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Do you desire a perfect smile? But worried about sky-high dental costs? Dental work in Costa Rica is the solution. You’ll save up to 70% on dental expenses compared to the US.
Costa Rica stands out if you’re seeking affordable & quality dentistry. Read this article and get to know everything you need!
Video Courtesy: James B
Why Choose Costa Rica for Dental Work?
You should note that foreign patients receive 90% of dental services in Costa Rica.
-Costa Rica News [1]
The benefits of getting dental work in Costa Rica are:
💰 Potential Savings | Up to 70%
- Dental affordability is the prime reason why people travel to Costa Rica.
- Costa Rican living expenses are lower than the US and hence the low cost is not due to compromise on quality. [2]
🏥 Premium Dentistry | Best Clinics
- The clinics follow international safety standards. Thus, there’s no compromise on the quality.
- Our partner clinics use state-of-the-art technology for the best dental experience.
Premium dentistry: Pain-free dental work in Costa Rica
🏝️ Tropical Paradise | Attracts Tourists
- Dental tourism in Costa Rica offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking and ziplining.
- Tropical beaches and cloudy rainforests are the major attractions you can explore during your stay.
Carrillo Beach, Costa Rica
🛡️ Skilled Dentists | Multilingual Staff
- Our partner clinics have a dedicated team that works efficiently to help you restore your smile.
- Dentists have 20+ years of experience and are quite professional.
✈️ Cheap Flights | Fast Commute
- Geographical accessibility makes Cancun a desired destination among travelers.
- The average flight duration from the US to Costa Rica is 4-5 hours. [3]
Cost of Dental Work in Costa Rica
The cost of dental work in Costa Rica is 30% of that in the US & Canada. That’s a huge saving!
For instance, the cost of dental implants in Costa Rica is $750.
On the other hand, you pay $5,000 in the US for the same treatment. You will save up to 85%!
Similarly, all-on-4 dental implants in Costa Rica cost $10,700. You pay 56% more in the US, i.e., $24,000.
Check out the below table for the cost comparison.
Cost of Dental Work in Costa Rica (in USD)
| Procedure | USA | Canada | Costa Rica | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Dental Implants | ||||
| Titanium Dental Implant* | $5,000 | $4,600 | $750 | 85% |
| All on 4 Implants* | $24,000 | $22,000 | $8,500 | 64% |
| All on 6 Implants* | $28,000 | $26,000 | $10,200 | 63% |
| All on 8 Implants* | $35,000 | $32,000 | $10,750 | 69% |
| Implant Denture/Snap-on Dentures | $6,000 | $5,500 | $3,000 | 50% |
| Cost of Dental Crowns | ||||
| Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) | $1,100 | $1,020 | $395 | 64% |
| Zirconia Crown | $2,000 | $1,840 | $425 | 78% |
| Cost of Veneers | ||||
| Porcelain Veneers (per unit) | $2,500 | $2,300 | $400 | 84% |
| Cost of General Dental Procedures | ||||
| Root Canal Treatment | $1,500 | $1,300 | $325 | 78% |
| Simple Extractions | $300 | $270 | $60 | 80% |
| Laser Teeth Whitening | $1,500 | $1,380 | $250 | 83% |
*Including fixed acrylic/zirconia hybrid denture per arch | ||||
Prices are subject to change.
Low-cost dental work is also available in popular destinations like San Jose, Liberia, Playa Del Coco, and Playa Jaco in Costa Rica.
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Top Dental Clinics in Costa Rica
To save you from hours of scrolling, we have found the best dental clinics in Costa Rica for you.
