Dental tourism is gaining popularity as dental costs rise, and in Costa Rica, dental prices are enticingly low while quality remains very high. Costa Rica dental prices make it a popular destination for Americans as well as for dental vacationers from all over the world.
If you're considering teeth implants, veneers, or other dental work in Costa Rica, you're right to do some research first. In this guide, we'll answer some common questions, including:
- Is it safe to visit a dentist in Costa Rica?
- How much does dentistry in Costa Rica cost?
- What kind of work can I have done?
- Where are the best Costa Rica dentists located?
- What precautions should I take?
For help planning your Costa Rica dental implant vacation, veneers, whitening, and more, just fill in your details below, and Medical Tourism Corporation will help you find a quality clinic abroad. They've got lots of experience selecting reputable clinics and put a strong emphasis on customer service, so you'll know you're in good hands.
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Keep reading for all of this information and more about dental tourism in Costa Rica. We hope this guide helps you decide whether getting dental work in Costa Rica is right for you.
In This Article
Why travel for dental work in Costa Rica?
You can travel for dental work in Costa Rica because it is cost-effective to do so. Also, the beautiful scenery and interesting history certainly help! Costa Rica dental costs for teeth implants and other procedures can be as much as 80% lower than in the US and Canada.
Dental tourism in Costa Rica is on the rise; in fact, Costa Rica welcomed around 50,000 medical tourists in 2015. Around 80% of those came from the US and the majority were seeking cheap dental treatment and/or cosmetic surgery.
Mexico is still the most popular dental tourism destination for Americans, but the number of visitors engaging in dental tourism in Costa Rica is growing each year as the country builds its reputation as a world-class medical and dental care destination.
Some visitors choose Costa Rica dental tourism because of its proximity to where they live (a direct flight from Miami to San Jose takes three hours). But many come not just for dental treatment but for the chance to have a full-on Costa Rica dental vacation.
With many companies offering all-inclusive dental vacation packages in Costa Rica, you can enjoy an extended break soaking up the sun while you recover from your dental work – and you don't have the hassle of organizing everything yourself. Of course, the main draw is that you can enjoy all of this and still save on the cost of your dental treatment.
Is dental tourism in Costa Rica safe?
This is a sensible question to ask before traveling anywhere for dental work. There are two aspects to consider: the safety of the dental work itself and your personal safety during your stay for dental tourism in Costa Rica.
First, remember that no experienced dentist anywhere in the world has a 100% success rate. Complications do happen from time to time but the best dentists are the ones that know how to (and are willing to) fix the problem.
That said, you can certainly take precautions to minimize your chances of ending up with one of the ‘bad' ones. When it comes to dental tourism in Costa Rica, the best approach is to do as much research as possible before making your selection.
In terms of safety while traveling, Costa Rica has the lowest crime rate of all Central American countries. However, the capital San Jose (which has the largest concentration of Costa Rica dental clinics for tourism) still has a problem with non-violent crime. To avoid becoming a victim of petty theft, take some common-sense precautions, such as keeping valuables out of sight. This blog post has some useful information about ways to keep yourself and your belongings safe if traveling there.
Costa Rica dental training
As long as you research your Costa Rica dentist, you can feel confident about your dental care in Costa Rica. That's because it takes six years of dental training for students in Costa Rica to qualify as dentists. Training can begin as early as age 17 or 18 when they graduate from high school – younger than in the US. However, the longer training time offers more practical clinical experience so graduates are fully equipped to start practicing independently.
Any Costa Rica dentist wanting to specialize in a certain practice must complete another 2-3 years of training. Many travel to Europe and North America to complete this training, so not only do they gain access to the latest equipment, they also speak excellent English.
There is no continuing education requirement, but the best dentists in Costa Rica will take the initiative to stay up-to-date with the latest industry standards anyway. Ask your dentist in Costa Rica for evidence of regular training so you know they haven't fallen behind.
Costa Rica dental industry regulation
All qualified dentists in Costa Rica must register with the Colegio de Cirujanos Dentistas de Costa Rica (College of Dental Surgeons of Costa Rica). On their website, you can view a full list of the general dentists and specialists authorized to provide dental care in Costa Rica, as well as those who have been suspended. The website is all in Spanish, but you can translate it using your web browser.
Interestingly, the College sets minimum tariffs for dentists to charge for each type of treatment. If you find a dentist in Costa Rica charging below these minimum rates, that itself should act as a warning sign. You can view these rates by navigating to Departments > Prosecutor > Minimum Rates on the website.
