Los Algodones - Dental Work

[John&Vicki]

I probably live a sheltered life up here in the hinterlands of Oregon, but I just read about having dental work done in Mexico in the town of Los Algodones. I am well aware of the high level of violence in many parts of Mexico at this time, particularly in the border areas. It appears that Los Algodones may be an exception. Located a few miles from Yuma, it's only five square blocks and caters almost exclusively to Canadians and Americans seeking dental work, prescription drugs and other health related goods and services. People park their cars on the U.S side and walk across the border.

My family used to own part of a small farm located on the Sea of Cortez south of La Paz and I've spent a lot of time in Mexico - and I really like the good people. So I'm very comfortable with the idea of seeing a Mexican dentist. But I am paranoid about the bad people. Does anyone have any information on what the relative level of safety is in Los Algodones?

Poppy

P.S. BTW, I read about this in a *great* travel blog - http://www.wheelingit.us - one of the best I've ever found.

[Wolfe]

I had fine work done in Tj over the last 2 years at a great price. send a pm for Phone contact. never felt ill at ease.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, the Twenty Mule Team couldn't drag me across that border, but that's just me. Good luck in whatever you decide.

[carver 1]

My advice as a Dentist with 49 years experience, 26 in the military and still in active cotract military practice is not to have your work done south of the border. I have been stationed at Fort Bliss (El Paso), Fort Huachuca ( Sierra Vista) as well as Fort Sam (San Antonio) and have seen first hand the poor quality of Mexican dentistry. That is not to say that all American Dentistry is great. You stand a much better chance getting quality work in the U.S.

[r carl]

Dental work is waaay too high here.

[polarlyse]

My cousin has a house in Costa Rica. He goes there often and has also been having his dental work done there. I can't compare with any work in Mexico but I can say that he has been very satisfied with the work he's having done in CR. As a bonus CR does not have the violent reputation we see in Mexico. We've been there several times and would like to go back. Might be something to consider.

[Air Cruiser]

A real issue for me would be.....cleanliness. Back in the '80's I researched locally to find the right dentist for us, which included how the dental tools were cleaned. Back then the best way was to use an autoclave (sp), but I haven't stayed on top of this since, so I don't know what new and more advanced ways of sanitizing dental tools would be. What I do know is that our dentist stays on top of these things.

I don't want to get HIV or any other number of diseases from going to the dentist and my concern would be that they probably are not as regulated as our US dentists are.

This is not to diminish the concern of personal safety across the border, which would prevent us from going there even if they did use an autoclave.

Best of luck to you in whatever you choose to do.

Deb

[BusDriver]

In 2011 Hubby (Joe) had all his teeth pulled in Los Algondones and got a full set of teeth for under $2,000. He is very satisfied with the dentist. That same year while still in Yuma I broke a tooth, called the same dentist and they took me in within a couple of days. I ended up getting a crown, 6 months later back in Washington I went to my dentist for a cleaning, she looked at the crown and said it looked like good quality and said to go ahead and have one of my other teeth crowned.

Bottom line, our experience was very good and have no fear of crossing the boarder there for dental work. The shrimp tacos are very good too.