windgrrl - 4-12-2011 at 12:35 PM
I am due for a check-up and looking at the savings, the option to have dental work done in Mexico is tempting.
If you have had dental work done in Mexico, I would be interested in your experience in determining the level of infection control/sterilization
standards of the dental hygienist or dentist office.
Thanks,
w
DENNIS - 4-12-2011 at 01:17 PM
All you can go by is your first impression in the office. Most dentists are well trained and act like it.
If you don't know of a professional's reputation, just look for signs of success in his place. Ask him what kind of car he drives. 
You're just pumping up your stress level. Go get the check-up.
shari - 4-12-2011 at 01:28 PM
probably like a taco stand...if there is a line up, he must be good. I absolutely LOVED my dentist in Vizcaino...excellent dentist, clean, thorough
and cheap...too bad he died a few years back in a drowning incident here when he tried to save a kid who was sucked out by a current.
ask around for a good dentist and go for it!
Also be aware...here, when you call for an appointment, they tell you 4:00 or whenever...everyone who calls gets the same time and they take whover
showed up first...doctors do this too...weird eh...guess it's because people rarely show up on time for anything so they just do it this way.
oldlady - 4-12-2011 at 01:35 PM
Agree wiith all of the above, but in response to your specific concern relative to cleanliness and sterility, we have used 3 different dentists in La
Paz, steppiing into each office. Just like a clinic NOB. Spotless right down to the autoclave.
Diver - 4-12-2011 at 04:23 PM
During our trip to Algodones, the offices were all very clean.
Instruments were taken from sterile wrapping for each new use.
They used bottled water for their instruments and for your rinsing.
They had those sterile plastic sleeves on all the handles etc.
When we got our work done, they prescribed antibiotics to make sure the healing went well.
We have friends who have also had good work done in La Paz at reasonable prices.
My best recommendation is to decide where you want to go, let us know, and get some referrals for a good dentist or endodontist as needed.
Similar to the US and Canada, there are good ones and not-so-good ones.
vandenberg - 4-12-2011 at 05:01 PM
Wife and I had plenty of dental work done here in Loreto.
From the original, only dentist in town, for years, to the more modern dentists as of late. Never a complaint nor a problem. As a matter of fact, the
worst dentist I ever encountered was in St. Catharines, Ontario. So, there you have it.
BTW, old Pompano was an exception.
wilderone - 4-12-2011 at 05:04 PM
Go with a recommendation. In my experience, I have found the cleanliness to be top-notch in the waiting room and treatment rooms. The dentist and
assistant wear clean gloves. If you're just getting a cleaning and fillings, don't worry. Your at-home follow-up is important too. Among other
things, you can do warm salt water rinses to help heal injection sites, rinses for germ fighting, extra Vitamin C for healing, Vit. B6 and B12 to calm
down afterward (!). If you're getting a more complicated procedure, the dentist can give you a Rx for antibiotics, inflammation and pain meds.
fishingmako - 4-12-2011 at 06:33 PM
Why dont you check the Hygeine on Dentist in the U.S..... you may be very suprised, ask them to see their autoclave etc. If they won't show you
beware, Believe me there are some really bad Dentist in the U.S..
Just like Pest Control The fronts on the buildings fool you Restaurant fronts in the U.S. are a cover up let me tell you stories of HORROR in
Restaurants in th U.S I mean top of the line Places RATS, MICE c-ckROACHES ETC. ETC.
I know I was an INSPECTOR Restaurants in Mexico are cleaner some I should say.
And all these places weather Beauty Salons or? they just don't have enough inspectors.
Jim/Liisa - 4-12-2011 at 06:51 PM
All you see on TV cmmercials are law firms and dentist. Why they are hurting for money. Nobody can afford them. Please there are good Dentist all over
Mexico.
If your retired like I am you most likely don't have dental coverage. They are a lot cheaper for sure. The wife and I go to a Dotora Malina
California, in San Felipi.
[Edited on 02-05-2011 by Jim/Liisa]
windgrrl - 4-13-2011 at 01:05 PM
Thanks everyone! I have heard a lot of good things about dental care down south and have had some pretty scary experiences NOB.
Yes, sir, Dennis, sir, I'm on my way to my check-up.