Category Archives: Dental Tourism

Costa Rica News – Mariela Aparicio is trying to fight to to become the first Costa Rican woman to hold the title of Miss Earth and she has quite the support system behind her to try to gain this title. Miss Earth is an annual international beauty pageant promoting environmental awareness.

Miss Earth is one of the three largest beauty pageants in the world in terms of the number of national-level competitions to participate in the world finals.

Those who participate in the pageant are involved with humanitarian and environmental causes. The pageant winner is expected to be involved in international projects, which are also promoted during the pageant’s broadcast. The delegates also take part in tree planting ceremonies, environmental and cultural immersion programs, sponsor visits and tours.

We can only hope that Mariela Aparicio can win this title and bring some calm into the environmental storm that has taken place in Costa Rica over the past month with the death of Jairo Mora.

For the young native of Perez Zeledon and  is not new to the international stage. In 201o she was among the semifinalists of Miss International in China.

“I think it will help me paint the picture of the country. Also I will take all my experience fro the Miss International pageant. All this experience helps me to have the knowledge of what the judges are looking for the contest. I’m going to compete. My purpose is to bring the crown to Costa Rica, ” she said.

Mariela has quite a support system behind her trying to help her achieve the goal of capturing the Miss Earth crown.

Aparicio receives gateway classes, interview practice and professional photography. She is also working on an environmental project, which she must present at the competition.

Renowned dentist to the Costa Rica stars Dr. Luis Kaver is helping the Miss Earth contestant make sure she has the most beautiful smile in the contest.  Dr. Kaver also performs dental implants, porcelain veneers and other cosmetic dentistry for dental tourists in Costa Rica.

source: http://www.costaricantimes.com / The Costa Rican Times / Home > Costa Rica News / by Hazel Diaz / Monday – June 10th, 2013

Costa Rica News – When it comes to dental tourism in Costa Rica many people are looking to come when the airfares start coming down as Costa Rica enters rainy season.  Spirit Airlines ran a weekend special recently, where they offered a round trip ticket for $220 from Florida.  These reduced airfare rates and up to 70% savings in dental procedures such as dental implants have been packing their bags for a dental vacation.

Many people like the idea of vacationing after the dental work is done. If you will be having a procedure that involves a few trips, months apart, Mexico or Costa Rica can be a logical choice because of the proximity to the USA.

Last year medical tourism in generated over 1.3 billion dollars in revenue for Costa Rica.  As dentists that have been trained in the USA or Canada see that they can have a more enjoyable lifestyle living in Costa Rica and save huge amounts of money by reducing overhead on their dental clinics.  You are able to get the same service and professionalism as your would get in the USA at a fraction of the price.

Ten years ago, if you needed dental work you went to the local dentist. That was the whole story. Over the last decade, however, things have changed. You now have the easy and effective option of dental tourism. Traveling abroad will allow you to get your treatment, save money, and get a break. To avoid problems, plan ahead and do your research.

First you will need to get an idea of the costs in your country to compare them. For extensive treatments you may be able to go abroad and include your travel costs for less than the procedure alone would be at home. You may also be able to avoid the long waiting lists at home as well as plan the trip during a holiday to use your vacation days.

You can get a second or even third opinion at home to make sure you are scheduling the correct treatment. Often there are options and you can choose to deal with the problem in a way you are comfortable with, for instance, with a less invasive procedure. Once you settle on a plan of treatment research the country and clinics available. Look into the certifications and experience of the dentist and clinic. Has the clinic been inspected for cleanliness? Has the dentist performed this specific procedure more than a few times?

A word of advice if you are getting implants: Check that the price you are quoted includes the whole course of treatment including repeat appointments and restorations, not just the implants. As long as you do your research and exercise caution dental tourism will be a great benefit to you and your smile.

There is a lot of information to digest when it comes to preparing for your dental vacation to Costa Rica.  Entry requirements to Costa Rica, how to find a dentist or dental clinic, what to expect for your specific procedure and so much more.  

The Medical Tourism & Travel Guide Offers a Free E-Book to answer all your questions as well as a FREE comparative quote from 2 of the top dental clinics in Costa Rica. The Costa Rica Dental Team and Kaver Cosmetic Dentistry.