You'll find that some Costa Rica dental clinics hold accreditations with international health organizations like JCI (Joint Commission International). This shows the facility meets certain standards for training and equipment, but it is no guarantee of patient satisfaction.
What treatments do people get on a Costa Rica dental vacation?
Simply put, the most common treatments are the ones where people can save the most money. These include dental implants in Costa Rica, veneers, crowns, and some other cosmetic dentistry and restorative work.
A filling might be $100 cheaper in Costa Rica but those savings alone won't cover the cost of your flights and travel expenses. That said, you can still bundle smaller treatments like fillings, cleanings, and extractions to make the trip financially worthwhile.
Now you'll find information on some of the most popular treatments for dental tourists. Following this, you can get an idea of Costa Rica dental prices.
Costa Rica dental implants
Implants are easily the most expensive way to get replacement teeth, but they are also the longest-lasting. Even if you just need one implant, you could save money by traveling to Costa Rica, but if you need several or even a full-mouth restoration, the low Costa Rica dental costs will make the savings even greater.
The following video shows a woman sharing her experience getting dental work done in Costa Rica:
Remember that it takes two or three visits over several months to have implants fitted. You'll need to factor in the cost of multiple visits when working out if it's worth traveling overseas. You can read more about dental implants and the fitting procedure here.
If you are getting dental implants in Costa Rica, check that you're being treated by a qualified prosthodontist. This specialism involves several years of extra training, during which the dentist focuses on replacement teeth and restorations to the mouth and jaw. Not all dentists who advertise their services for implants carry this qualification, so it's best not to make any assumptions.
All-on-4
Another Costa Rican dental treatment offering, and a quicker alternative to traditional implants, is All-on-4 implants. These replace a full arch of teeth using just four or six implants supporting a set of dentures. Temporary dentures can be placed at the first visit, earning them the name “teeth in a day.” You then return a few months later for your permanent teeth.
Getting All-on-4 implants in Costa Rica means one less visit to the dentist than traditional implants, plus the treatment itself is cheaper because it involves fewer implants. However, we recommend reading our guide to All-on-4 to discover all the pros and cons of this treatment.
Veneers in Costa Rica
Costa Rica dentistry also offers plenty of cosmetic treatments as well, such as veneers. If your teeth are healthy but you don't like the way they look, you might be considering veneers in Costa Rica. These thin covers are placed onto existing teeth to improve their esthetic appearance.
The cost of veneers in Costa Rica will depend on the type and material you choose. Composite veneers are less expensive than porcelain but they don't last as long. Read more about veneers to discover which type is right for you and to decide if the lower cost of veneers in Costa Rica will make it worth the trip.
Other dental work in Costa Rica
Lower dental costs in Costa Rica don't just apply to Costa Rica implants and veneers. Dental crowns are another popular treatment for people traveling to Costa Rica, with possible savings of hundreds of dollars per crown. Often a crown is recommended after root canal treatment to preserve the tooth for as long as possible.
It might take a couple of weeks to get a crown made in the US, but here they are usually processed in just a day or two. Did you know that's because US dentists often order dental prostheses from labs in Mexico and Costa Rica? However, some dentists use 3D printing technology to make crowns while you wait.
Costa Rica cosmetic dental work is a highly sought-after procedure. Options for cosmetic dentistry in Costa Rica include laser teeth whitening and smile makeovers. Costa Rica cosmetic dentists are often able to do a wide range of procedures, so you may want to bundle to save even more. Additionally, you can rest assured knowing that cosmetic dentists in Costa Rica use state-of-the-art equipment and often adhere to American Dental Association rules and regulations.
Costa Rica dental prices
The table below shows the average cost of dental implants in Costa Rica, as well as other common procedures. These figures are just approximate; you'll need to get a personal quotation for your own treatment.
Treatment | Approximate cost |
Single tooth implant | $750 - $1,500 |
All-on-4 implants | $6,000 - $15,000 |
Acrylic dentures (upper or lower) | $500 - $900 |
Dental bridge (3-unit) | $400 - $1,100 |
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown | $300 - $600 |
Porcelain veneer | $350 - $600 |
If you have a dental insurance plan, it's worth checking whether there is any provision for work completed outside of the US. Not all insurers offer this, but some have in-network dentists located in other countries. Read more about the best dental insurance plans in the US.
If you need help finding insurance, go to Dentalinsurance.com. This online marketplace makes it easy to search for plans—just enter your zip code and date of birth and you'll see the best plans in your state.
They also offer helpful resources and the option to speak with a licensed agent by calling 888-626-0057 if you need guidance along the way.
Why does Costa Rica dental treatment cost less?
