Medical tourism is a big business for border towns. Due to the large concentration of dentist, Los Algodones Mexico is also known as Molar City. It is best known for affordable dentists and optometrists.
We’ve combed the internet and talked to customers to narrow it down to the top-rated dentist in Los Algodones Mexico. Plus, we’ll provide guidance for finding the right dentist for your needs.
Why do American snowbirds cross the Los Algodones Mexican border?
Optometrists and dentists in Los Algodones Mexico attract many budget focused visitors, especially American snowbirds.
Many Mexicans complete their medical training in North America and return home to practice. The quality of service provided is comparable to the US with much lower prices.
Prices in Molar City can be as much as 70% off US or Canadian dental prices.
How to find a good dentist in Los Algodones?
There are good dentists and bad dentists in every city.
To find a good dentist, you need to research their overall customer rating, qualifications and finally their experience with your specific procedure.
We’ve done the hard work and researched customer reviews for the best dentist in Los Algodones Mexico.
Best Rated Dentists in Los Algodones: Top 3
To create our list of the Best and Top Rated Dentists in Los Algodones, I combed through the internet for you. I do not get any benefit if you choose one dentist over another so I included the good and bad.
I only included dentists in Los Algodones Mexico with more than 100 Google reviews and a business website.
There are several with 5-star ratings with fewer reviews. Call me skeptical but I don’t trust a few beaming reviews.
We all have friends and family who think we hung the moon and want to support our business even if it means writing biased reviews.
Sani Dental Group
Sani Dental is a large dental practice in Los Algodones Mexico with over 25 chairs and multiple locations. They claim to be the #1 rated dentist in Mexico.
I consider them the big box store of dentists in Los Algodones. Not a bad thing but they have a lot of reviews due to the volume of customers they see daily.
Sani Dental offers a free patient shuttle bus from the Yuma airport or the border to either of their offices.
Sani Dental Main Los Algodones Location:
Calle Álamo 287, Vicente Guerrero, 21970 Vicente Guerrero, B.C., Mexico
Sani Dental Platinum Location (same prices, luxury facility):
Calle Tercera 203-D Los Algodones Baja California, Mexico 21970
Sani Dental Hours:
Mon – Fri (8:30 am – 5:00 pm) Sat (9 am – 3 pm)
Sani Dental Los Algodones Customer Rating: 4.9⭐ at Platinum location and 4.6⭐ at Main location
4.9 stars with over 250 reviews at the Sani Dental Platinum location
4.6 stars with over 650 reviews at the Sani Dental Main location
Sandi Dental has been my “trusted dental clinic” for nearly 10 years. I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Diego, who preformed an extraction with a gentle yet firm touch and was a true professional in his craft. You can always expect the dentists and staff to explain every step and make your dental experience a positive one. Thank you Sani Dental!!!
Flo H. – Google User
Simply Dental
Simply Dental is the second highest-rated dentist in Los Algodones with hundreds of Google reviews.
It claims to be the most-rated dentist in Los Algodones which is a bit deceiving. I think this means they have the most (not highest) reviews on all platforms.
They have a lot of loyal customers who travel to Los Algodones for all of their dental work at Simply Dental.
After reading reviews, I noticed the biggest complaint was the lack of punctuality. A few patients mentioned waiting up to an hour after their scheduled appointment.
After reading the lowest-rated reviews, I noticed that Simply Dental responds to all complaints professionally and with compassion.
In several cases, they mentioned their guarantee and offered to help resolve the issue. In a few cases, they also provide additional facts like the patient didn’t attend their scheduled follow-up appointment to properly finish the procedure.
Overall, I would trust Simply Dental but would plan extra time for my visits.
Simply Dental Los Algodones Location:
Av. B 192, Vicente Guerrero, 21970 Vicente Guerrero, B.C., Mexico
Simply Dental Hours:
Mon – Fri (8 am – 5 pm) Sat (8 am – 2 pm)
Simple Dental Los Algodones Customer Rating: 4.8⭐
4.8 stars with over 350 reviews
Simply Dental has always provided excellent service with reasonable pricing. My wife and I have had root canals and crowns on our several visits to Simply Dental. The office staff and Dental professionals have always been excellent. Although we live 4 hours from Algodones, Mexico we consider Simply Dental our home dentist. We highly recommend their service.
Rick M. – Google user
Dental Solutions
Dental Solutions in Los Algodones focuses its marketing on using the latest technology and professional memberships (like American Dental Association). The reviews for Dental Solutions are polarizing. Patients either love them or hate them.
The negative reviews seem to be from complex procedures that went wrong. There are also positive reviews about implants and root canals so the experience at Dental Solutions varies wildly.
