Great Dentists In Colombia--Edited for Positive Factor !!

HODAD26 says on Feb 8, 2005, 23:02:

MY dental gig in Cali....10K worth of work for 800 bux Michael Johnson Senor Pescado
actually i am working on getting people to go there to have work for my dentist in cali, cool guy, i had about 8-10k here in Myrtle beach[what i was told, for $800 in cali, less taxi, etc.
still about 25-35% of here,
of course my web site is promotong this tropicooltours
i am fish biz, but i would like to give my firnds there some work, and it is great and also, Cali is the Cosmetic Surgery capital of the world
finest looking people on this planet, hands down
Peace

Michael Johnson Senor Pescado

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Lionheart says on Feb 8, 2005, 23:18:

your confirmed my plans After getting seriously f****d up by dentists here I decided to look into getting my teeth (or rather what's left of them) fixed and/or replaced in Colombia. There is no way in hell I can afford the $15.000 price tag offered here. Your prices match those I have received so far.

One question: Is there a specific reason why the dental gold is better brought from the States?

I will also do same for my eyes, not just for new prescription glasses, possibly a laser correction instead (if I have the guts to do it).

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miamimike says on Feb 8, 2005, 23:30:

LionHart--Design 91 dental gold The reason I bought it in the US:
1) my Dentist in Bogota recommended it-she buys hers from the US-Dental Gold is an alloy and she told me best to buy here in the US.
2)My Gold came in a Sealed Package-at the price of gold today I want to make sure that is exactly what I am buying.As she would have to have imported the gold anyhow-it was just as easy for me to do it. That is the reason.Bought it from a firm in Buffalo, NY.If you ever need her name, let me know. She is good !!I hope to find those fotos and you will see what a miracle she performed on my teeth. Think about it-for $15K here in the states-you could buy a very nice used car or a studio condo in Colombia for that money!

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Gomezman5 says on Feb 8, 2005, 23:32:

Colombian dentists are excellent My uncle is a dentist here in Chicago, and he has taken care of all my dental needs all my life. He will be retiring soon and then I will have a problem. I'm 46 and let's face it, it's about now and in the near future that I will need his sevices but they will not be available because he will be retired.

He told me that if need any serious work, I can always go to Colombia if my dental insurance will not be sufficient to cover any work needed here. But let's face it, if you have a tooth ache, and you need an extraction or root canal work, you aren't going to be thinging about Colombia, you are going to want to get that tooth out NOW....right????

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miamimike says on Feb 8, 2005, 23:49:

A lot of work G5 Gomezman-I went there because I needed extensive work and I mean extensive. It would not have been economically feasable for an extraction, toothache ect. In my case-like 14 teeth in total-so it really payed. They showed a poor latin lady tonight here on channel 10 in miami who could NOT afford to take her child to the Dentist(Jeb Bush cut the dental care in the KidCare health care program for lower income Fl. residents)and you know what they showed? Her in the Bathroom extracting her Child's Tooth with a Pair of Mechanic's Needle nosed Pliars herself. Simply she could not afford to take the Kid to the dentist. Sad..

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miamimike says on Feb 9, 2005, 00:00:

Where are the Crowns made?? Another unknown or at least not publicized fact is that most of the crowns,at least in Florida, are not made in the US. The St.Petersburg Times(fl.)Paper ran an exposee on this a few years back and what they found--unknown to US Dentists and Patients was that the local dental labs that picked up the impressions(plaster) for the crowns were not casting them locally-they were outsourcing the work to mexico and central america--they would send the impressions to mexico, have the crowns made from the plaster impressions and them express mail them back to the states. Cost per finished Ceramic crown(lab's cost)$5-$7 per crown. They would then deliver them to the unknowing US Dentist who was charged $50 or so-so a 1000% mark-up more or less. Then after your dentists fits,glues and adjust them in your mouth, the cost again is marked up to whatever the US market/consumer will bear(another huge mark-up). What a revelation. Glad I went to Colombia.

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Gomezman5 says on Feb 9, 2005, 00:02:

Very sad! Anyway...I need to sleep...take care Mike. I need my ZZZ's.

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miamimike says on Feb 9, 2005, 00:05:

Gomezman--Age... catching up to you?? Ha! ha! I have busy on my "other project".

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ACBlessing says on Feb 9, 2005, 00:12:

Veneer? Has anyone checked the price of veneers in Colombia? That is what they use on Extreme Makeover...DaVinci veneers. I'm tempted to have some work done too. My teeth are fine and healthy but I've always wondered what it would be like to change my smile. Purely cosmetic and insurance won't take care of it of course. I just don't have $1,200 per veneer.

