Costa Rica is the New “Place to Go” for Dental Tourism

The increasing costs of healthcare often prompt people to seek treatment in unconventional places. These days, dental tourism is the next big thing, and Costa Rica is the hot new destination, where people combine a fun-in-the-sun vacation with one or more restorative or cosmetic dental treatments.

Why Dental Tourism?

Healthcare is big business, and the need for healthcare insurance in the US leaves many people suffering from lack of treatment, even after the Affordable Care Act helped millions gain access to insurance for which they couldn’t otherwise qualify. And when it comes to dental insurance the problem is even worse, because standard healthcare coverage typically does not include dental care. That’s why many people are turning to overseas clinics for the dental care they need. In places like Thailand, India, Hungary, and Costa Rica, Americans can receive quality dental treatment at a fraction of the price, and enjoy a relaxing vacation after the treatment is completed. In Costa Rica, for example, surgical dental procedures like implants and veneers cost half or a third of what they cost in the US.

Costa Rica Dental Tourism by Advance Dental

Photo courtesy of Advance Dental, the Costa Rica Dental Tourism Experts

What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip

Just as you would on any overseas vacation, it’s important to do some research about the country you’re visiting before you leave; and, of course, it’s even more important to make good choices about the dentist you choose to visit in Costa Rica. As in any country, it’s important to be aware of the risk of scams and other forms of malpractice, and to ensure that the dentist you choose is registered as a specialist in whatever procedure you’re having. There are also the standard things anyone needs for an overseas vacation: passport, visa, travel and medical insurance coverage for unforeseen circumstances. It might seem odd to need healthcare and travel insurance when you’re traveling to obtain healthcare, but the reality is that it’s still necessary to purchase travel insurance, because it’s not usually covered in the costs of the treatment you’re getting. There’s also the fact that accidents and minor mishaps like lost luggage can happen even before you receive treatment, and it’s always better to be protected than to leave yourself open to potential problems.

Popular Dental Tourism Treatments

Costa Rica dental tourism provides the opportunity to get a wide range of treatments, from inexpensive whitening, to costly tooth replacement surgery, all at a fraction of the cost.

Dental implants are the permanent solution to problems caused by missing teeth, and they can replace one tooth, or an entire mouthful, depending on your needs. They look like natural teeth and function like natural teeth too, much more so than any other kind of tooth replacement. The implant itself is a titanium screw that is implanted into the jaw by an oral surgeon; once the implants have healed over, the replacement tooth is permanently attached. In the US, replacing a single tooth in this way can cost around $2,500; in Costa Rica, it’s $800. A full-mouth replacement is around $90,000 in the US; again, Costa Rica dentists charge one third of this figure, or approximately $30,000.

Porcelain restorations like veneers and crowns can cost up to $1,000 in the US. People getting the work done in Costa Rica pay around $375 per veneer, and $400 per crown. Veneers are a cosmetic procedure in which the front surface of a tooth is covered with a thin slice of porcelain, to improve the color and shape of the tooth. A crown typically covers the entire tooth, providing support or protection for a tooth that has been weakened by decay.

Tooth-whitening is another popular treatment, especially for people who just want a quick fix for a set of teeth that’s in good physical shape, but has become discolored due to tobacco use, coffee or tea drinking, or the use of medications like tetracycline. Tooth-whitening uses chemical solutions or lasers to whiten and brighten teeth, to enhance a naturally gorgeous smile. In the US, a typical course of tooth-whitening treatment costs up to $800; for people in Costa Rica, it’s $450 or so. People often get this treatment on the spur of the moment, since it’s overall a relatively inexpensive procedure that can have dramatic results.

Author: this is an article sent in by site reader Sally Angus

Twelve Tips For Planning a Budget Vacation to Costa Rica

Monteverde Costa Rica Cloudforest

Costa Rica is a beautiful country and a great place to vacation. But before getting on that airplane, you need to have a game plan. Below are twelve tips to help you find the best deals and to make your vacation a success:

Tip Number 1: Saving On Air Fare

With a destination like Costa Rica, flying is about the only choice. Airfares are not cheap, so keep your eyes peeled in advance for any online specials from the various travel sites.

Tip Number 2: Is A Round The World Ticket For You?

Have you considered buying a Round The World ticket? If you travel often, it may be a good option for you. You will have to weigh the pros and cons of such a step; only you know if your circumstances warrant the cost output.

Tip Number 3: Choosing a Backpack

A backpack is a great tool when traveling anywhere. But you want to keep it light. Dragging luggage through airports is difficult enough, without being further weighed down by a heavy backpack. That being said, you don’t want one that is too small either. Spend the extra money and get a backpack made of a lightweight material and one that has wheels so you have the option of rolling it if you desire.

Tip Number 4: Picking a Travel Rewards Credit Card

Travel credit cards are a great way to earn free rewards for spending money. There are several such cards from which to choose so you need to weigh the pros and cons of each before choosing.

Tip Number 5: Avoiding Bank Fees

Using ATMs in foreign countries may be different than in the U.S. They may charge higher transaction fees. You don’t want any unpleasant surprises so check the fees before using an ATM in a foreign country such as Costa Rica. You didn’t save all that money for a vacation just to see it eaten up by bank fees.

Tip Number 6: Hone Your Travel Hacking Skills

What is travel hacking? It is making the best use of your credit cards, awards programs, and deals to accumulate miles and points for free travel. Familiarize yourself with hotel and airline loyalty programs and use them to your advantage. It can save you a lot in lodging and transportation costs.

Tip Number 7: Find Cheap Accommodations

Lodging is probably going to be your second largest expense. But there are ways to cut costs in this area. Become proficient at Internet searches for good deals. You can also look into hostels or even home swapping as an out-of-the-box solution to your lodging problems.

Tip Number 8: Picking Tour Companies

Organized tours can be wonderful or your own worst travel nightmare. You need to do your homework before making tour arrangements. Read the reviews of previous customers of a tour company. Find one that displays a pattern of satisfied customers and weed out those of questionable quality. A bad tour company can ruin a vacation.

Tip Number 9: Buy Travel Insurance

I repeat: Buy travel insurance. Be prepared for any possible scenario. If you get sick or injured in a foreign country you need to know you will get the proper care. Travel insurance also pays your way home if that becomes necessary. The last thing you want is to be so far away and unable to get home. There are many policies available for travelers. Again, do your due diligence by comparing the choices carefully and checking out any customer reviews.

Tip Number 10: Teaching In A Foreign Country

There are many resources available citing job opportunities to teach in a foreign country such as Costa Rica. Many Americans get jobs teaching English. If you are planning an extended stay rather than a vacation, this may be an option to consider.

Tip Number 11: Become a Volunteer

Volunteering is an opportunity to give back. While you are down in Costa Rica, look for such opportunities. Many travelers also take along an extra bag full of supplies, clothing and such to donate to schools and churches to pass on to children and families in need.

Tip Number 12: Eating On The Cheap

Eating local foods is half the fun of traveling, especially in a foreign country. Allow yourself to experiment a little and have fun! You can also save money by eating a late breakfast and an early dinner. This will allow you a taste of these delicious ethnic treats without breaking the budget.

Traveling and experiencing other cultures is a delightful experience. Planning ahead can eliminate the stresses that can spoil such activities. Follow the above tips and your trip can be a success.

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