Whether it's for medically necessary or cosmetic dental in Costa Rica, the dental tourism market is very competitive. This means that dentists and clinics that want to stay ahead must offer great service and prices while maintaining high standards of care and hygiene.
The lower cost of dental work in Costa Rica is not a reflection of lower quality but more of the lower cost of living. If dentists in Costa Rica have reduced costs in terms of building rental, wages, taxes, and other overheads, then they can afford to offer their services for less. These economic factors mean they also earn much smaller salaries than dentists in the US.
You'll find that many Costa Rica dental clinics are equipped with the same cutting-edge technology and equipment used by US dentists, even though the cost of dental work in Costa Rica is much lower.
To get the same quality treatment as you would in the US but for a much lower price, get dental implants in Costa Rica or any other dental work with the help of MTC.
They'll help you find a reputable clinic and plan your trip — just fill in your details below.
The best locations for dental implants in Costa Rica
San Jose
One of the most popular spots for Costa Rica dental tourism is San Jose, Costa Rica, where you'll find the widest choice of dentists. This is the country's capital, so it's easy to fly from anywhere in the world. Because Costa Rica dental clinics cater to locals as well as tourists, and because it's not such a popular tourist destination, you may find Costa Rica dental prices are slightly cheaper in San Jose than in some of the popular beach resorts.
On the downside, San Jose probably wouldn't be your first choice for a Costa Rica dental vacation. If you do want to spend some time by the beach either before or after visiting the dentist, it's easy enough to get around by air or over land since Costa Rica is a fairly small country.
Driving in San Jose can be quite stressful, so you may want to ditch any plans to rent a car. Instead, find out whether your Costa Rica dental clinic offers free transport – many will pick you up from the airport and transport you to and from your hotel at no extra cost.
Guanacaste Province
If you'd rather feel like you're on vacation for your entire trip, head to Guanacaste Province in the northwest of the country. The small city of Liberia has a cluster of clinics that cater to foreigners and is just a few miles from the beach.
Alternatively, you could stay in one of the nearby resort towns of Playas del Coco or Tamarindo and get your teeth done just a few steps from the ocean.
Dentists here are accustomed to treating tourists, so they usually speak excellent English. However, you may also find their prices are slightly higher than in San Jose. It's a good idea to shop around and consider your options to figure out the best solution for you.
Choosing a dentist for Costa Rica dental tourism
Finding the best dentist in Costa Rica for dental implants or your other needs is a big decision. Especially if it's your first time getting dental work overseas, it's natural to have some reservations. The best advice we can give is to do as much research as possible into the Costa Rica dental clinic, treatment, and dentist in Costa Rica that you're considering.
To get a rounded view of the clinic's services, search online for reviews and testimonials from past patients. When you're thousands of miles away, word of mouth can be one of the most reliable ways to judge a place. Have you seen our article dedicated to Costa Rica dental reviews?
Below is a video about a woman from the U.S describing her experience getting dental work in Costa Rica:
Questions to ask your dentist in Costa Rica
Costa Rica dental clinics are used to answer questions from prospective patients, so don't be shy about requesting all the information you want. Communicating with the clinic and dentist in Costa Rica ahead of your visit should help put you at ease. If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, don't feel like you have any obligation to go ahead with the treatment.
If possible, speak directly to the dentist in Costa Rica who will be treating you so you can get an idea of his or her English level. It's good to have the reassurance that you'll be able to communicate clearly before, during, and after your procedure.
Here are some questions to ask as you do your research on dental work in Costa Rica:
- What training does the dentist in Costa Rica have (including continuing education), and can you see evidence of this?
- How many times have they carried out this procedure?
- What materials will be used?
- Can you see some before and after photos and speak to a former patient?
- Is the dentist or clinic accredited nationally or internationally?
- How long is the work guaranteed?
- What insurance does the Costa Rica dental clinic provide for international visitors?
Our complete guide to dental tourism has more detailed information about precautions and considerations when visiting a dentist abroad.
Complications
As mentioned earlier, complications can arise regardless of the quality and expertise of the work carried out. For example, dental implant problems may include:
- Infection following surgery
- Damage to nerves or sinuses
- Poor placement of implant
- Insufficient time for the implant to fuse with the bone before the placement of the crown
- Lack of bone
- Loosening of implant
Fortunately, these are relatively rare, but it's still worth being aware of how the clinic would handle any complications (whatever procedure you have). Some problems are apparent almost immediately after the implant has been placed but others can take months or years to show. Therefore, it's important to know for how long your work is guaranteed.