Alex Blessing, Spokane, WA USA
alex at acblessing.com
www.acblessing.com

Just plain poor

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miamimike says on Feb 9, 2005, 00:29:

Let me check I just happen to be calling my dentist later on today and I will ask her for a Ballpark price. I'll let you know.

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goosekirk says on Feb 9, 2005, 00:42:

Spill! I need to have my half-dozen or so silver fillings replaced. Some of them are starting to crack, and I'm probably a few years past when it would have been smart to fix them. But like you guys, there was no way to do it the US. I worked with a group of scientists who were very skilled at analyzing data, and we picked the best dental coverage we could find for our company... but when I went to my dentist, he told me that my insurance company was so screwed up, he had hired a full-time person solely for the job of trying to get paid from them. He said dealing with it had caused them so many problems, they would no longer deal with my insurance company. And this was one of the major insurers, not some Lionel Hutz "I Can't Believe it's an Insurance Company!" kind of operation.

So I would have to pay the $7,000 they wanted up front, and then they would give me the paperwork for filing a claim with the insurance company. If I was lucky and they paid up, they guessed I would get about half of that back. And I was just thinking, why in the hell do we pay for dental insurance?

Anyway, hey, miamimike - what's the name of your dentist? I could use a recommendation!

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N2Aquatix says on Feb 9, 2005, 01:05:

Deteriorated EOM parts Awesome post!!! Like you guys, I have found that no matter how well you take care of yourself, some things are just limited by genetics and my teeth fall into that category. My mother was a dental hygienist for years, so I've always taken meticulous care of my teeth but at the ripe young age of 41 I'm faced with the Extreme Make-over as well (if I want to have a decent-looking smile for any amount of time). I figure a good investment now and I should be set for years to come (replace the deteriorated OEM parts with the new high-tech after-market equipment). Unfortunately, you have to morgage your house to have it done here. Thanks for the info. Looks like I'll have that up-grade sooner than I thought. ;-)

Jay

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miamimike says on Feb 9, 2005, 01:49:

I will pm you.... Tomorrow-its too late to hunt for it now. $7000-what in th world were they going to do?? That is EXPENSIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

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lpdiver says on Feb 9, 2005, 03:35:

I can confirm some of Miamimikes experiences. I had my teeth cleaned in Medellin while there getting married in 03. The office and equipment was top notch as well as the treatment itself. I am blessed with execellent dental genetics so all I need is an annual cleaning every other year or so.

I also accompanied my wife to the gynecologist and it was the same story there.

To be fair the medical community in Colombia is similar to that of the U.S. for Colombians. IF you can afford it there is great treatment. It is just that the bar of affordability is much lower by American standards. But for many Colombians it is as unattainable as for the poor in the U.S.

T

"cook some rice!"

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jaramillo says on Feb 9, 2005, 04:21:

lionheart Anyone considering laser or any other form of eye surgery in Colombia should consider the renowned Barraquer clinic in Bogotá. I fact, a number of corneal surgery techniques used today were pioneered by the old Barraquer (a disciple of the Castroviejo Catalán school). Barraquer, at his peak, might have been the most skilled eye surgeon in the world. His son (must be well over 50) runs the clinic today.

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jaramillo says on Feb 9, 2005, 04:31:

Barraquer Info about Barraquer Clinic at:

http://www.barraquer.com.co/

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Thededalus says on Feb 9, 2005, 06:07:

Miamimike Excellent post.

Before my last trip to Colombia in August, my plastic retainer broke. I called my dentist to see how much it would cost to replace...$175. I was leaving in a couple of days for Colombia so I decided to wait and have one made in Bogota, hoping it would be cheaper.

Sure enough.

40,000 pesos / $16 US

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SiempreHero says on Feb 9, 2005, 07:21:

All Medical costs in Colombia My experience with all the medical service in Colombia has been great. My son was born in the Clinica Santa Fe, and we had the best Dr in the country to the delivery. From start of pregnance to until my son reached three months of age, (including Obstetrician , Pediatrician, all prebirth tests and checkups and follow up care, the total cost was around USD4100). The pediatrician also did house calls whenever we needed him (or thought we needed him). To me, one of the best things in Colombia is the Medical Care available. Not just for the low price, but for the dedication of the profession there.

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fzrdan says on Feb 9, 2005, 07:44:

Can the average Colombian afford $800 or $1000 for dental work? Comparing the prices to the USA is ridiculous. Practically everything in the US is more expensive. People make more money in the US, which causes prices to rise, which allows people to make more money............