Dental Solutions Los Algodones Location:
C. Tercera 160, Vicente Guerrero, 21970 Vicente Guerrero, BC, Mexico
Dental Solutions Hours:
Mon – Fri (9 am – 4 pm) Sat (9 am – 2 pm)
Dental Solutions Los Algodones Customer Rating: 4.6⭐
4.6 stars with over 130 Google reviews
They’re VERY nice folks— so I’ll spare the details but I’m a little less than dissatisfied.
ZACH C – Google User
Moral of the story? Be overly specific about your needs and probably just get an implant instead of fixing a crown or filling a cavity. Just my two cents.
Again, GREAT staff. Problem solved, new issues arose. Upsetting
Where is Los Algodones Mexico
Los Algodones is located less than 15 miles south of Yuma Arizona near the border of California. From Yuma, Los Algodones is an easy and fun day trip.
Driving times to Los Algodones:
Phoenix – 3.5 hours
San Diego – 2.5 hours
Los Angeles – 4 hours
Las Vegas – 4.45 hours
Yuma – 15 mins
How to find the best dentist in Los Algodones Mexico
Be sure to research dentists thoroughly online before booking an appointment. Advanced research is the most successful way to find the best dentist in Los Algodones Mexico.
Reading user reviews and looking at online photos is a great way to determine which dentist aligns with your expectations.
Pricing at dentists in Los Algodones is very transparent so comparing prices is fairly easy. Many clinics list pricing on their website but every office will provide out of pocket costs over the phone.
It is best practice to not choose the cheapest services but instead aim for a midrange option. Some providers may cut corners on materials or staffing to get low costs. If pricing at one location seems too good to be true then trust your gut.
If considering a more complex procedure like dental implants in Mexico, compare accreditations, experience, memberships and certifications in addition to user reviews.
Be sure you know the name of the dentist, not just the clinic who will be performing your work. Research the dentist yourself, including their qualifications and credentials.
Specifically, you’ll want to know:
- Years practicing dentistry
- Procedures performed previously like yours
- Training history – Where do they go to school?
What does ADA or AAID certification mean?
Professional certification does not automatically equate to experience.
Keep in mind ADA (American Dental Association) or American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) certification membership is not indicative of much other than a dentist or specialist who paid to join the professional organization. They may have just received their license and have only performed a procedure like yours once before.
Do I need to schedule an appointment for dental work in Mexico?
Yes, appointments are recommended for dental work in Mexico.
Although it is much easier than finding a dental appointment in the US, some highly rated specialists book up to 3 months in advance during the busy January to April period.
Most clinics have same-day appointments for basic procedures but an appointment will make your life easier.
I recommend booking an appointment in advance because the street hawkers offering dental services at the border can be overwhelming. Plus, you will want to research dentists before walking in off the street.
Navigating Los Algodones Dentist Prices and Payments
Dentist prices are clearly stated on most Los Algodones clinic websites. Prices in Mexico are generally 50-70% less than US dental prices.
It is best practice to settle for a dentist with mid-range prices. Cheaper procedures are generally cheaper for a valid reason.
If you need a service not listed, the offices are happy to provide an all-inclusive estimate over the phone or via email. Keep in mind this estimate might change if your condition is worse than expected (bone grafts needed for implants) or if you upgrade materials.
Payment timing and methods are usually stated along with pricing.
If not, ask if the office accepts credit cards or allows partial payments for multi-visit procedures. Keep in mind they may charge a processing fee (usually 2-5%) to accept cards and your bank may also charge a foreign transaction fee.
American dental insurance is not accepted by dentists in Mexico however some insurance companies may reimburse at out-of-network rates for self-submitted claims. Remember to ask your Mexico dentist for a detailed reimbursement form with procedure codes to submit with your invoice.
Planning Your Dental Travel
Before booking travel, provide your Los Algodones dentist a list of all procedures you need to determine how long you need to stay. They will provide the number of days needed to complete the work.
Root canals, fillings, deep cleanings and extractions (including wisdom teeth) are normally completed within the same day in Mexico.
Implants, veneers, bridges and crowns range from 2 to 5 days depending upon the complexity and time between procedures.
If having a complex 1-day procedure, early morning appointments allow extra time for any complications to be resolved before the end of the day.
If having multiple days of procedures, Monday appointments allow time for complications to be resolved before the end of the work week.
Most dentists will also allow you to break your procedure into two shorter visits if you prefer. Since there isn’t much to do in Los Algodones, you may want to explore San Diego or go back to work while your crown is being fabricated.
Most Los Algodones offices are open from 8 am until 5 pm from Monday to Friday with a lunch break from 1 pm until 2 pm. Some dental offices are open on Saturday mornings in Los Algodones.
Tips for Dentists Los Algodones
- Let the professionals do their job. Don’t ask for rush procedures. Trust your dentist if they request 2 days for a procedure. If you ask them to rush to complete it in one day, then you may get less than ideal-results. If they ask you to come back in a month, then follow their advice.
