How to Prepare for Your First Trip to the Dentist in Mexico
Whether you've relocated or are only visiting for tourism, there are several reasons to visit the dentist in Mexico. Here's how to prepare for your first visit.
Around 1.7 million Americans seek medical treatments overseas every year. Medical tourism can save Americans thousands of dollars on their treatments due to lower cost factors that are found abroad. Many hospitals and dental practices in Mexico maintain the same level of expert care as their American counterparts.
If you are looking for a dentist in Mexico, you need to prepare by following the advice in this article. Getting dental work in Mexico by your Tijuana dentist can help you find affordable care at a fraction of what you would spend in the United States.
Book Your Trip Early
Dentists in Mexico have busy schedules — just like American dentists. As you plan your first dental visit, make sure that you are planning at least several weeks in advance or (better yet) a few months ahead.
If you wait too late to book your visit, or if you wait until a busy time of year like December, you may find that your dentist in Mexico is already booked. If you are willing to schedule your visit on a Monday or Tuesday during the day, you will be more likely to find a slot that works for you.
As you book your trip, plan time for recovery. After your treatment, you may need a day or two afterward to heal. Your dentist can recommend a nearby hotel.
Prepare Your Passport
Crossing the border is not as difficult as you may think, but you will need to have a valid passport. This means that your passport is not expired. You will not be able to pass the border with just your driver's license.
You will not need a visa. Visas are only needed for extended stays of six months or longer. If you are taking a family member who is under 18, they will also need a passport.
Finally, if you are driving across the border, remember that border crossings have set hours. Be sure to plan ahead and look up the hours of the crossing that you intend to use so you do not arrive too early or too late when going to the dentist.
Payments and Currency
If this is your first visit to a dentist in Mexico, you may not know that pretty much any dentist in Tijuana Mexico will accept major credit cards. At Dentiland, we accept PayPal and major credit cards.
You will probably not need to exchange dollars for pesos since many border towns and cities are used to receiving American tourists. If you plan on shopping or doing outings, then it might be a good idea to exchange currencies.
While credit cards are widely accepted, checks may not be. If you are unsure about what types of payments are accepted, call the dental practice ahead of time to find out.
Another area where you might find confusion is with dental insurance. Some dental practices may not accept American dental insurance. An increasing number of insurance plans work with medical practices in Mexico because the cost-savings benefit both the patient and the insurance provider.
Call your insurance provider to find out. You may be able to file for reimbursements after your treatment.
Language Barriers
Whether you are looking for pediatric services or restorative treatments, you probably have concerns about potential language barriers when visiting Mexico. Not every dental practice in Mexico offers bilingual services, but the dental team at Dentiland does.
Our dentists can explain your procedures in clear English so you never have questions or concerns about your procedures.
Research the Best Dentist in Mexico
As you prepare for your first visit to a dentist in Mexico, you will want to do online research. Cost-savings should be one consideration, but it shouldn't be the only thing that you are looking for.
Online reviews are one way to find the best dentist in Mexico. You'll also want to check out the dental practice's website. Do they offer a webpage in English?
Just like dental practice websites in the United States, a quality dentist in Mexico will describe their formal education and credentials.
Our lead dentist,
Dr. Brenda Licon, completed the accredited pediatric curriculum at the University of Guadalajara Dental School.
Prepare For Your Visit
Paperwork is fact of life, even in Mexico. One way you can save yourself time and hassle is by completing online paperwork before you arrive. A quality dental practice will offer online forms that can be completed before your visits.
Completing online forms allows you to avoid delays once you arrive at the dental practice of your choice in Mexico. Completing paperwork also allows the dental practice in Mexico to ensure that everything is in place for your visit.
Plan for Outings
Make your visit to Mexico enjoyable. Try to save a day or two before your procedure to visit the popular destinations in Tijuana or one of our surrounding towns and cities. Mexico has a lot to offer with regards to food, shopping, culture, and nature.
A little online research or advice from friends who have visited can help you turn your medical procedure into an enjoyable holiday.
Schedule Your Visit to a Dentist in Mexico Today
Millions of Americans seek medical procedures overseas every year. Mexico offers a great destination for medical tourism because our doctors are highly skilled. Our countries are neighbors, after all.
Dentiland offers a wide range of dental procedures for children and adults. We provide dental treatments in a relaxed, professional atmosphere. To schedule your visit with a great dentist in Mexico, please fill out our online form or call our office today.