I agree though that medical/dental insurance is a big racket and needs to be fixed.

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capt.lou says on Feb 9, 2005, 09:01:

Dental Work! Very informative post!
I would wager that I have between 3 and 4 thousand dollars of root canal work done on just three teeth. I have lost two of the three. The loss does not affect my smile, so I have yet to have anything done. The other root canal was done in Canada as well, I will give it until Christmas and then regardless I will have a couple holes filled. What is the best route to go as far as a fix? Why were no dentists names posted?
I heard that Costa Rica was famous for this type of tourism?
Thanks again, great post!

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adrimm (☼Travelguide writer) says on Feb 9, 2005, 12:09:

michaelz says on Feb 9, 2005, 12:22:

medical procedures Not surprisingly, boob jobs and other plastic surgery procedures are also much less expensive. Just ask 25% of the girls in Cali.

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Lionheart says on Feb 9, 2005, 12:45:

missing the logic here ok, one poster states that dental work is still too expensive for most Colombians, but another poster states that 25% of the females can afford boob jobs.

Considering other posts stating that physical appearance is extremely important to Colombians, male and female, then I can imagine that both dental and surgical cosmetic treatments have a high priority in general. Perhaps higher than normal health issues.

From Colombianas I have talked to, it is easy to get credit for any procedures, so they are quite common, like shopping in the USA. I could deduct something from this thought, but I with refrain myself.

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vladimiro says on Feb 9, 2005, 13:43:

After using colombian health care system I now wait until I'm in Colombia before going to dentist or seeing doctors. Its easier to just wait until I'm in Colombia as I travel there frequently and they have a far more accessable health-care system (and I'm a professional with med insurance in the US).

A family of 3 in Medellin can get good medical insurance with EMI for 70K pesos a month. If you or your kid gets sick EMI will send someone to your house, you don't have to wait in emergency. You can call for a dentist and get an appointment the same day!

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vladimiro says on Feb 9, 2005, 13:45:

Also, dental payments are made monthly so even poor Colombian factory workers I know can get braces.

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jack73534 says on Feb 9, 2005, 13:51:

miamimike miami mike how long did it take to do all this work. Just wondering I need some work done.

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roadrunner says on Feb 9, 2005, 15:18:

dentists in Barranquilla roadrunner
Can anybody suggest a good dentist in Barranquilla.

roadrunner

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jaramillo says on Feb 9, 2005, 16:10:

Dentists in Barranquilla Consider flying to Medellin for the day...

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roadrunner says on Feb 9, 2005, 16:30:

roadrunner
It would take much more than a day to sort my teeth out!

roadrunner

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JoeNJ says on Feb 9, 2005, 17:10:

Dental treatment in Colombia It was interesting to read the postings of those that had dental treatment in Colombia. I would like to give my perspective as a practicing dentist in the U.S. who has visited Colombia and spoke with a practicing dentist there. Also, my fiance' was trained as a dentist in Bogota.
I'd first like to say that the dental schools in Colombia are excellent and I would say equivalent to that of schools in the U.S. Of course, there are good dentists and bad dentists, just like in the U.S. As far as cost goes, you will pay much less in Colombia, as you do with everything else there.
In speaking with a dentist practicing in Bogota, yes, the fees are very reasonable for the patient, but an average dentist in Colombia must work many hours in order to just make a normal living, as the cost of running an office is high (materials and equipment costs the same or more as it does in the U.S.). I'm sure if dentists could charge more for their services, they would. Also, one of the reasons my fiance' came to the U.S. is because it is very difficult to maintain an office in Colombia (a few colleagues of her had to close their offices because they just couldn't make enough money to keep them going).
That is not to say that you shouldn't go to Colombia for your dental care, I just wanted to give another perspective about this subject.

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miamimike says on Feb 9, 2005, 17:34:

Name of Dentist in Bogota for those interested. My Dentist's Name is :Doctora Jacky Agudelo Rincon---address:Calle 53 B # 27-24 Consultorio (office) 206) Telephone: (011571)310-42-14.
Bogota,Col. Her office is in a Medical Arts Bldg. and is in the neighborhood called Gallerias.
Email:magudelo44 at hotmail.com
My dental work, due its extensiveness, took 2 weeks-I went every day for 2 weeks.Incidentally, I have no financial interest in this-I am not promoting her for financial gain. I may expect a beer for the reference,ha! ha!

