DENTAL TOURISM TRENDS - FAQ's & STATS - 2016 Updated Repost by International Medical Tourism Journal

Dental Tourism Trends in 2016
By the International Medical Tourism Journal ~

Here's a study about the growing dental tourism industry, dental tourism prices, the increase in both demand and supply and how providers will need to differentiate their offering to remain competitive. -ed

Dental tourism (Also know as dental holidays or dental vacations) has become a booming industry, where every dentist fights for his reputation and wants to be among the first options for the travelling patient.

But how easy is it and what does it take to be a competitive player in such an unpredictable industry? With increasing awareness of the potential of the dental tourism, more and more dental clinics are trying to get into the business of attracting foreign patients.

But unfortunately most are relying on the same message…. “We are the best dentists, we provide the best dental services, in the most beautiful location, and offer dental services at X% less compared to country Y prices for the same services.”

Patient choice in dental tourism

…How can the patient choose among the sea of dentists?

…What are the criteria used in finding the best dentist?

…How far will a patient be willing to travel for a dental crown or an implant?
(Read the complete article by clicking "Read More "

Dentistry In The USA - You Have To Be Rich To Afford It! - NY Times

For many US middle-class families - dental emergencies and large treatments such as oral restorations are a huge, uninsured family budget wrecking event. And many are going without treatment and ending up in hospital emergency wards which are unable to provide proper dental care. 

Dental care in the US is increasingly becoming something that only the upscale segment of society can afford causing many to leave the US on “Dental Vacations” to Mexico and Asia to find affordable dental care. -ed

By Reed Abelson for NY Times

With dental costs rising and employers cutting dental coverage, an increasing number of working Americans cannot afford to see a dentist even for chronic problems. If you need a full-mouth restoration, several root canals, 27 crowns or dental implants - most dental insurance won’t cover you.

During the Iraq war, some reservists and Guard members chose to have their teeth pulled so that they could be deployed, said Maj. Gen. Robert A. McIntosh,in testimony before Congress.

"Although promised restorative dental work, their reward for their loyalty and patriotism will be dentures," he said. Dental implants, a better alternative to dentures, are not covered because they are more expensive.

In a nation where a person's smile is considered a sign of general well-being and an important factor in landing a job, dental care is becoming ever more unequal, policy specialists say. In 2000, the Surgeon General issued a report describing the silent epidemic of dental and oral diseases.

FIND THE BEST DENTISTS IN MEXICO CERTIFIED FOR WHAT YOU NEED - By the Board Certified Mexico Dentist Association

You can afford the best dentists in Mexico!  Here's how to find them.

Cabo San Lucas is a popular Mexico dental vacation destination

You have probably heard by now that one can get dentistry in Mexico at substantial savings for the same treatments in the US or Canada. But what about the quality?

In Mexico quality is problematic and here’s why. General dentists in Mexico untrained in dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, root canals etc. can legally attempt advanced dental procedures by practicing on unsuspecting patients.

This situation is not the result of any conspiracy, or criminality – just less consumer protection laws. It used to be the same situation in the US many decades ago.  But the Mexican government does not get in the way of any general dentists in Mexico who want to learn advanced dentistry the old-fashioned way – by trial and error on their patients (that’s you and me).

THE BEST MEXICO DENTAL VACATION PLACES for COSMETIC DENTISTRY, ORAL RESTORATION by David Mandich

What can you do when your teeth skip out on you?

By David Mandich 

Seniors and other cost conscious patients are  going offshore on dental holidays for new smiles in Mexico and Asia. They finding low-cost, high-quality dental implants, dentures, cosmetic dental makeovers and oral restoration in far off exotic places where it's always warm and nearly always sunny, and the mai tai's, margaritas and beer are cold year around.

Oral restoration and dental implants are often half or less than the cost  in Asia and Mexico as they are back in the US, Canada or other western developed nations. 

Dental implants costing $4-8,000us cost only $2-2,500. complete by board certified dentists in Asia and Mexico using name brand dental implants like Nobel Biocare. Certified dentist associations in Mexico and Asia can refer you to the best dentists in your preferred dental holiday destination.

Save up to 75% on your Oral Restoration on a dental vacation.

You can save tens of thousands of dollars on a full-mouth oral restoration or beautiful dental implants in a Mexican or Manila dental clinic.

An oral restoration can involve dental implants, sinus lift surgery, mini implant secured bridges, crowns, veneers, periodontal work and more.

The cost can be $45,000us to $100,000 in pricey US clinics where the staff wear black, there's marble and leather everywhere and autographed photos by celebs on the salon walls.

Whereas (roll the drums please) a full-mouth restoration will run $12,000 to $25,000 in Asia or Mexico depending on the procedures involved.

Even The 3 Stooges Could Do Cosmetic Dentistry in The USA -

The American Dental Association Says Cosmetic Dentistry is not a dental specialty... That's good news for the 3 Stooges...

In the US - cosmetic dentistry is not an American Dental Association (ADA) recognized specialty and any dentist can purchase a dental whitening machine, double their prices overnight and call themselves a Cosmetic Dentist. Some join the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists and hang the AACD membership certificate on their salon wall for added credibility. 

Anyone can join the AACD so long as they pay the membership fees.  Dental students, dental lab technicians, dental suppliers, general dentists and even the 3 Stooges would be welcome.