By the Board Certified Mexico Dentist Association
Dental procedures and terminology can often be confusing to the patient – especially so
when advertising agencies, foreign languages and consumer protection laws in
different countries are involved. The biggest challenge when going abroad remains finding the right dentist for your specific needs.
Certified Dentists vs. General Dentists - Dental tourists from developed countries need to be aware that things are not always the same as back home when considering treatments by a dentist in Mexico or elsewhere offshore. General dentists with only basic dental education are permitted in many developing countries to attempt advanced dental procedures without proper training or credentialing.
This practice is a clear violation of consumer protection laws in most developed countries - but legal in many (including Mexico) developing nations.
Thus in Mexico a general dentist may call him or herself a specialist in implants, or endodontics without having graduated from a dental specialist college. To be Board Certified, they have to pass another battery of tests after specialist college graduation. Board tests are written, lab and oral exams given by a panel of specialists in their chosen field.
When you select a board certified dentist - you know that you are getting a dentist who has been properly trained to do your work.
Many foreign patients have unwittingly spent 1,000's of dollars on implants and makeovers by a general dentist only to have the work redone at a later date due to infections, misalignment and other problems.
Bottom line: Unless the dentist you select abroad is board certified for the procedures you need, you don't know what you will kind of work you will end up with. And to have the work redone is costly, often very difficult and not painless.
This practice is a clear violation of consumer protection laws in most developed countries - but legal in many (including Mexico) developing nations.
Thus in Mexico a general dentist may call him or herself a specialist in implants, or endodontics without having graduated from a dental specialist college. To be Board Certified, they have to pass another battery of tests after specialist college graduation. Board tests are written, lab and oral exams given by a panel of specialists in their chosen field.
When you select a board certified dentist - you know that you are getting a dentist who has been properly trained to do your work.
Many foreign patients have unwittingly spent 1,000's of dollars on implants and makeovers by a general dentist only to have the work redone at a later date due to infections, misalignment and other problems.
Bottom line: Unless the dentist you select abroad is board certified for the procedures you need, you don't know what you will kind of work you will end up with. And to have the work redone is costly, often very difficult and not painless.
Here are some common dental terms that often cause misunderstandings everywhere one goes:
Dental Makeover and Extreme Dental Makeover are general non-clinical lay terms which are often used to
describe either cosmetic dentistry or major work such as a full-mouth oral
restoration. Thus a makeover can mean a lot or little in dental marketing.
Cosmetic Dentistry encompasses procedures such as crowns,
veneers, gum contouring, bondings, inlays, onlays, bridges and plates and sometimes even dental implants but falls far short of being an oral restoration as cosmetic dentistry is more concerned with aesthetics than dental structure and function.
Note: Dental implants are surgery AND it takes years to learn surgery properly. Best advice: Find a dentist who is board certified for implants when in Mexico. The implant specialist dentist in Mexico (and the US) will usually be an oral surgeon or prosthodontist. If a dentist says they are not board certified but they took a class by an implant manufacturer.. Run for the door.
In an oral
restoration a patient may have need for oral surgery involving surgical
extractions, a sinus lift, bone grafting, tooth socket rebuilding, gum
contouring, periodontal disease treatment, traditional or mini implants,
dentures, bridges, plates or partials.
The dentist who
performs an oral restoration should be (or have on the team) several
specialties to cover the bases.
When contemplating a serious, expensive procedure such as an oral
restoration or cosmetic dentistry – one should definitely see a board certified
specialist for the best results. If having a routine cleaning, fillings, a normal extraction or whitening - any general dentist can do the job. That is what, and only what, they are trained for. Not implants, not cosmetic dentistry, not oral restorations.
Here’s more dental marketing magic terms:
Laser Whitening. The laser part does not exist. A special blue light is used to activate and fuse a heat/light
sensitive gel applied to the teeth by the dentist. The blue light is often
mislabeled a laser. Whitening by the dentist does work. Expect a 5-7x’s
lighter shade of white when finished. What about whitening strips, whitening toothpaste
and mouthwash? Best save your money and have a dentist do it right and right the first time. It will look better and last much longer.
Dental Spa – Another gimmick used by some dentists looking for a way to enhance their practice. If you want a massage, go to a real spa.
Dental Spa – Another gimmick used by some dentists looking for a way to enhance their practice. If you want a massage, go to a real spa.
Dental Tourism, Dental Travel, Dental Vacation or Dental
Holidays - The fastest
growing facet of tourism today wherein patients from developing nations
go offshore (south of the border for Americans).
One can save $1,000’s on major dental work such as dental implants, cosmetic dentistry and oral restorations. Example: A dental implant in Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas may cost $2,500 versus $5,000 in Los Angeles California. And only $2,000 by an implant dentist in Manila.
One can save $1,000’s on major dental work such as dental implants, cosmetic dentistry and oral restorations. Example: A dental implant in Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas may cost $2,500 versus $5,000 in Los Angeles California. And only $2,000 by an implant dentist in Manila.
Dental tourists should remember that if you want the best results to take the American and Mexican Dental Association’s advice and see a Board
Certified Dentist.
Saludos!
Carla H.
Sanchez
CERTIFIED DENTISTS IN MEXICO: The Board Certified Mexico Dentist Association has member dentists in Cabo
San Lucas, Cancun, Guadalajara, Los Algodones, Mazatlan, Mexico City, Puerto
Vallarta, Tijuana and other popular dental travel destinations in Mexico.
For Free
Estimates and Referrals to Board Certified Dentists in Mexico and Asia
Contact:
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