There are many reasons for the high price of Medical care in the US--malpractice insurance cost the Docs a Bundle in the US--that said I do NOT understand why when the US Docs complain about Tort Reform to stem the Million Dollar Lawsuits-why don't they DEMAND that this tort reform be tied to Lower Malpractice insurance rates??? The Prez, governor of my State(florida)Jeb Bush--all clamored for Insurance reform saying it was ALL the fault of the Attornies(why rates went up due to multi million dollar lawsuits)This is simply being disingenous as Lawsuits won by US Attornies contributed ONLY around 1% to the cost of higher insurance rates. Look at those BIG Greedy Insurance Companies--ever see the CEO of any of them ever taking a "Pay CUT"?NOT !!! We may have a problem, but Attornies are not the main fault for high Rates--google this and you will see its no BS!

Another thing-in Colombia, as in most central and south american and Carribbean countries-you have the Option of buying your precious metals on the open market needed for your crowns for example. You buy where you get the best deal--NOT in the states--why don't we have that option?? Brcause you save $$$$$$$ and the Dentists do not like you saving money! Be Happy, Go to Colombia!

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miamimike says on Feb 9, 2005, 17:45:

More on the high cost of US Medical Care Before I wrote this Today, I went out to the corner store and cut through a Medical Complex parking Lot to the store--Man, I thought I was in the Auto Toy Store(prestige) when I looked at the Parking Lot those Docs use--Brand New Corvettes, New MBs CLK500s,-no wonder our prices are high! We are paying(well I'm not) for those Fat Rides through our high costs. My Dentist in Colombia drives a normal car-a Dodge Neon-so when I slipped her my bucks for my bill no problem. Docs here in the US take a Hipocratic Oath "to do good and help people" says nothing about entering Medical School with the intention of becoming a Millionaire-that is NOT Medicine's Purpose in Life.

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WidowerfromCanada says on Feb 9, 2005, 18:39:

How about Dental implants anybody have any story's or info? How about Dental implants anybody have any story's or info ?

As a ex hockey player I need to get some implants.

Love is like a butterfly , if you chase it you will not catch it but you can hope the butterfly of love lands on your shoulder.

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roadrunner says on Feb 9, 2005, 19:32:

Braces roadrunner
Whats the going rate for a set of braces? Everybody seems to wear them here.

roadrunner

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miamimike says on Feb 9, 2005, 19:58:

Gordy Howe's Dentist? Canada--ever check with Gordy's Dentist? ha! ha! Seriously, I spoke earlier with my Dentist but did not see your question-next time I speak with her-I will ask her for a Ballpark price of what it cost in Bogota, same for the braces and Veneers. Mike

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lpdiver says on Feb 10, 2005, 04:09:

My wife Has a very good bridge. Her top six teeth were kicked out by a hourse as a teenager. Her mother with eleven children had one installed. She later had it replaced with a much better one.

No one in my family knew she had a bridge. They were all shocked when it recently came up in discussion as pregnancy has affected it.

Tony

"cook some rice!"

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stevens says on Feb 10, 2005, 08:46:

Thailand is another place where people take medical vacations. I got a fairly thorough physical exam a while ago for 75 bucks at Bumrungrad Hospital, which looks like a five star hotel. Service with a smile. I know poeple who have had extensive dental work done there, too, and they are all happy with it. Haven't heard anything about boob jobs there, though.

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miamimike says on Feb 10, 2005, 11:12:

Physicals at La Clinica Santa Fe Stevens, an Owner(colombian) of a Local Taxi Company here in Miami went to this clinic for one of those all inclusive physicals-he had all the Blood Tests(cbc, cholesterol,ect)plus the cardiac treadmill test--here in Miami this test is about $800 minimum and at the Santa Fe Clinic by Santa Barbara-he told me it cost about $175.

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JoeNJ says on Feb 10, 2005, 17:44:

Docs are millionaires? In response to miamimikes comment about "entering medical school to become a millionaire": talk to any physician or dentist, and they are NOT millionaires; yeah, you make a nice living, but after going through 8+ years of school (with little or no income) and graduating with $80,000 or more in school loans, you have to bust your butt to make a good living. Don't get me started with all the malpractice insurance problems. If a physician or dentist is a millionaire, he or she is either a plastic surgeon, or made additional money from another source. If your intention is to become a millionaire, there are a lot better ways to get there than to go through all that schooling.

