Seeking dental care across the border
LOS ALGODONES, Mexico (KYMA) - Los Algodones continues to be a dental destination for many Americans, as US healthcare costs go up.
One Yuma local we spoke too say prices for dental and medical work are too high in the United States, so they have been traveling to Los Algodones for years.
“The cost of dental work in the United States and Oregon is so astronomical, you can’t afford to do it. For instance I had a bridge break, I had it fixed down here for 3,000 dollars, they wanted 15,000 back at home," says Doug Britton, Yuma local.
Another patient says she travels long and far not only for the prices, but also for the work.
Marla McCrocklin, a Los Algodones patient says, “the quality of work, I had my first dentures done in Montana, and paid through the nose for them, and they never did fit, the only dentures that have fit me well, I’ve gotten in Mexico.”
A dentist in Los Algodones says Americans save a significant amount by traveling to Mexico for care which is why they tend to see a lot of American patients.
“The same dental service with good quality, we do it a little more faster than maybe U.S., the cost of the treatment here is maybe 40 to 60 percent more cheaper than U.S.," describes Dr. Ivan Gaspar, Los Algodones Dentist.
The Secretary of Tourism of Baja California says that medical tourism brings 40-millions dollar to Algodones every year.
They also receive more than 300-thousand visitors every year.
There are many medical services provided to Americans including pharmacies, dentists and optometrists right across the border
“For example maybe here in Algodones the cost of the root canal, with me is around 300 to 800 and using is probably around 900 to 1000," explains Dr. Gaspar.
But something for people to keep in mind, dentists in the U.S. do have to adhere to strict American Dental Association Guidelines, which some patients prefer.
It's always best to do your research.
With prices rising in the U.S., dentists here hope to receive more clients from across the border.
