How to Find the Best Dental Clinic in Costa Rica
Finding the best dental clinic in Costa Rica requires a bit of digging – but the information is all out there. It’s a question of asking the right questions!
How much does it cost?
Obviously price is key. After all, that’s the whole point of doing your dental work in Costa Rica, isn’t it? That said, look carefully at your quote, and ask what’s included. The checkup? X-rays? Follow-up visits? Are there any hidden extras? Even if you’re going to pay a lot less than you would back home, you’re better off knowing what’s included.
Is English spoken?
Most dentists in Costa Rica who cater to foreigners speak English, and if they don’t, their staff does. Many have studied in the US or Canada and are fluent. But make sure by phoning or emailing first. You don’t want to have to resort to sign language while you’re languishing in the dental chair! If you speak fluent Spanish though, you’re all set.
San Jose, the capital, is a modern city but has plenty of old-world charm
Read their testimonials
A good way of assessing how others rate a Dental Implants clinic in Costa Rica is to read testimonials. These aren’t always fail-safe, because they could be made up by friends and family. But people do tend to be honest and if there are plenty of glowing testimonials on the dentist’s website, you should at least consider them.
Check their reputation online
As is the case with testimonials, you can’t fully trust online comments – they may be posted by friends and also by enemies, someone who felt he was overcharged and is in revenge mode, for example. However, given the public nature of a forum, outlandish statements will soon be caught and dealt with. Most forums have a private message function, so you can contact the poster directly for more information.
Is the dental work guaranteed?
And if so, for how long? Guaranteeing dental work for a year or ten makes a huge difference, especially if you’ve traveled all the way to Costa Rica for dental care. A good guarantee is essential to your peace of mind.
How modern is the practice?
Modern doesn’t necessarily mean better, but make sure the practice has what you need, and don’t be afraid to ask. If a dentist invests extensively in new equipment, nice waiting areas and good publicity, there’s a chance that practice is not a fly-by-night operation and is in business for the longer term.
How up-to-date is the dentist?
In addition to a modern practice, does the dentist keep up with the latest technologies by reading or attending courses? You’ll probably find his/her bio or CV on their site so check for recent seminars and training courses, as well as unusual specializations.
Is the dentist accredited?
Membership in a professional association is important so make sure your dentist belongs to the Costa Rica College of Dental Surgeons(just click on Miembros on their website). While this isn’t necessary, you could also check whether your dentist is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
If you can answer these questions to your satisfaction, you’ll find the right dental clinic in Costa Rica – at least it’ll be the right one for you!