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miamimike says on Feb 10, 2005, 18:35:

Here in Miami.... Joe-I stand by my comment, I know there are exceptions but I see a lot of this in Miami on up thru West Palm Beach "Before I wrote this Today, I went out to the corner store and cut through a Medical Complex parking Lot to the store--Man, I thought I was in the Auto Toy Store(prestige) when I looked at the Parking Lot those Docs use--Brand New Corvettes, New MBs CLK500s,-no wonder our prices are high! We are paying(well I'm not) for those Fat Rides through our high costs" what I saw I wrote. On school loans, many professionals in other professions also accumulate High Student Debt and it is years for those folks to pay off their loans.And they bust their Butts also. A Teacher, for example. I think someone perservering thru 7 years(thought Dental was 7 yrs. 4 years pre-med, 3 yrs. dental school)derserves to live a good live but not one in Luxury.Plastivc Surgeons are, last I knew, Licensed MDs, at least here in the state of Florida. The PSs here in Miami-W.Palm rake it in for sure. Here in Miami, many working poor go to one of the many unlicensed Dentists(and there are many)--I abhor this practice but I understand why they go--they simply cannot afford Dental Care at a Legal, Licnesed Dentist's Office. Insurance for dental care is almost non-existent in most policies and if they do pay-its very minimal, maybe for a cleaning or xray every year. Yes, some people could make more in real estate then in the Medical Arena. Start up costs are high to open a dental office to say the least. I would imagine this all has to be factored in in deciding on one's chosen profession. I am curious about one thing I wrote-why do US Dentists not permit their patients who are recieving gold or silver crowns&Fillings, to shop the open Market for the best price on precious metals and if the price is more competitive, buy the metal themselves and hand carry it to their Dentist's office? Granted it would have to be in a sealed envelope. I bought mine(Design 91)in Buffalo NY and then hand carried it to my Dentist in Colombia--so I know its Legal(to buy) here in the USA. Maybe you could shed some light on this, Thanks.

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SiempreHero says on Feb 10, 2005, 18:49:

Agree I have also been looking at the issue. I think my company provides the top of the market in terms of medical insurance. I have a PPO and zero copay. My dental is pretty good, but it still sucks. I get 3 cleanings and exray per year, plus 1500 dollars in other (Peridontics for example) less 15% deductable. However, that 1500 dollars is gone with one peridontic quadrant operation. Many of my good friends are doctors, and they are all loaded. My friend a cardilogist loves me to vist him on his 70 foot italian yacht. Perscription medicine in the USA is more than double the cost of other countries and for the same medication. On the other hand, the doctors in Colombia may not be rich, but they do live a very good standard of living. To me, it really does seem a bit exploitive here in the US. I am not saying we should have socialized medicine, and i do agree we need tort reform. However, the medical profession needs to do something about the spiraling costs, otherwise we will eventually get stuck with a system of socialied medicine.

Just my thoughts

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Atrevido (☼Travelguide writer) says on Feb 10, 2005, 18:52:

miamimike says on Feb 10, 2005, 19:33:

Most companies do not... SiempreHero-you insurance is not the NORM here in the USA-most provide nothing near what your company provides--then the rest is Cash Payment(or worse, credit card). You know-some Insurance companies, probably more then we yhink, permit and pay for Dental work outside of the USA. Case in Point-all those US Embassy personnel have varoius US Insurance companies and they use them in Bogota. I had MAil Handlers(from the US) and used it in Bogota. I called them first and I had to prepay and when I returned home, I sent out the forms filled out by my Bogota Dentist and received my Insurance money in 3 weeks. Not Bad! Mail handlers payed for almost all my work(9 gold crowns, 4 fillings, one plastic custom made appliance (grind prevention)My work was divided over 2 years-I was entitled to $750/yr. on crowns so I recieved a total of $1500-and my work was $1800-so it practically was all covered. People really need to ASK their insurance companies if they are covered out of the US and if they are-go for it and save Mega-Bucks(for quality work).You may have options-exercise them!!

Atrevido--I am curious-how does that price $1000-compare to the same work here in the USA?

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Crazy4Cali says on Feb 10, 2005, 20:23:

$1,000 and they are complaining? My son's recent orthodontic adventure cost $6000 (and they wanted over $10,000 for everything they could think of...) and the insurance paid for only $1,500.

Hmmm, maybe monthly visits to Colombia for the next kid's braces aren't such a bad idea...