Americas Dental Care
4.6 (26 Reviews)
San José Province, San Pedro, Costa Rica
Mon - Fri 8 AM - 10 PM, Sat - Sun 9 AM - 6 PM
Major Highlights:
- Free first consultation
- Staff speaks Spanish & English
- Novel techniques and equipment
- Lifetime Guarantee on Dental Implants
- Accredited by American Dental Association (ADA)
Brands Used:
- Zimmer
- 3i
- Alphabio
- Ivoclar
- Vita
ConfiDental
4.9 (151 Reviews)
Sabana Norte, Avenida Las Américas, Torres del Parque, 2nd Floor, 10108
Mon - Fri 08:30 AM - 06:00 PM, Sat 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Major Highlights:
- Accredited by ADA & ICOI
- International Quality Standards
- Staff speaks English, Spanish & Portuguese
- Follows strict sterilization protocols (Autoclave)
- Free pick-up/drop-off from and to the airport
Brands Used:
- Zimmer-3i-Cortex
- Cortex or Alpha Bio
- Zimmer or 3i Implant
- Puros bone graft
New Smile Dental Group
4.8 (34 Reviews)
Av. 2, San Francisco, San José, 10103
Mon - Fri 8 AM to 5 PM
Major Highlights:
- 8 state-of-the-art treatment rooms
- 4 on-demand specialists and surgeons
- Accredited by ADA, ICOI, AAID & CCDCR
- Lifetime guarantee on dental implants
- 7 years guarantee on the dental crowns and veneers
- Unlimited Wi-Fi access and unlimited free phone calls to USA/Canada for the international patients
Brands Used:
- Zimmer Dental
- S.I.N. Implants
- OCO Biomedical
Flikier Dental Institute
5.0 (35 Reviews)
Bv. Ernesto Rohrmoser, Rohrmoser, San José, 10109
Mon - Fri 9 AM to 7 PM
Major Highlights:
- Coveted spot for North Americans and Europeans
- Flexible appointments & 3 dental chairs are available
- Best in terms of full mouth restorations and implantology
- Provides 7 years guarantee for crowns and a lifetime guarantee on implants
Brands Used: Zimmer
LS Dental Clinic
4.8 (16 Reviews)
Pueblito Sur #6 (In Las Palmas), Guanacaste Province, 50503
Mon - Fri 9 AM to 5 PM
Major Highlights:
- Flexible schedule
- The clinic has 2 dental chairs
- Uses state-of-the-art technology
- Hotels available nearby (walking distance)
- The clinic has a driver for airport pick-up and drop-off
Brands Used:
- Miss
- Raptos
- Zimmer
- Bio-oss
- Implant Direct
Premier Dental Care
4.9 (224 Reviews)
C. Lapa Verde, Province of Puntarenas, Jacó
Mon 8.30 AM - 6 PM, Tue to Fri 8.30 AM - 5 PM, Sat 9 AM - 5 PM
Clinic Highlights
- 22 years of experience in treating international patients.
- Use the latest technology and advanced equipment to offer high-quality services
- Provide customized treatments to the satisfaction of patients.
Certifications:
- Certified by the College of Dental Surgeons of Costa Rica
- Associated with American Dental Association (ADA)
Arte Dental
4.9 (41 Reviews)
From Ekono store 100m South, 25m West, Province of Guanacaste, 50101
Mon to Fri 8 AM - 6 PM, Sat 8 AM - 12 PM
Highlights
- Offer world-class dental treatments with cutting-edge technology
- All doctors are "Dental Specialists."
- Clinic Associations:Ministry of Health of Costa Rica, Board of Dental Surgeons of Costa Rica.
The clinic assures a pleasant environment for patients by providing:
- Full a/c inside the whole building
- Movies in the waiting room
- Digital X-rays with large screens
- Refreshment bar, comfy blankets
Best Dentists in Costa Rica
Dr. Juan Donato
16 Years of Experience
DDS
Expertise
Dental Implants
Education
ULACIT
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Dental Implantologist Specialist
- Costa Rica DDS Board Certified
Dr. José Garita
18 Years of Experience
DDS
Expertise
Implants, Crowns, Veneers
Education
University of Science and Technology (ULACIT)
- Post-Doctoral Fellow: Dental Implant Specialist
- Additional training in clinical hypnosis for anxiety & pain management
- Certified by International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)
- Member of the American Dental Association
Dr. Simon Flikier
20 Years of Experience
DDS
Expertise
Implants, All on 4/6/8, Crowns & Bridges, Veneers
Education
Boston University Boston, USA
- Member of the American College of Prosthodontics
- Associate Fellowship World Clinical Laser Institute
- Member of Costa Rica’s Prosthodontist Association
- Registered as Specialist in Prosthodontics
Years of Experience
- Trusted and top ranked prosthodontist in Costa Rica
- Member of the American Prosthodontic Society
Dr. Mario Bonilla
16 Years of Experience
DDS
Expertise
RCT, Implants, All on 4/6/8
Education
Universidad de Sao Paulo (USP), Brazil
- Dental implants training from the US
- Member of ADA, AAID & ICOI
Dr. Ricardo Lopez
10 Years of Experience
DDS
Expertise
Digital Smile Design (DSD)
Education
Universidad Latina De Costa Rica
- Surgical Implant Dentistry Level 1 By Zimmer Biomet
- Fellowship In Implant Dentistry From University Of Miami & The International Congress Of Oral Implantologists ICOI
- Member of Gide Institute (GIDE)
- Member of the Costa Rica Dental Association Colegio De Cirujanos Dentistas De Costa Rica (CCDCR)
Get expert advice from top Costa Rican dentists
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Top Dental Procedures in Costa Rica
Some of the most popular dental procedures in Costa Rica are listed below:
Dental Implants
It replaces tooth roots with metallic screw-like posts.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a cover placed on top of damaged teeth.
