Searching for a Dentist in Costa Rica A Buyer's Guide

Dentist in Paradise. You may not copy this book. 1

Searching for a Dentist in Costa Rica A Buyer's Guide
Dentist in Paradise. You may not copy this book. 2
Contents

FOREWORD: WHY COSTA RICA? ...................................................................... 2

CHOOSING YOUR DENTIST OUTSIDE THE US ...............................................................4
WHERE DID THE DENTIST GO TO MEDICAL SCHOOL? ........................................4
IS THE DENTIST A LICENSED SPECIALIST FOR THE SURGERY YOU NEED? 5
WHAT ARE THE DENTIST'S REFERENCES? ................................................................5
DOES THE DENTIST HAVE ANY PROFESSIONAL
CREDENTIALS/ASSOCIATIONS? ..........................................................................................5
DOES THE DENTIST ACCEPT US INSURANCE? ..........................................................6
ARE THERE CURRENT PHOTOS OR VIDEOS OF THEIR FACILITIES? ..............6
DO THEY HAVE THEIR OWN LABORATORY ON SITE? ...........................................6
DOES THE DENTIST GUARANTEE THEIR WORK? ...................................................7
DOES THE DENTIST ADVERTISED PERFORM THE SURGERY? ...........................7
IS THE STAFF FLUENT IN ENGLISH? .............................................................................7
IS THERE ACCESS TO 3D TOMOGRAPHY FOR A PROGNOSIS?............................7

ABOUT DR. MARIO ....................................................................................................................8
Searching for a Dentist in Costa Rica A Buyer's Guide
Dentist in Paradise. You may not copy this book. 3
Foreword: Why Costa Rica?
Dental prices in the US do not generally reflect or take into account the tremendous
daily struggle we as Americans are undergoing financially. US dentists (in most cases)
are not going to see their quality of life affected because you don't have cash on hand, a
healthy balance on your credit card or a good credit score to finance a five-figure dental
bill. There is no charity in the dentist's office. You probably have seen the sign posted
next to the receptionists window that says, Payment due upon receipt of services.

As a result of the financial burden facing people needing advanced dental care the idea
of going to another country for dental work to save a great deal of money is no longer
something unthinkable. The answer you are looking for is a dental vacation where you
can have your dental health restored without spending every last buck in your savings or
having to mortgage the house.

The cost of dentistry in the US has motivated individuals, some whom have never left
the state where they were born, to hop on a plane and fly to Costa Rica to receive state-
of-the-art dental care with a minimum 40% savings over their US dentist. Even better,
your dentist could be Dr. Mario, who is US-trained and educated, who practices in a
state-of-the-art facility, located in the Manhattan of San Jose, Escazu, whose staff all
speaks fluent English, who offers free round-trip airfare or a week's stay at a Travel
Advisor #1 B&B for qualified clients and who guarantees his work 100%!



Searching for a Dentist in Costa Rica A Buyer's Guide
Dentist in Paradise. You may not copy this book. 4
Besides world-class dental work at affordable pricing you will have the opportunity to
spend time in a beautiful, exotic country that is a must-see destination. When you think
about Costa Rica, do you think of tropical, hot and humid? You shouldn't. Here in the
Central Valley where Dr. Mario and the capital, San Jose, are located, the temperature
never goes above 85 or so and never below 60, humidity is almost non-existent and
there is always a fresh breeze blowing through the valley. Costa Rica is a country of
micro-climates. When you leave Dr. Mario's office you can hop in your car, get on the
interstate and drive west through the mountains surrounding San Jose and in just an
hour and change be sitting on a beach on the Pacific Ocean covered by fresh breezes in
the high 80's sunbathing, surfing, deep-sea fishing or just enjoying fresh ceviche made
from yellow-tail tuna or red snapper right off the boat. It's just one of many travel
destinations within a few hours from Dr. Mario's office.