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Atrevido (☼Travelguide writer) says on Feb 11, 2005, 03:44:

JoeNJ says on Feb 11, 2005, 20:08:

Mike - if you read the recent postings by Atrevido, you see that although having dental treatment in Colombia would be much less expensive for those of us in the U.S., Colombian citizens are in the same position as those in the U.S. (it is costly). Unfortunately no system is perfect, and those in the lower income brackets will have some limits in their access to care. One option for those that cannot afford fees in a private office, is being treated at a dental school where the fees are much more reasonable, and affordable by almost anyone.
As for bringing your own precious metal to your dentist's office, I think your Colombian dentist suggested you bring the metal with you because it would be very expensive for him or her to cover the cost in Colombian pesos; better for you to buy the metal with U.S. dollars. I'm sure most dentists wouldn't mind if you brought your own metal in for any work you needed, but I don't think you'd be saving much money; the cost of the metal is only a small part of the fee charged for a gold crown.

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miamimike says on Feb 11, 2005, 20:26:

Joe-Miami Dentists say no to Gold Joe-I specifically asked 3 of the Miami Dentists who I had opinions from said absolutely NO to my buying and bringing my own Gold-none would state Why, so I draw my own conclusions.I handcarried 18 grams which cost me $250. That comes to about $13.90/gram-my fillings took roughly 2 gram/crown(more or less)-roughly $24/crown. The Finished ceramic crown--roughly $50-$70. I am seeing in materials around $100 maximum. So why are these crowns(gold) costing me $1000 here in the US? I see a 900%+ markup on this work.I have checked at Dental Scchool Clinics such as the one at Nova University here in South Florida but they still would be beyond reach of of poor immigrants and the un-insured working poor.I handcarried my US bought dental gold to save the shipping cost and any duty my dentist may have had to pay as she buys from the same firm she recommended to me.

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rafaeldmd says on Feb 11, 2005, 22:50:

Devil's advocate I am a dentist, born, raised and trained in Colombia. A few years ago I moved to the US and I'm now back in dental school for further training and to be able to get licensed as a dentist in the US. I have to say that I know firsthand both sides of the coin. I've read most of the posts here, and sure, most of them are right on. Dentistry in Colombia is 'cheap' by US standards. You just cannot compare prices here and there. Some people are wondering, if the actual price of a crown is $100, why are they getting charged around $1000. I'll tell you why! To be able to get through dental school, the amount of debt you get into is enormous! It's comparable to buying a house. Sure, some dentists drive BMW,Mercedes, etc, but believe me, that is not the norm. Most dentists live regular lives, drive minivans, and probably are your neighbors. Factor in the costs of running a dental pratice, employees, insurance policies, materials and the 'wear and tear' on the body. I used to think that patients were getting ripped off, but after getting to know the system, both Colombian and American, I fully understand the prices charged in healthcare in the US. Bottom line, you just can't compare. I totally understand, and actually recommend, that people go to Colombia for dental and medical work: way cheaper, and just because you're glad to pay what they charge, they'll treat you like a king. For Americans, a full mouth's work worth $1800 might be a great deal, but for a regular middle class colombian, thats almost $4 million pesos, and that is a lot of money! And if for you, an estimate for dental work at $10.000 dolars is outrageous, think of what a Colombian might think when facing a bill for $20'000.000 + pesos for dental work. Unthinkable!

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miamimike says on Feb 11, 2005, 23:52:

rafaeldmd--these are my neighbors-normal Barrio ""Today, I went out to the corner store and cut through a Dental Medical Complex parking Lot to the store--Man, I thought I was in the Auto Toy Store(prestige) when I looked at the Parking Lot those Docs use--Brand New Corvettes, New MBs CLK500s,-no wonder our prices are high! We are paying(well I'm not) for those Fat Rides through our high costs" what I saw I wrote" I don't live in Brickell or South Beach--this a typical blue collar neighborhood. Trust me the Docs do NOT live here. My Dentist in Bogota has a nice office in a well maintained clinic but she has NO secretary, no assistant,--she answers all her phone calls, does her own billing, has a very efficient computerized record and billing system to aid in her efficiency and also this keeps her COSTS down. As I mentioned, she drives a nice, not new, Dodge Neon--a car like many of us who pay the bill. Has a average condo, nice but not lujoso. I do NOT see that here--Big House in Weston($300,000-$400,000) a couple of new cars, kids in a all private school--they HAVE to charge those prices due to their Lifestyle--not normal. If they want this-fine--they pay for it but not at their Patinet's expense.Not on my dime! Another professionals(teachers for example) outside of Medicine also go into Hock for their Education and what exceptions are made for them to recoup the $80,000 debt they incurred while in school? Maybe teching in a deprived or under-served rural area. Maybe this is an Idea for Dentists--practice in a inner city neighborhood clinic for 3-4 years after school to have their federal debt forgiven. Works for the teachers. Meanwhile I will continue to go to Colombia for great and inexpensive Dental Care. BTW-this was not intended for someone living in Colombia--I think we all now its a different story because of the salaries,ect.but it works for Northamericans. We were never talking about Colombians living in Colombia getting Dental Care-the post header was about Americans going to Colombia for Dental Work.

