Go to the Dentist in Buenos Aires, Argentina!

Since I'm self-employed, I don't have dental insurance. I choose to "self-insure." As a result, when I needed several thousand (US or Canadian) dollars worth of work done last year, I chose to have it done in a foreign country.

The total price tag for all my work was about USD $1,000.

I had my dental work done in Argentina, by the unique brother / sister team of Gustavo and Marisol Telo. The Telo's are young (around 30) and absolutely gorgeous (see photo!), but best of all, they're exceptional dentists.

My criteria were:

• Must speak fluent English
  • The Telos both did...beyond that, they were exceptionally friendly, always greeting me with a traditional Argentine hug and kiss on the cheek
• Must be properly trained to a North American / European similar standard
  • The degrees on the wall of their waiting room attest to their education
  • Additionally, Gustavo explained that he had scored better on pop-quizzes at a New York dental conference than many North Americans
• Must have a solid track record with other foreigners
  • I was definitely not their first foreigner, and the fact that they advertise in Time Out tells me they know the market
• Price must be half (or less) what I would expect to pay at home
  • This is where it gets a bit tricky--just try to get a dentist at home to give you a firm quote on everything you need done--and include the lab work and any taxes fees in the price!
  • I knew from talking with people at home that I'd be well into the thousands for the work I needed done:
    • Full exam with x-rays
    • Cleaning and scaling
    • a root canal, post and crown (don't forget the pricey lab work!!)
    • I also needed four cosmetic fillings replaced
    • and wanted my teeth whitened.
• Must be relatively convenient, i.e., can get the work done in the time I've got
  • The Telos assured me they could work within my schedule--and could have done it all within a week (I was in Argentina for six weeks, so we stretched it out over time...and by the end they seemed more like good friends than dentists!)

The total price tag for all my work was about USD $1,000.

Moral of this story? If you need a couple thousand dollars worth of work done, and you could use a vacation, doing it abroad is an excellent option.* You could fly to Argentina for about $1,100, rent an apartment for very little, get your dental work done, and have a great time. I certainly did.

And in case you're wondering, the Telo's did not offer me any discount as a journalist, nor did I ask.

Best of all, nearly a year later my teeth are in great shape, and I get lots of compliments on my bright smile!

*Of course, you're 100% on your own for choosing a medical provider--the information I provide is for reference only, and I accept no liability nor responsibility for your decisions. Do your homework.

Getting to Argentina

It's not cheap, and from Vancouver it takes at least 20 hours with layovers.

If you're starting in the U.S., Miami seems to have the best fares.

Some routings are via

• Houston: Continental Airlines, which I flew using points, and quite enjoyed. They require a 6+ hour layover, but the Houston airport is like a shopping mall. Plus for only $45 you can access their lounge, excellent value.
• Mexico City: Mexicana, saves transiting the U.S., for Canadians who don't like to do that or require a U.S. visa. Mexico City may require an overnight layover on the southbound, but it's quick on the return flight. My partner flew them, and they allowed a 3-day Mexico City stopover with no extra charge.
• Toronto: Air Canada. Sure, you'll collect Aeroplan (or redeem them), but you'll also require 2 stops: Toronto and Santiago Chile, both directions.

Low-season airfare should be around the $1,100 mark. High season should be around $1,500, which is what we paid for Kevin's ticket on Mexicana.

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