my dental work done here in the U.S.
13
Just curious, is there a reason you don't name the country?
This is going to be a long one, so it may be posted in more than one piece.
I got dental work done in one of the European countries mentioned in the article.
Needed two crowns.
Went to what was recommended by the locals as the best place in the capitol.
Prime location in the city. Brand new and modern equipment. Courteous people.
Was seen by the top dentist at the group
He recommended that I get CEREC inlays, instead of crowns. Souded good, so I agreed. Procedure went smooth. Was not cheap, but still well below what it would have cost in the U.S.
Recommended the outfit to my niece who needed a root canal.
She went there and got it done. By night time she was in such pain that she had to go to an emergency dental place where they had to re-do her tooth.
I was back in the U.S.
In a couple of years one of the CEREC pieces came off. Went to my local dentist who tried to glue it back. In a short while it came off again. Since it happened just as I was leaving for the same country I did not try to get it fixed in the U.S. but in Europe I went to see the same dentist who did the original work.
He said "it was not glued right". Hmmm, who did the original gluing?
He re-glued it. Even though it should have been covered under warranty I had to pay about 20% of what the work cost originall.
Now back in the U.S.
Three weeks later the CEREC comes off again
I email them about what happened. No response of any kind.
I got dental work done in one of the European countries mentioned in the article.
Needed two crowns.
Went to what was recommended by the locals as the best place in the capitol.
Prime location in the city. Brand new and modern equipment. Courteous people.
Was seen by the top dentist at the group
He recommended that I get CEREC inlays, instead of crowns. Souded good, so I agreed. Procedure went smooth. Was not cheap, but still well below what it would have cost in the U.S.
Recommended the outfit to my niece who needed a root canal.
She went there and got it done. By night time she was in such pain that she had to go to an emergency dental place where they had to re-do her tooth.
I was back in the U.S.
In a couple of years one of the CEREC pieces came off. Went to my local dentist who tried to glue it back. In a short while it came off again. Since it happened just as I was leaving for the same country I did not try to get it fixed in the U.S. but in Europe I went to see the same dentist who did the original work.
He said "it was not glued right". Hmmm, who did the original gluing?
He re-glued it. Even though it should have been covered under warranty I had to pay about 20% of what the work cost originall.
Now back in the U.S.
Three weeks later the CEREC comes off again
I email them about what happened. No response of any kind.
19
I have to disagree respectfully with Sridhar. I lived in a developing country for 20+ years. The worst care I received was from an American doctor who had been practicing for 30 years in the US. Ten years later, I am still dealing with the effects of the poor treatment. My daughter was operated on by a French- Russian team in a facility set up by a French consortium. She received great care and attention and recovered fully. My dental work was done by a Russian dentist who trained at a top notch school in Boston. I think you need to do your homework but receiving good medical care outside North America or Western Europe is certainly possible.
35
I have had dental work, a root canal and fillings done in Thailand. I live in Mexico now and have had root canals, a crown and fillings and cleanings: 15% of USA costs. Excellent work.
48
Judy,
Any way of getting info about Mexico dental treatment? Names, places, etc.
Any way of getting info about Mexico dental treatment? Names, places, etc.
5
As an expat living in Guatemala I can tell you that the dental care provided here is second to none -- at a fraction of the cost of the same procedures in the US. Providers are frequently US- and Europe trained, and speak English as well other languages besides Spanish. While I can't speak for medical care, I know a number of Americans who would choose Guatemalan medical care and hospital stays over anything offered in the US. Besides, you get to see this beautiful country on the same trip!
40
The vast majority of medical care in Guatemala is far inferior to that in the US. Perhaps there are elite places catering to the very wealthy that have acceptable care, but the overwhelming majority of health care in Guatemala is under-resourced and, frankly, dangerous as a result.
2
Getting a medical procedure in a third world country is fraught with risk and the reward must be really high to justify taking such a risk.
Tells a lot about the healthcare system in the US that "medical tourism" is even discussed.
India gets "tourist patients" from underdeveloped African and Asian countries and the US. Rarely do you see an European or a Canadian come over!
Tells a lot about the healthcare system in the US that "medical tourism" is even discussed.
India gets "tourist patients" from underdeveloped African and Asian countries and the US. Rarely do you see an European or a Canadian come over!
33
For Europeans and Canadians it does not make any financial sense to travel abroad for medical care.
5
Sridhar: "Rarely do you see an European or a Canadian come over!"
They don't have to, thanks to high quality treatments provided by their national health care services.
They don't have to, thanks to high quality treatments provided by their national health care services.
13