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Crazy4Cali says on Feb 12, 2005, 09:40:

Just out of curiosity What, then, explains the 1000% markup between Colombian dental work and US dental work?

More school?
Higher rent?
Higher employee salaries?
Higher insurance premiums?

Hmmmm, I suppose it could add up pretty quickly...

But on the topic of conspicuous consumption, I might point out that in some professions and in some markets, you need to "look successful," whether you are making any money or not, just to stay in business. People with money, prefer to do business with people who appear to be successful. So, to keep the big-$$$ clients and to stay in that market, doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants, etc. have to have the fancy house, cushy office and sweet ride so they look good to their current and potential clients. If the lawyer for a rich client showed up in a used Dodge Neon, that lawyer would probably lose a client.

Often, much of that property is leased or heavily financed. After 20 or 30 years of work, they might have put some money away for retirement, but I'd ask you: if they were as rich as they appear to be, why would they need to keep working?

All is not gold that glitters.

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miamimike says on Feb 12, 2005, 12:34:

sometimes the $$$ is an end unto itself.. and not a means to an end. Good question--same could be said of Miami South Beach Plastic Surgeons--King of Money Makers currently--they are very Rich(really) yet they keep on working. That is reality.

A Psychological research company did a test a few years and sent out refund checks in varying(some really small amounts) amounts(to famous and wealthy americans) just to see who cashed 'em and who chucked 'em into the garbage can. One was sent to the "Donald"(trump) for .13--thats correct-- 13 cents. And he endorsed and signed the check. What does that tell a person? Did he need the money? It does not appear he does. Many people would toss .13 to the street.

I cannot see where the type of Vehicle defines a person or their profession. I would never judge a person's capabilities on what type of Car they drive-care more about how they manipulate a dental drill or a Surgeon's scapel inside the body. Lawyer-more interested in how extensive their Personal Law Library is and how current they are-this applies to ther Docs also-have they taken really meaningful CEUs??- Licensing requierement every licensing period here in the US. Big $$$ Clients in the first place have no worry when it comes to paying their Kid's(or their own) Dental bill but a lot of us are not in that million dollar+ income bracket and probably would not be on this website in the first place. Many of these same $$$folks wrote me off as being crazy in the first place for even considering the idea of going to Colombia for Dental Work. Ignorance of world affairs-they lost credability in my eyes for their close minded attitude and Opinions. Thank God we have options and for me its Colombia.

Avatar Legend: Bush "If any of you Reporters are wondering, it was a Size 10"

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WidowerfromCanada says on Feb 12, 2005, 23:51:

This is funny Here I have been following this thread about dental work in Colombia and low & behold , I get a email from a female dentist in Lima , Peru from a website I belong too.

Here could be my response ! Hola and thanks for writing me today yada yada yada..... By the way what is your charge for dental implants?

Get my teeth fixed and lose a female friend ! jajaajaja

Miamimike thanks for all the good info on Colombian dentists.

keep it coming !!

Jeff

Love is like a butterfly , if you chase it you will not catch it but you can hope the butterfly of love lands on your shoulder.

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miamimike says on Feb 13, 2005, 04:36:

Jeff--I gotta tell it like it is !!!!!!!!!!! Just letting the rest of the people know they have options and it does sound like a lot of people already know. This disparity of why it cost so much here in the US and is so reasonable in Colombia(not to mention the DR,mexio, Argentina, brazil, venezuela ect. Friends of mine living here in Miami from these countries tell me of like stories.They all wait until returning to their countries of origen to have their Dental & Medical performed as they simply cannot afford it here in the US.You could make this comparison to the Costs of Pharmaceuticals(drugs) why the same drug can cost 50-80% more here in the US then in other foreign countries such as Colombia,Canada,Europe. The price of Drugs is controlled in these countries where in the US the Pharmaceutical companies charge whatever the Market will bear.And the people are getting fed up. The companies tell us "We are being charged for drug R&D(research and developement)for the rest of the world--Not fair for us in the USA. The rest of the countries then should be charged some of this R&D fee also and if it was spread around worldwide, then our drug prices would come down--this does not appear like its going to happen soon, so we will continue to pay(without going in to the politics controlling US drug prices) Buy the drugs outside of the US like a lot of USA Seniors are doing-they are going to the border countries like Mexico and Canada and buying good, safe drugs and saving a Bundle of $$$$. These Medicines can be bought in Colombia at like savings also-only now after 9/11 if you bring or have medicines sent by express mail to the USA, there should be a copy of your prescription included in the package(or on your person if you are bringing them yourself ) when it is sent from colombia to the US, other wise US customs may hold the package up.A person can simply fax or email a copy of your Doctor's prescription to your buyer in Colombia. More money saving options.

