Dental Work Abroad: Dental Tourism Country Guide
Is it worth traveling abroad for dental work? In cases when the cost of dental work is too high in the US, there are alternatives. This is referred to as dental tourism, and one of the best destinations to consider is Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico offers U.S. trained and accredited dentists while offering cheaper costs for dental procedures.
Dental work abroad – is it worth it?
In the United States, dental treatment can be expensive. Dental cost inflation statistics show that dental costs have increased in the U.S. by over 4% per year for almost 100 years! Lack of insurance coverage in the U.S. also creates problems for certain procedures such as dental implants and dental veneers. You can save up to 60-70% at a dentist overseas while getting similar quality treatment. While Mexico and Costa Rica are popular choices, Puerto Rico offers some unique advantages:
- Part of the US, so no passport needed for US citizens
- US-trained and accredited dentists
- Modern clinics that meet US standards
- English is widely spoken
So if you want savings without sacrificing quality or convenience, Puerto Rico is an excellent option.
Destination Dental Implant Packages
Many countries offer attractive dental tourism packages, bundling treatment with accommodations and other perks. Here’s how Puerto Rico compares:
- Mexico: Affordable packages but variable quality. Choose clinics carefully.
- Costa Rica: Good quality but longer travel time from US.
- Thailand: Very low prices but long flights. Communication barriers possible.
- Puerto Rico: Not the absolute cheapest, but great value considering the high quality, ease of travel, and English proficiency.
Best Countries for Dental Work
The best country for you depends on your priorities, but Puerto Rico stands out in a few key areas:
Dentist Training & Accreditation
Puerto Rican dentists are US-trained and accredited by the American Dental Association. You can expect the same level of skill and quality as US dentists. In contrast, dentists in Mexico, Costa Rica, etc. have more variable training. There are excellent dentists in those countries, but you have to do more research to find them.
Ease of Travel
Puerto Rico is the most convenient destination for Americans:
- No passport or customs for US citizens
- Short flights from the US mainland
- English widely spoken
- US currency used
Other countries require passports, longer flights, potential visa requirements, and more communication barriers. Puerto Rico offers a uniquely smooth experience.
Cheapest Countries for Dental Work
If cost is your only concern, Puerto Rico isn’t the absolute cheapest option. Countries like Mexico, Thailand and India have lower prices. However, the lowest price doesn’t always mean the best value. Puerto Rico’s prices are still 60-70% lower than the US. And you’re paying for a high standard of quality and convenience. In other words, you get more bang for your buck. With Puerto Rico’s skilled US-trained dentists, advanced clinics, and accessible location, you can save money without cutting corners.
Puerto Rico vs. South America Options
Compared to South American destinations like Colombia and Costa Rica, Puerto Rico has a few key advantages:
- Shorter flights from the US
- No passport needed for Americans
- More English spoken
- US-level standards and accreditation
Colombia and Costa Rica can offer high quality at low prices, but Puerto Rico is more convenient and consistent for US patients.
Puerto Rico vs. Canada & Australia
Canada and Australia have high dental standards like the US, but costs are still quite high. Traveling to Puerto Rico allows you to access US-level quality at much lower prices. Plus, Puerto Rico offers a tropical vacation experience that you won’t find in Canada or Australia. Enjoy beaches and sunshine during your dental trip.
Puerto Rico vs. Asian Country Options
Thailand and India are known for very low dental prices, but there are tradeoffs:
- Long flights from the US
- Passports and potential visa requirements
- Communication barriers
- More variable clinic standards
With Puerto Rico, you get prices that are still 60-70% lower than the US without the inconveniences and inconsistencies of traveling to Asia for dental work. It’s the best balance of affordability, quality, and ease.
Puerto Rico vs. Colombia
Similarities
- Both offer significant cost savings compared to U.S. dental prices
- Dentists in both countries are highly trained and experienced serving international patients
- Modern, state-of-the-art dental clinics and technology
Differences
- As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico’s dentists are U.S. accredited and clinics adhere to U.S. standards. Colombia’s dental standards, while high, are not directly regulated by U.S. entities.
- Travel is easier to Puerto Rico for U.S. citizens – no passport required. Colombia requires a passport.
- English is widely spoken in Puerto Rico alongside Spanish. In Colombia, Spanish is predominant which may present a language barrier for some.
- Colombia advertises savings of up to 70% vs U.S. prices, while Puerto Rico’s savings are typically cited around 60%.
Puerto Rico vs. Costa Rica
Similarities
- Both are relatively close to the U.S. with short flights, making them convenient
- Significant cost savings of 50-70% compared to U.S. dental prices
- Opportunity to combine dental work with a tropical vacation
Differences
- Puerto Rico uses the U.S. dollar and does not require a passport for U.S. citizens. Costa Rica uses the Colón and requires a passport.
- Puerto Rican dentists are U.S. trained and accredited. Costa Rican dentists, while highly qualified, do not have U.S. accreditation.
- Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory subject to U.S. laws and regulations for healthcare. Costa Rica has its own governing system.
- Costa Rica is still a relatively new player in dental tourism compared to the established destination of Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico vs. Mexico
Similarities
- Both offer savings of around 60-70% compared to U.S. dental prices
- Geographical proximity to the U.S. with short flights
- Many dentists in both countries received at least part of their training in the U.S.
Differences
- Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory using U.S. currency and not requiring a passport. Mexico requires a passport and uses the peso.
- Dentists in Puerto Rico have U.S. accreditation. Mexico has its own accreditation system.
- Puerto Rico provides the familiarity and consistency of a U.S. setting. Mexico has a different cultural and regulatory environment.
- Mexico is frequently cited as the most popular dental tourism destination, largely due to cost. Puerto Rico attracts dental tourists seeking a balance of savings, quality, and convenience.
Puerto Rico vs. Philippines
Similarities
- Both offer savings of up to 60-75% compared to U.S. dental prices
- Dentists in both countries are highly trained, with many trained in the U.S. or to U.S. standards
Differences
- Puerto Rico is much closer to the U.S. with shorter flights (2-4 hours vs 16-20 hours)
- As a U.S. territory, travel to Puerto Rico is easier with no passport required for citizens. The Philippines requires a passport.
- Puerto Rico uses U.S. currency, while the Philippines uses the Philippine peso
- Dentists in Puerto Rico have U.S. accreditation. Philippines has its own accreditation system.
- English is an official language in the Philippines, but not as widely spoken as in Puerto Rico where it is universal.
In summary, while countries like Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico and the Philippines all provide low-cost, high-quality dental care, Puerto Rico offers a unique combination of benefits for U.S. dental tourists. These include significant savings, U.S. accredited dentists, ease of travel without a passport, familiar currency and setting, and the chance to recover in a tropical paradise. For Americans seeking affordable dental work abroad, Puerto Rico provides an appealing balance of cost, quality, and convenience.
We are a group of 16 dentists all trained in USA. Since PR is USA, our practices are under US federal laws and regulations. Members of American Dental Association and Colegio de Cirujanos Dentistas de Puerto Rico.
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