- Bring your medical records including a list of all medications and the most recent X-rays or scans.
- Prepare to wait if having a complex procedure. You’ll be sitting around waiting for the fabrication of crowns or implants, so bring your Kindle or a Suduko or crossword puzzle.
- Don’t forget your passport or an approved identification as it is a requirement to cross the Mexico border into the US.
Arriving in Los Algodones, Mexico
If driving from Yuma, it will be the quickest and easiest to park on the US side. Parking is available at the Quechan Tribe Border Parking Lot for $6 per vehicle.
Walking across the border into Los Algodones from the parking lot is easy.
Check out our complete guide to crossing the Los Algodones border including recommendations for tacos, shopping and of course margaritas.
Where to Stay for Dentists in Los Algodones Mexico
If you are having dental work in Los Algodones that requires multiple days, then you have 2 options for where to stay.
Either spend the night in Los Algodones or stay in Yuma and travel back and forth each day.
Los Algodones has very limited hotel options. Most visitors either continue further south into Mexico or visit Los Algodones for a day trip.
A few dentists provide accommodations for multiple-day procedures. Most dentists in Los Algodones offer hotel discounts to their patients.
FAQ Los Algodones Dentists & More
Can I cross the border into Mexico for dental work?
Yes, crossing the Mexico border for dental work is easy. Many dentists in Nuevo Progresso and Los Algodones will even meet you at the border to walk or drive you to their offices.
Before visiting Mexico, we heard about several positive dental experiences from other full-time RV travelers in Mexico.
Is Mexico a good place for dental work?
Yes, Mexico is a great place for dental work. Facilities and staff are comparable to US dentists but with prices up to 70% lower.
How much is dental cleaning in Mexico?
Mexico dental work prices are usually less than half the price of the same procedure in the US.
Dentist prices in Algodones Mexico are very transparent and some of the lowest available. As of December 2022, a dental cleaning in Los Algodones Mexico costs between $30 to $50. Many locations have online bookings and accept credit cards.
In 2022, we had our first dental cleaning in Puerto Penasco when we spent the winter RVing in Mexico.
We paid $50 USD for an adult dental cleaning in Mexico without insurance. The procedure, equipment and staff were comparable to a US dentist’s office. Other than payment was accepted in cash only.
We will have our teeth cleaned in Mexico again based on our first experience.
How to save money on dental work?
Going to Los Algodones Mexico for dental work will save money. But another good way to save money on dental care is to focus on good dental hygiene early in life.
Between dental visits, remember to brush after consuming food or drinks and to floss regularly.
I understand most people classify their teeth as either: good teeth or bad teeth. But if you were born with bad teeth, taking good care of them definitely won’t hurt and it might actually help avoid dental work.
Several of my dentists have recommended sonic electric toothbrushes because they clean more consistently. And honestly, I am addicted to my electric toothbrush. My teeth don’t feel clean when I use a traditional toothbrush now.
Finally, don’t forget to floss daily. Flossing cleans between teeth and in tight spaces where a brush can’t reach. I personally use biodegradable charcoal bamboo floss which contains no plastic and has a reusable dispenser.
Can Americans get dental work in Mexico?
Yes, Americans get dental work in Mexico every day, especially in border towns.
Dental offices in Mexico have similar cleanliness and professional standards as offices in the US. Plus, many Mexican dentists are trained in the US and Canada.
Parking at Los Algodones
Parking on the US side of the Los Algodones border is very easy. For $6, you can leave your vehicle in a patrolled lot and walk across the border.
We share full details including overnight parking rules and oversized vehicle rates in our Los Algodones border guide.
Border Crossing Requirements
To enter back into the US from Mexico, you will need a valid passport or approved alternate identification.
For longer trips, we share complete details on tourist visas and insurance in our comprehensive RVing to Mexico guide.
Safety in Mexico
Los Algodones Mexico is safe but crimes of opportunity do happen. Be smart and protect yourself.
- Don’t follow strangers even if they promise amazing tacos and margaritas. I know it sounds appealing to me too.
- Know your limits. Don’t drink too much that you lose your common sense. I know margaritas are good but being an easy victim is not.
- Keep your valuables secure and in your hands at all times.
- Don’t hang handbags on seat backs or leave them unzipped. I find cross-body bags or a fanny pack are the easiest to keep controlled and safe while traveling.
- Don’t flash cash. Pay with pocket money. Keep big bills and large quantities of cash hidden in a money belt. If you don’t own a money belt, your bra or your sock will also effectively keep money out of sight.
Summary Dentists in Los Algodones Mexico
I hope you find an excellent dentist in Los Algodones Mexico and can tell friends how to save money on their dental work. With rising costs in the US and Canada, Mexico border towns offer an easy and affordable way to get dental care.
Please send us an email if you want to share a personal experience with a Los Algodones Mexico dentist or have questions we didn’t answer.
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