Dental Tourism

Namaste Everyone,

As with many Americans, J.J. and I do not have dental insurance.  Therefore just to maintain our oral health by regular visits to dentist -- including twice a year cleaning and examination cost us conservatively $300 per person.

About six months ago, I began developing tooth ache with pains radiating to my jaw, neck, shoulder, and arm and to nose and to the temple on the one side of my head. My return visit to a dental clinic in Kahala on Oahu resulted in taking x-rays, a root canal and a replacement of an existing crown. After all that was said and done, it cost me nearly $5,000.  I was also given an estimate of $4,000 to install a bridge to remedy a small gap I have which occurred when one of my molars were extracted when I was a child.

Metro Dental clinics are located in some of the top shopping malls throughout the Philippines.  Their primary market is business executives and their families.  They offer convenient location, clean, sanitary, safe and professional environment to their patients. 

My personal experience with Metro Dental far exceeded my expectations.  On my first visit, I was greeted by one of the dentists interviewed me as I completed the form with my medical and dental history.  I was then introduced to the doctor who came from another clinic to see me as he is more familiar in taking care of patients that are cancer survivors. The doctor personally cleaned my teeth as he examined them and we discussed in detail what needs to be done and what are some options.

Based on our conversation that my gum bruises and often bleeds whenever hard plastic forms are inserted to take x-rays or to inject Novocaine and work in the back area of my mouth, he decided not to use any Novocaine and proceeded to work.  He replaced discolored fillings of 4 teeth, repaired and replaced one of the missing fillings which was a candidate for a root canal and new crown.  As to the bridge, based on the size of the gap, alignment of my teeth, he suggested to have a mouth guard fitted and customized.

The cost for examinations, cleanings, restoration and repairs of 5 teeth, fluoride treatments, fitting and customized mouth guard plus two crowns for J.J. came out to approximately US $1,500. If you  are coming to this part of the world for vacation, spending a few days to have your dental work done may be a good option.  You can stay in a First Class Hotel, get your dental work done and you might still be able to save money and have fun shopping.  The clinic I went to had three dentists, 3 dental assistants who are all Registered Nurses and a receptionist who is also a trained mid-wife.  To read more about MetroDental, go to www.metrodental.com.ph 

Sat Nam -- Cathi