As for what I do, let me make this abundantly clear: my services are FREE. Dr. Mario
pays me directly to make your total experience as worry-free and satisfying as possible,
ending with a successful dental outcome. So what exactly do I do? I suppose that
depends on what you need. I will be your initial point of contact with Dr. Mario's office
to discuss your dental needs, including pricing and to help develop a dental treatment
plan for you. Then I will help you in planning and executing your travel to Costa Rica
and help you identify lodging choices within your budget.

When you arrive I will meet you at your lodging destination. Then you will be my guest
for dinner. I will also escort you to your first appointment and introduce you to the staff.
While you are in Costa Rica I will be available to help you in making any additional
plans to travel in-country and arranging transportation. My ultimate goal is to insure
that you have a successful dental outcome. I will act as a liaison between you and the
staff to always ensure your concerns and wishes are known and executed.
The following is a guide to making an intelligent decision about choosing a dentist and
planning your trip to experience safe and affordable dental care in beautiful Costa Rica.

Pura Vida....Charlie


Searching for a Dentist in Costa Rica A Buyer's Guide
Dentist in Paradise. You may not copy this book. 5
Choosing Your Dentist Outside the US
The following chapters will offer a concise approach to choosing an overseas dentist.
Costa Rica is not the only destination for saving multiple thousands on your dental work,
but here are some things to consider when making your choice of a country.

First, the Costa Rican people, called Ticos, are a sweet, peaceful and humble people
that are generally shy and reserved. Costa Rica is a small country of some 4 million
people which recently was selected by the United Nations as the happiest country in the
world. To that end, Costa Rica doesn't have an army. Costa Rica is the oldest
democracy in Central America and has become the most advanced and forward-thinking
country in the region. Costa Rica is a country that is considered the greenest country
on Earth as it has set aside almost a quarter of its land as National Parks. Unlike some
other countries like Mexico, there is no animosity or resentment towards Americans
that live, work or visit here. They have accepted and integrated Americans, and all
foreigners that live here, almost seamlessly. Live and let live could be the country's
motto.

Speaking of Mexico, the crime rate in Costa Rica per capita, is extremely low and
generally non-violent as gun ownership is not part of the culture. The police force is
modern, well-equipped and has a high, but discrete presence. Life here is quiet, peaceful
and for the most part, uneventful in the best sense.

Costa Rica has all the amenities you are accustomed to in the US. One of the great things
about living here is that Americans can live as much like a tico or gringo as they want.
For instance, they can go to the Central Market in downtown San Jose for food or if they
want to pay 40% more they can go to any number of modern shopping centers. You get
the idea.

Costa Rica is a great place to live or visit. It's just a few hours from any place in the US
(e.g., 2.5 hours from Miami, 3 from Houston, 5 from LA or NYC), Costa Rica is a country
worth knowing for any reason.

Now let's talk about how to choose a dentist.
Where Did the Dentist Go to Medical School?
This may seem overtly basic, but when you are researching doctors overseas, start with
the most critical information. Knowing where the dentist earned his degree is the first
step towards finding a comfort level. Having a high level of confidence in your dentist
starts with this question.
Is the Dentist a Licensed Specialist for the Surgery You Need?
As in the US, the dental work in Costa Rica is highly specialized. For instance, a dentist
who does implants cannot do root canals and vice versa. A general practitioner cannot
Searching for a Dentist in Costa Rica A Buyer's Guide
Dentist in Paradise. You may not copy this book. 6
do implants or root canals. Orthodontics is also a separate specialty.