Also, think about any extra costs you might incur. If you had to stay a few extra nights for additional work and had to pay to reschedule your flights, who would cover these expenses? Your travel insurance company? Probably not, as they rarely cover costs associated with medical work, you have elected to have (only emergency treatment). What about your clinic? Maybe – ask them about this. Often they will offer to remedy the problem free of charge, but any extra travel costs will be your responsibility – even if you have already returned home.
Again, these kinds of problems are uncommon but they can happen, so it's best to be aware of the provisions in place.
Travel practicalities for dental tourism in Costa Rica
Keep in mind that even minor dental work can leave you feeling under the weather for a day or two. If you're having an intensive course of treatment, you likely won't feel like doing much in your free time.
It can help to book a hotel close to your dental clinic to minimize any travel time. Alternatively, opt for a clinic that provides accommodation on-site. This can be particularly beneficial if you are having oral surgery and your condition needs to be monitored.
Consider bringing a friend with you on your trip to take care of you while you recover. Even catching a taxi can be hard when your mouth is still numb. Your travel buddy can also step in to help if you experience any problems with your treatment.
Finally, even if you're not planning to turn your trip into a major Costa Rica dental vacation, it can be worth giving yourself a couple of days extra after your planned treatment is finished. This allows for minor delays, recovery time, and a bit of sightseeing if you feel up to it.
Other dental tourism destinations
If you decide Costa Rica isn't right for you, there are still other places offering dental work that are much cheaper than in the US.
Mexico might be the obvious choice since it is so close by, and indeed it's the number one destination for Americans getting dental treatment abroad. Many patients have been visiting a dentist in Mexico for years because of the high standards, short wait times, and low prices.
There are several well-known dental towns and cities right on the border, which are especially convenient if you live in the southern states. If you're flying there, you could also consider a dentist in Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, or Mexico City – depending on whether you're going for just dental work or you want to enjoy a vacation as well—maybe even visit a Tijuana dentist? Los Algodones is another popular town for dental work—so popular, in fact, that its nickname is “Molar City.” Read more about getting dental work in Mexico.
Colombia is another popular option in the Americas, with dental hot spots such as Bogota, Cartagena, Cali, and Medellin.
If you're looking for a place that adheres to US health guidelines with an ADA-accredited dentist, then Puerto Rico is the best option for you.
You might also consider getting dental implants in Thailand, particularly if you want an excuse for a more exotic vacation. There are hundreds of dental clinics in Bangkok alone, although many people head to the island of Phuket for their dental work. Cosmetic dentistry like implants, veneers, and whitening are particularly popular there, but you can save money on pretty much every dental procedure.
Similarly, the Philippines offers the chance to save money on dental care while enjoying a more unique vacation. The capital, Manila, arguably has the best choice of clinics, but there are many other cities and islands to explore. Whether you're into hiking, diving, beaches, or pools, your dental savings could go a long way toward paying for your trip.
Or, for the more adventurous travelers, what about a dental trip to India? There are big cost savings to be had with the benefit of dentists who have most likely trained in English.
There is certainly a good case for traveling abroad to save thousands of dollars, but the experience isn't for everyone. We hope all this information helps you make the right decision about where to get your dental treatment.
Conclusion
If you need dental work or would like to give your smile a makeover, you may be hesitant due to the high costs of dental work in the US. That's why more and more people every year are taking advantage of dental tourism in places like Costa Rica.
Dental work in Costa Rica is held to high standards but with much lower prices than you'll find in the US. Just make sure you do plenty of research, read reviews, and look into credentials before you choose your clinic or dentist in Costa Rica.
Get help finding dental work in Costa Rica now with MTC by filling in your details below.
FAQs
How do I find the best dentist in Costa Rica?
To find the best dentist for you in Costa Rica, make sure to do plenty of thorough research. You'll want to read unbiased reviews from other people who visited that dentist for dental work. You'll also want to make sure that the dentist you choose in Costa Rica goes above and beyond to stand out in the dental tourism industry.
Can I go to Costa Rica for cosmetic dentistry?
Absolutely! Getting dental cosmetics in Costa Rica is quite popular, including treatments such as smile makeovers, veneers, and laser teeth whitening, as these cost less in Costa Rica.
Why do dentists in Costa Rica offer lower prices?
The lower cost of dental work in Costa Rica is no reflection of the quality of work. Costa Rica's dental costs are lower because the cost of living is lower. This means that dentists earn less. In turn, they pay their staff less, and this helps keep prices down.
Costa Rica Guide: Preventing Theft. Consulted 23 September 2019.
Costa Rica Star: Medical Tourism in Costa Rica Registers 34% Growth. Consulted 23 September 2019.