Avatar Legend: Bush "If any of you Reporters are wondering, it was a Size 10"

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JoeNJ says on Feb 13, 2005, 08:04:

Good to hear your perspective Rafael Thanks for your input Rafael, you are right on. I wish you good luck and prosperity in your career as a dentist in the U.S. I hope your career is very rewarding. By the way, what school are you attending?
If I may add to the issue of dentists' income in the U.S. In a free market, (whether anyone agrees with it or not, our healthcare system in the U.S. is pretty much a free market; of course the government and insurance companies have a big influence, but we are not socialized) there are those dentists that are going to treat the very poor or those on welfare, and those that will treat the very weathly and many somewhere in between. There will be a major difference in income amongst these different levels of care, although most dentists will make a nice living. As a dentist, if you are able to establish a good reputatation, and treat patients to the very best of your abilities, then there will be financial benefits; just like if you excel in any other career. The cost of dentistry in the U.S. is market-driven. What the majority of patients are able to afford (and what insurance companies will pay) drives the market. Just like any other business that is service-oriented (we are not talking about a product that is manufactured on an assembly-line).
Of course we are talking about people's health, and some type of care should be affordable for everyone (this will always be a problem, and unfortunately not easily solved; the U.S. has more programs for the needy). In addition, when talking about dental treatment, there are many options in correcting dental problems. If someone is quoted $10,000 in dental treatment, you have to be talking about very elective procedures (cosmetic).
There are many less costly options, like maybe having teeth removed instead of going through root canals, crowns, etc. Of course this is not ideal, but unfortunately, not everyone can have ideal dentistry done.

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miamimike says on Feb 13, 2005, 10:09:

All about choices Joe the options I was offered by the 3 dentists in the opening posts were not acceptable to me(extractions,ect)that is why I exercised my options and traveled to Colombia. I hope other posters will do the same.That is the beauty of the free market and patients have to be educated on these out of country options. Hopefully they will be in the future. This does not apply only to dental and plastic surgery procedures either. Another case in point, a friend of mine who is a Nursing Assistant(and colombian american also) incurred a rupure through his work. He could have had the Herniopathy(surgical repair) here in Miami but decided to return to his home town of Manizales,Col. for it-he arrived in Colombia on Monday and was heading back home on a plane Thusday(same week). The surgery was uneventful(no complications) and best of all-the cost---around $400, in the US -he would not have left without his wallet being around $8000 to $12000 lighter. The free market at work.

Avatar Legend: Bush "If any of you Reporters are wondering, it was a Size 10"

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black76 says on Feb 13, 2005, 22:28:

davinci veneers I also have a good smile and I went to a local dentist in cleveland and he Quoted me a price of 17,000 + dollars for davinci veneers and I really would like to have the work done I jaust aint got that type of dough layin around......... Does anyone know of any dentist in colombia that uses davinci venerrs.....Im going to cartagena next week and I would like to find a good dentist for some fillings

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Lionheart says on Feb 13, 2005, 23:29:

The Great Smile Fetish I have been wondering if this is a US fetish, the super movie star smile with teeth looking so perfect, they have to be false. From Europe I am used to clean teath, using braces to straighten them, but most is done to keep the natural appearance. After moving to the USA ten years ago I noticed that many people talked about getting special work done, all the way to cosmetic surgery, although I always thought they had nice teeth. And often I did not like the results, they just looked too damn artificial, especially those for men.

I do notice that Colombianas often wear braces, but maybe due to costs other work is not done so often. Or other cosmetic surgery is more important to them. I don't look at Colombian men so I can't judge how they are. Also as a question to Colombians, whose looks being normally very important, do you have more the European natural approach or do you prefer the total makeover of teeth like in the USA?

P.S. I have this horror vision of kissing a woman with these perfect teeth and they dislocate and stay biting my toungue ... reminds me of Clockwork Orange.

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Gomezman5 says on Mar 29, 2005, 12:36:

wannabee Here is his thread....I think you will find it interesting

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