What Are the Dentist's References?
This can be tricky. Anybody can send you a list of names of previous patients and/or
organizations that they belong but unless you do the proper due diligence it's not very
effective. What we would encourage you to do is to set up a phone appointment with the
dentist with a set of questions that are critical to you making a decision.
Does the Dentist Have Any Professional Credentials or
Associations?
Now here is something that you can investigate: is your prospective dentist affiliated
with any US organizations including the American Dental Association or the Greater
Miami Chamber of Commerce, or has he or she been selected by a subsidiary of
BCBS/SC for their US clients who want to come to Costa Rica for their dental work?
This is easily verifiable information, and these are the kinds of critical credentials you
should look for when making your decision.
Does the Dentist Accept US Insurance?
This also could result in enjoying greater savings on your dental work. As a rule, most
US insurance companies do not have any working relationship with dentists in Costa
Rica. Be sure to ask if the office will supply you with the proper paperwork and if your
insurance company will honor the claim. That is a question you should ask any dental
office you contact.
Searching for a Dentist in Costa Rica A Buyer's Guide
Dentist in Paradise. You may not copy this book. 7
Are There Current Photos or Videos of Their Facilities?
This can be very subjective; there can be a big difference between the quality of the
equipment at each dental office. People who have been unpleasantly surprised to find
themselves sitting in a cramped waiting room, in an aging dental facility, wondering
what is on the other side of the door leading to the dental chair. Asking for photos of all
parts of the dental facility is a good place to start. Even better, ask them if they have a
video of their office and can email it to you.

Do They Have Their Own Laboratory on Site?
An in-house laboratory can make all the difference in a quick turn-around on your
dental work. You will be saving a great deal of money on your dental work in Costa Rica
but every day you are here you will be paying for food, lodging and transportation at a
minimum. If the dental facility you choose does not have its own laboratory then you are
looking at a longer wait time for crowns, bridgework or veneers if they have to send your
work to a offsite facility.
Does the Dentist Guarantee His or Her Work?
That is the question I hope you never have to fall back on but its always good to ask for a
email confirmation of this guarantee before you come down to Costa Rica.
Searching for a Dentist in Costa Rica A Buyer's Guide
Dentist in Paradise. You may not copy this book. 8
Does the Dentist Advertised Perform the Surgery or Is It an
Associate?
You may come across a slick and flashy website for a dentist that appears to have all the
bells and whistles that scream for your dental dollars. It can come with testimonials,
before and after photos and great price points. Let's say for instance that you need
dental implants, which is by far the common dental procedure performed in dental
tourism. The website promotes a certain dentist and you make the natural assumption
that he will be doing your dental work.
Not so fast! Is this dentist licensed to do the dental work you need? All dentists are not
created equal. A general dental practitioner is not qualified to do a dental implant. Only
someone accredited as a certified licensed implantologist can perform this procedure.
Always confirm who will be doing the dental work!
Is the Staff Fluent in English?
Nothing is more important, where major dental work is concerned, than the competency
and fluency of the office staff and doctors in speaking English. It is vital that there be a
high level of communication between the dentist, his office and the client. If you find
yourself speaking with someone whose English is broken, unclear and frustrating to
understand its time to look elsewhere.
Is There Access to 3D Tomography for a Prognosis?
Panoramic x-rays are the dental industry standard but 3D tomography offers the dentist
a much more precise way to make a prognosis and to use as a guide through surgery.


Searching for a Dentist in Costa Rica A Buyer's Guide
Dentist in Paradise. You may not copy this book. 9
About Dr. Mario
- A graduate of the University of Miami School of Medicine
- Has been in private practice for 20 years
- First licensed and certified dental implantologist in Costa Rica 1995
- All implant procedures from surgical placement to final restoration performed at our
implant center
- Dr. Mario and all dentists on staff are fully bi-lingual and Board Certified in their
specialty
- Uses only industry leading implant brands that have a lifetime warranty
- Has over a 98% success rate with implant integration and will replace any that fails to
osseo-integrate at no cost
- Has performed over 14,000 implant procedures and is a internationally recognized
oral surgeon
- Dental facility is certified by AAAHC International which is a US certification agency
for quality and control for hospitals and clinics around the world
- A member in good standing of the American Dental Association (ADA)
- Recommended by the US Embassy in Costa Rica