Visiting the dentist has never been a favorite activity of ours, and doing it in Merida doesn’t necessarily make the experience any more attractive, other than the fact that it is más barato (cheaper). After many experiences in the dental chair, we have decided that our ideal dentist is detail-oriented, sanitary to a fault and has a great smile. Lots of diplomas on the wall are a plus as well. We are happy to share that we know a number of dentists who share those qualities here in Merida, and they speak English too!
After living here about six months, we made our first visit to a Yucateco dentist, who was recommended by an expat friend. The dentist invited us and our daughter into the examining room, where the dentist chair sat to one side of a large room which also held his instruments, his desk, a few chairs, a sofa and a television. That day, each of us received a checkup while the other two sat and watched a soccer game on TV. The family livingroom atmosphere bothered our sixteen-year-old daughter, who vowed never to return. We thought his work and prices were pretty good, so we continued to go to this dentist for a few years, and any work he did on us was professional and has held up well. Recently, however, we have elected to switch to a dentist who speaks English and is located closer to our office (we can walk there).
The new dentist we have chosen is Dr. Jesus Sánchez Ruz. (You will see him on the list of English-speaking dentists at the end of this article). Dr. Sánchez is a young man with a lot of diplomas on his wall, most of which are from UADY (Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan). He speaks great English. His small offices (see photo of the waiting room on the right) are clean and similar (though smaller and more humble) than what we would expect in the States. And yes, he has a great smile which he uses a lot.
As a rule, we aren’t afraid of the dentist, though we have been known to prefer a little nitrous oxide for the nastier or longer procedures. Nitrous oxide is not permitted in Mexico, however, so here we do without. We have been told that if you do have a fear of dentists or are going to undergo a painful procedure, besides novacaine, dentists can prescribe something to relax you, such as Valium or Xanax, or they can give you drops of a fast-acting sedative.
In the offices of Dr. Jesus, all the equipment is new and modern. We’re pretty sure most of the dentists around here have great equipment, because our neighbor across the street from our house is DOMS, a dental supply distribution company that has been growing leaps and bounds over the past few years. The same dentist chairs, trays, drills and other gadgets that are on display in the DOMS office can be found in the local dentists’ offices that we have visited.
Merida is the dental capital of southern Mexico and neighboring countries like Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. Dentists we interviewed told us their patients come from all over the hemisphere and sometimes from around the world, because with the right dentist, the quality is excellent and the price is right.
Some dentists we interviewed cautioned us about dentists who advertise heavily to the gringo community, but are not very good at their craft. A norteamericano who comes down for a dental visit with a wallet full of dollars may end up a pescado (a catch), and the unscrupulous dentist will not suffer from bad word-of-mouth (pun intended). So if you are going to a new dentist in Merida, we encourage you to discuss your choice with people who have used that dentist before (or visit the fine dentists on our list and tell them we sent you!).
Prices for dental work are famously lower than prices in the States and Canada. We polled the dentists on our list, and prices for a checkup ranged from free to $300 pesos (about $30 US). Prices for a filling are between $350 to $700 pesos and $250 to $600 pesos for a cleaning. We know from talking with fellow expats that the prices of more expensive procedures like implants are somewhat lower than in the States, but the real savings is in crowns, bridges and orthodonture.
Unlike in the States, many dentists here do not have offices in upscale medical buildings. When we first moved here, we were a little uncomfortable about it. But one dentist explained that his less than fancy office makes it possible for him to keep his prices lower so that everyone can afford his services (he estimated that his clients are 50% Yucatecos and 50% extranjeros). He also told us that he is able to always keep one room and one dentist "unscheduled" so that people can get emergency treatment with very little notice. We have found that any dentist we called was able to give us an appointment within a week, and sometimes even the next day. Coming from California, where dentist appointments need to be made months in advance, this is a welcome change.
But perhaps even more important, it seems as if the level of care and attention paid by dentists here is a lot higher as well. For our one friend who had a series of implants, his dentist went to the various specialists appointments with him. He was on call any time for problems and he paid an unexpected (though welcome) amount of attention to our friend’s well-being and the outcome of the procedures. Another dentist told us that his number one rule is to treat every client as if they were a member of his family.