Dentures
Dentures are artificial replacements for missing tooth/teeth.
Teeth Whitening
It improves the appearance of stained teeth using bleaching substances.
Veneers
Veneers are tooth-colored shells that cover chipped or stained teeth.
Tooth Extraction
The process involves the removal of a tooth due to decay, infection, or trauma.
Dental Tourism in Costa Rica
Dental tourism in Costa Rica is a treat for every nature lover. It’s a perfect blend of flora and fauna at different elevations.
It boasts lush rainforests, unexplored beaches, and a richness of wildlife.
Splendid landscapes and exotic wildlife will leave you awestruck.
Hike with active volcanos and ziplining amidst the clouds. Seems exciting?
Source: US News Travel [4]
Celeste River Waterfall, Costa Rica
How To Reach San Jose, Costa Rica?
The most convenient way of getting to Costa Rica is by flight. Several international flights run from different US cities to Costa Rica.
Juan Santamaria International Airport (IATA: SJO, ICAO: MROC), is the country’s primary international airport. [5]
Check out the flights from various US and Canadian city airports to San Jose airport (SJC):
There are many non-stop flights available from Miami (MIA) to San Jose (SJO), starting at $300 (round trip).
However, the prices may vary depending on your booking date, time, or month.
The estimated flight duration between Miami and San Jose is 3 hours.
Some of the airlines offering non-stop flights are:
- Aeromexico
- Copa Airlines
- Avianca
- American Airlines
There are many non-stop flights available from Houston (IAH) to San Jose (SJO), starting at $350 (round trip).
However, the prices may vary depending on your booking date, time, or month.
The estimated flight duration between Houston and San Jose is 3.5 hours.
Some of the airlines offering non-stop flights are:
- United Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
There are many non-stop flights available from Dallas (DFW) to San Jose (SJO), starting at $380 (round trip).
However, the prices may vary depending on your booking date, time, or month.
The estimated flight duration between Dallas and San Jose is 4 hours.
Some of the airlines offering non-stop flights are:
- American Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
There are many non-stop flights available from Chicago (ORD) to San Jose (SJO), starting at $400 (round trip).
However, the prices may vary depending on your booking date, time, or month.
The estimated flight duration between Chicago and San Jose is 5 hours.
Some of the airlines offering non-stop flights are:
- United Airlines
There are many non-stop flights available from New York (JFK) to San Jose (SJO), starting at $400 (round trip).
However, the prices may vary depending on your booking date, time, or month.
The estimated flight duration between New York and San Jose is 5.5 hours.
Some of the airlines offering non-stop flights are:
- Avianca
- JetBlue Airways
Flights From Different US Cities to Costa Rica
Entrance Requirements:
So, to travel to Costa Rica, you will need the following documents:
📜 Visa
- US citizens don’t need an entry visa to Costa Rica (for a stay of up to 90 days).
- If you wish to stay longer than that, then you will need to apply for a visa at the Directorate General of Immigration in Costa Rica.
🪪 Valid Passport
- For travel in 2023, Costa Rica requires that visitors hold a passport valid for one day – on the day they arrive.
🎟️Ticket for Return Flight
- Visitors might need to present a return ticket to exit Costa Rica within 90 days. (Either to return to your country or to go to another country).
💵 Proof of Funds
- Each visitor is required to show they possess $US 100 (per person) for every 30 days or part of 30 days of their Visa.
- For example, if you plan to stay in Costa Rica for 60 days, you will need to show $US 200 per person.
💉 Proof of Vaccination
- Carry proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination if traveling from South America or Africa.
If you are traveling with multiple family members, you can also show the possession of a credit card or an online bank statement as proof of funds.
Source: Travel.State.Gov [6]
Top Tourist Attractions in Costa Rica
Braulio Carrillo National Park
- Spread over 117,300 acres, this park is a must-visit destination in San Jose.
- Over 150 species of mammals and 500 species of birds invite you to explore this amazing cloud forest.
- Transportation can be arranged from most central valley (San Jose) hotels for about $60 per person for a day trip.
Source: Costa Rica Guide [7]
Braulio Carrillo National Park, Costa Rica
Tortuguero National Park
- Visit this isolated piece of jungle and embrace the beauty of nature.
- Get the chance to meet white-faced monkeys, jaguars, bright lizards, and red-eyed frogs.
