How to vet a dental clinic before you travel

We don't tell you which clinic is best. We can't judge quality of care, and a paid placement says nothing about it. What we can give you is a list of things to check yourself.

Ask who will treat you

Get the name of the dentist who will do the work, and any specialist training that applies to your treatment. In Mexico, professional licenses are issued as a cédula profesional. Ask for the number and look it up in the public registry run by Mexico's education ministry (SEP).

Get the plan in writing

Before you agree to treatment, ask for:

• The diagnosis and the proposed treatment
• Every price in writing, in US dollars, including lab work, X-rays and anesthesia
• Brands and materials for implants, crowns or veneers
• How many visits it will take, and how far apart

Ask what happens if something goes wrong

• Is there a written guarantee? What does it cover, and for how long?
• Who pays for travel if you need to come back?
• Will you get your X-rays and treatment records to take home?
• Who should you call after hours?

Talk to your regular dentist as well. Find out whether they would be willing to see you for follow-up care on work done elsewhere.

What our labels mean

• Not yet confirmed: we loaded basic public details, and the clinic has not reviewed them.
• Clinic confirmed: the clinic has claimed its listing and supplied the details.
• Verified credentials: we reviewed the license or certification documents the clinic submitted. This confirms the documents, not the quality of care, and it can't be bought.
• Sponsored: the clinic paid for that placement.