Click Here to get your FREE E-BOOK.

source: http://www.costaricantimes.com / The CostaRican Times / Home> Costa Rica News /by Judi Gebhard / Saturday – May 04th, 2013

NOIDA, India, & ROSWELL, Ga., USA:

The increase in medical tourism in Asia will apparently only benefit certain countries in the region. According to a report released by India–US market intelligence provider Renub Research, over two thirds of the market for foreign medical and dental services will be controlled by India, Thailand and Singapore in the near future.

Overall, Renub estimates that the number of arrivals for medical and dental tourists will exceed ten million by 2015, which would be a 50 per cent increase from the present volume. Thailand, which currently sees the largest number of foreign medical tourists per year, is predicted to double its market volume within the next three years. The country currently holds the largest market share with 40 per cent.

It will be followed by Singapore, with an estimated one million arrivals per year and India with an expected half a million arrivals. Together, all three markets will hold a total share of 80 per cent while countries like South Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia and Taiwan will compete for the remaining 20 per cent. Taiwan in particular is expected to be frequented by members of the Chinese middle class who can increasingly afford high-cost medical and dental treatment.

Other countries were not included in the report.

With rates of up to 30 per cent, medical tourism has been one of the fastest growing business sectors in the region owing primarily to the rising affluence of the middle class and a boom in the private health care sector. Recognising the potential, several countries have recently started initiatives to improve medical facilities and the workforce, as well as to attract more patients from abroad.

source: http://www.dental-tribune.com / Home> Asia Pacific  / by Dental Tribune Asia Pacific / November 16th, 2012

Nogales, Sonora, MEXICO (Tucson News Now)

Every day people cross the border into Mexico. Some go for a nice Mexican meal or to buy jewelry, but other people have an appointment to get to.

On the streets of Nogales, Sonora it was hard to find an American not in town to see the dentist.

“I was surprised when we walked into the waiting room that the whole place was filled with Green Valley people,” said Rosie Kaiser.

“They have real vanilla here. It’s a fraction of the cost. But, I also come here for the dentist. I go to the orthodontist. I pay $6,000 in the states and here I’m paying $1,350,” said Maryann Kinzel.

A few steps from Arizona is a world of different in sights, sounds and prices for dental care.

Dr. Ernesto Quiroga in Nogales, Sonora said, “The prices in Mexico is very good deal for everybody. It’s the regular price for Mexico but in United States, they charge a little bit more.”

Some would say a lot more. According to the CDC, in 1999 eight percent of American adults went without dental health care because it cost too much. A decade later that number jumped to 15 percent.

Dr. Robert J. Oro from Oro Dental Medicine said, “What we’re seeing is that folks are looking for ways to get dental care for what they see as a cheaper alternative.”

Dr. Oro has a practice in Oro Valley. He says it’s now a big business in Mexico and in the U.S.

In the early eighties everything changed.

“It went from insurance to assistance. They capped the insurance at $1,500 and that number $1,500 has not changed since 1983.”

That means even patients with dental insurance may not have adequate coverage and have to pay out of pocket.

“Our dentist in Green Valley sold his business to a newer gal, who raised the prices. We decided we didn’t want to pay that. We have lots of neighbors who’ve been coming here. We get lots of recommendations so we decided to go to Dr. Bojorquez,” said Kay and Lloyd Bierstaker.

The couple crossed the border for a standard cleaning. They pay one hundred dollars less than what they would in Green Valley.

Dr. Ernesto Quiroga says when reports of violence were all over the media, and because almost all of his patients are American, his business dropped by 20 percent. Now he sees more than 400 patients a week because business is coming back.

“Most patients they have a big surprise when they see the technology we use here,” Dr. Quiroga said.

Even in more modest offices Mexican dentists depend on American patients.

Dr. Ricardo Silva, a Nogales dentist said, “If they don’t come, yes. I have problem. But, they come.”

They come at a price and American dentists critical of this practice say their concern isn’t only about safety stemming from differences in training and standards of care.

Dr. Oro said, “When you leave and you spend your dollars in Mexico. Guess what? 100 percent of it leaves the united states.”

On both sides of the border there are signs of increased demand for dental work. But, American and Mexican dentists say they’re not competing yet.

“Will it affect American practices? Yeah, but if they make folks realize the importance of dental care, I think you also will see the rise in American dental office use also,” Dr. Oro said.

People are living longer and want their pearly whites without breaking the bank.

Mexican dentists expect their business to keep picking up, especially as healthcare costs in our country continue to rise amid a poor economy. But, American dentists who are critical of this practice say they want people to make sure to do their research before crossing the border to see a dentist.

source: http://www.ksla.com / Home> Story / May 14th, 2012