- Price: $15 for adults
- Hours: 8 am – 6 pm daily
Source: US News Travel [8]
Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica
Jaco, Costa Rica
- Located far from the country’s cloudy rainforests, Jacó is a beautiful town brimming with shops, restaurants, and beaches.
- Playa Mantas and Playa Blanca are two popular local beaches for a calm beach day.
- Take a tour of the Pura Vida Gardens, and don’t miss to gaze at the soaring coastal mountains.
- Price: Free
- Hours: 24/7
Source: US News Travel [9]
Jaco, Costa Rica
La Paz Waterfall
- From the colorful orchids to the sea of leafy green canopies, La Paz Waterfall is constantly buzzing with activity.
- Price: $42 for adults; $26 for kids 3-12
- Hours: 8 am – 5 pm
Source: US News Travel [10]
La Paz Waterfall, Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano
- Towering over 5000 feet, Arenal is one of the world’s most active volcanos.
- Frequent eruptions occurred until 2010 when the volcano reverted to a dormant state.
- Prices: $15 per adult and $5 per child (6-12 years old)
- Hours: 8 am – 6 pm
Source: US News Travel [11]
Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica
Dental Work in Costa Rica: Travel Tips
Keep these tips in mind for a better tourism experience: [12]
🌤️ Weather
- Best time to visit Costa Rica – Mid-December to April (the dry season)
- This peak tourist season is blessed with plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for exploring rainforests and relaxing on beaches.
✝️ Culture
- Costa Ricans are well-known for their pleasant and easygoing nature.
- Casual clothing is appropriate for the laid-back Costa Rican lifestyle.
Happy Dance in Costa Rica
The official religion of Costa Rica is Catholicism. More than 70% of Costa Rica’s population is Roman Catholic.
🚍 Local Travel
- The best way to explore Costa Rica is by bus – easy to navigate, cheaper, and frequently runs through San José.
- Hiring a car-and-driver service is better than renting your own set of wheels.
🗣️ Language
- The official language in this country is Spanish.
- However, you’ll find English speakers in popular tourist areas.
💲 Currency
- The Costa Rica Colón is the country’s official currency (CRC).
- Because the CRC to USD exchange rate fluctuates, make sure to check the exchange rate before you go.
Is It Safe To Get Dental Work in Costa Rica?
Dental work in Costa Rica is quite safe. But traveling abroad without proper planning is a bad idea.
Therefore, we suggest you research at your end to avoid any inconveniences.
To make it easier for you, we have categorized safety into two sections.
You must look for the qualifications of the dentist. Moreover, read about the clinic’s background and reviews.
DentaVacation ensures that you get the best health care. The points mentioned below will clear your doubts regarding safety as a medical tourist.
- Use of state-of-the-art technology.
- The dentists with 20+ years of experience.
- Autoclave technique for cleaning the dental instruments.
- Associated with renowned organizations such as ADA, ICOI, and much more.
Petty crimes like pick-pocketing are common in heavy tourist areas. But the Costa Rican government provides additional security resources, especially in tourist areas.
Therefore, follow these tips for added safety.
- Beware of your surroundings.
- Keep an eye on your belongings.
- Do not display signs of wealth.
- Do not engage in physical resistance to any robbery attempt.
- Register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts. Doing so will make it easier to locate you.
Source: Travel.State.Gov [13] [/infobox]
Dental Tourism in Costa Rica: Reviews
Teeth Implants in Costa Rica
Dental Work in Playa Del Coco
Quality Dental Care in Costa Rica
Video Courtesy: Dental Crowns in Costa Rica
Patient Testimonial: Affordable Dentistry in Costa Rica
Conclusion
Get your smile and confidence back with dental work in Costa Rica.
Besides your dental treatment, you get a variety of travel options here.
In the above article, we have outlined the top clinics and dentists in the best way possible.
Still, have doubts? Feel free to reach out to us!
FAQs
Costa Rica is indeed a good place when it comes to offering quality dental work. Dentistry here is safe, affordable, and top-notch.
Moreover, our partner clinics here use high-end technology and international brands for uncompromised dental care.
Dentistry in Costa Rica is much cheaper than in the US & Canada.
For instance, you spend only $750 for a titanium dental implant in Costa Rica. On the contrary, you pay $5,000 in the US.
Therefore, cost savings run up to 85%!
Similarly, the cost of all-on-4 dental implants in Costa Rica is $10,700. In the US, it’s approximately $24,000.
Dental veneers in Costa Rica are 84% cheaper than in the US. The cost of a porcelain veneer in Costa Rica is $400.
The same treatment in the US will cost you $2,500. That’s a huge saving!
Pack your bags and fly to Costa Rica
Let's go!