There are two reasons that people come to Costa Rica for dental care. They know that the quality of care is up to U.S. standards in most cases and that they will pay anywhere from 25% to 50% of what they would in their home country.

At the clinic I was greeted as if I was a returning war hero. I was given a great cup of coffee and then went into consultation with Dr. Karen Yurell, the primary care coordinator after the staff had spent about a half hour reviewing my case. They reviewed my x-rays and then presented me with their findings, options for treatment and a print out of details, including cost.

Initially, I was planning on one root canal and a crown at $900, not the $3500 quoted by a U.S. endodontist. I ended up with three root canals (two new infections revealed in x-rays), one crown and two posts at a cost of $2300. The U.S. cost for that work would be in the range of $6000-$8000. Almost all of the work was done as I sat in the chair for 4 ½ hours. It was fairly pleasant and the equipment and facilities were of the highest standards. The doctors told me they use U.S. materials, follow U.S. protocols and OSHA infection control standards. Dentists keep a busy continuing education schedule.

Most dental travelers plan trips to Costa Rica of 7-8 days to have their work done. The clinic can do full mouth rehab, including 20 crowns, in two weeks.