webecca,

If you're thinking seriously about this, I'd suggest that you look in Monterrey (about 300 miles south of San Antonio, TX) or in Mexico City. A good private dentist in these cities will be perfectly qualified to help you. They will most probably have US or European training, and they will have the latest equipment.

I'd agree to stay clear of border towns, with the probable exception of Tijuana.

I can provide you with a few referrals in Monterrey, in case you're interested.

This (positive) experience is worth checking: http://tinyurl.com/32js5 or http://www.kuro5hin.org/story/2003/12/20/121018/65

catching up on these threads....

I went to a Mexican Dentist once. I gotta tell you, I stiffened up in my chair when he said, "We're gonna do a little cleaning just south of the border here..."

Then there was my Chinese doctor who loved to tell me, "Open up your Mao so I can Tse your Tong."

...all in fun, but I gotta make a run for the border here...

All anecdotal garbage.
M

First of all, it would depend upon where you live. I live in Santa Fe, NM and friends are regularly going to Mexico (border towns) and having first class dental work done. I can give you specifics if you wish. Costs are 1/2 local doctors here and one of my friend's is even having dental implants done there. It's not Mexico City.....and has nothing to do with insurance. From all reports, inside very down-trodden buildings are high tech suites with the latest equipment.

Here is a link to an interesting article about medical outsourcing in the US for radiology readings, some done by foreign physicians not U.S. licensed or trained.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6621014/

I saw Jean Valjean's post and I am considering going from Houston to Monterrey for dental work, so I would like to get the names of the dentists there that he mentioned. Thanks.

Bilesteve,

Are you looking for a general dentist, or for a specialist of some sort?

For general dentists, before I moved to NY I used to go with Dr. Patricia Gonzalez. She's a dear friend of the family and a great dentist.

From the US, you can call her at 011 52 81 8336 4110

Her address is:
Jose Vasconcelos 1501 S DES L 6
Col. Del Valle
San Pedro Garza Garcia, NL
66230

If you need further info, please let me know.

Binthair,
Well done.
I knew when I overheard the Chief of Radiology at Mass General speaking to the USArmy's "Beta" folks in 1995 at the ARRS meeting in NOLA, about instant transmissions of dig medical images X the world, we few US (trained and certified) Diagnostic Radiologists were about to suffer more than many docs.
Of course, the large US practices have jumped on and much of their work is now done overseas.
Unfortunately, like avian flu, no one knows how much the impact will be on patients.
All should ask where and by whom their imaging studies (CT, MRI, Sono, Mammo, etc.) are being interpreted.
Just saw an interesting comment about MC/MC's deleting coverage of Viagra for convicted sex offenders and a response from a VA bene - he was willing to give up one of the two Viagra tabs provided on 15th and 30th of each month by the VA - Too bad he never realized he could pay for same on line in Canada.
Do you really want a single payer health insurance provider?
As always,
Value what you pay for, and pay for what you value.
M

I vote with the dental school suggestion. I have used a local dental school for over 25 yrs. The cost is 50% of the private practice costs....if your insurance pays for some of that, you owe very little. You can ask for the undergraduate or graduate school areas. The latter have their dental degrees but are doing specialities.

Good luck.

Last time I used the very good Dental School clinic at Georgetown University was in 1970. The Dental School there is long gone.
M

I had a friend go last month to San Luis MExico (just south of Yuma AZ) for dental work and he was very pleased with the quality and price

I've been doing a little research in this area and apparently Costa Rica is the premier country for dental tourism from the United States. You might want to read this article for more information:

http://tftb.com/beautyfromafar/newsmile1.html

Hi there. My parents live in San Miguel de Allende and have all of their dental work done there. My mom has had all her crowns replaced, my brother has had root canals, and my dad his teeth whitened. I met their dentist a few weeks ago and she comes highly recommended. If you are interested I can get you her name. Thanks, Caroline

I'd appreciate information on good cosmetic dentists in Monterrey. Also, any info on costs of porcelain veneers.

Webecca, not sure where you live but I bet if you went to another dentist, you could get a better price. I know of an EXCELLENT dentist in California, who graduated from Northwestern School of Dentistry, who doesn't charge a fortune and would be someone you can trust. His name is Greg Carlin, DDS. His address is 1097 N Point Dr, Yuba City. Phone number: (530) 751-9062. I'd call his office and make an appointment before ever stepping foot in Mexico and possibly having my husband contract a disease that could kill him. It's a good thought, cost-wise but not worth the risk.

Helps if you know someone on the border. We live in El Paso and everyone goes to Juarez or Zaragosa for dental work. As a previous poster stated, there are several US dentists who have practices in Mexico and US. Check with your insurance co. or the SBC telephone book to see which ones take US insurance.
Here there are even shuttles that pick you up on this side and bring you back after.