Every time we are done with a visit, Dr. Jesus takes us into his tiny office with its wall of diplomas and sits down behind his desk. He asks how we are and if we have any questions. He discusses our future treatment and makes an appointment if necessary. He gives us a bill and takes our payment. Dentists are usually paid in cash, but a local check is usually okay and some take credit cards as well.
The first time we had an appointment with Dr. Jesus, we learned two memorable things. First of all, when we tried to make an appointment on the 13th of the month, the good doctor told us that Mexicans are also superstitious about the 13th… but when it is a Tuesday, not a Friday. They have a saying, "martes trece, no te cases, ni te embarques" which means "Tuesday the 13th, don’t get married and don’t start a voyage". (Much more poetic in Spanish!)
The second thing we learned while looking at old photos on his wall. "Where were these taken?" we asked. He pointed out a young man with his foot on the running board of an old Model T. "That’s my grandfather when he was a boy. They took a picture because that was the first time they had seen a car in that pueblo." And what do you know? The men and boys from that pueblito were all dressed in white and looked just like a convention of… dentists!
Below is a list of dentists who speak English and who we have heard provide good service. If you have a dentist to recommend, please email us or leave a comment.
Dr. Felipe Mena
Telephone: 999-925-3606 or 3707
Address: Avenida Itzaes # 258-A x 29 y 31
English-speaking receptionist: No
English-speaking dentist: Yes
Emergency services: No
Specialty: General
Dr. Javier Cámara Patrón
Telephone: 999-925-3399
Email: drjaviercamara [at] hotmail [dot] com
Website: www.yucatandentist.com
Address: Calle 17 #170 x 8 y 10, Col. Garcia Ginerés
English-speaking receptionist: Sometimes. If not, ask for one & they’ll get her.
English-speaking dentist: Yes
Emergency services: Yes
Specialty: Rehabilitation and orthodontia
More: Dr. Patrón belongs to the American Dental Assocation and Federación Mundial de Ortodontistas. He is part of a dental surgeon association which has a clinic of 21 dentists, most of them English-speaking. They see approximately 10 patients each day from countries other than Mexico and have two offices.
Dr. Jesús Manuel Sanchez Ruz
Telephone: 999-924-9895
Address: Calle 53 #518-13 x 4 y 66, Centro
English-speaking receptionist: Yes
English-speaking dentist: Yes
Emergency services: No
Specialty: Rehabilitation and orthodontia
More: Dr. Sanchez’ wife is also a trained dentist and she practices orthodontia in the same offices.
Merident
Telephone: 999-927-1271
Address: Calle 19 #115 x Prolongacion Montejo
English-speaking receptionist: One of them (ask for her: "Hablas inglés?")
English-speaking dentist: Yes
Emergency services: Yes
Specialty: Laser treatments
More: According to the receptionist, the dental laser treatments fix the same problems as traditional dentistry (i.e., cavities, etc.) but cause less pain. They are also un poquito mas caro (a bit more expensive).
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I just finished a set of dental appts. to get a crown put in. (I live in Guaymas,Sonora). Unlike you, I am terrified of the dentist but I have to say that the treatment I received was excellent. I believe that she said that she charges 400 pesos for a cleaning and my crown cost 1600 pesos. Her office has up-to-date equipment except that she does not have a x-ray machine there, which is kind of inconvenient. She is opening a second office where she will have one and explained that it is too expensive to have one in each place. Overall the care I had was equal to Canada.
You guys are the answer to our doubts and questions, great article (as always)! We already made contact with Dr Araujo, gastroenterologist mentioned in one of your articles, we mentioned your web site. We are moving to Merida in March and need dental work done, you have provided that too! You are a blessings!
I have had dental repairs done by Dr. Javier Cámara Patrón and I was quite pleased with his work. Dental offices in general, as you note, are more ‘family style’ than ‘up-scale,’ but my US dentist wasn’t aware of Dr. Camara Patron’s repair until I told him. (He repaired work of my US dentist!)
As usual, very informative. Perhaps in the future you could do an article about StarMedica. In our experience, a first rate medical facility.
Actually, Drew, we already did do an article about Star Medica. http://www.yucatanliving.com/yucatan-survivor/yucatan-hospitals.htm
Glad to hear that you had good experiences there!
Dr. Sanchez is our dentist too. We are very happy with him and recommend him highly. I looked into the price of orthodonture work for my son and the total price was less than my deductable in California!!! My son had his wisdom teeth pulled, Dr. Sanchez had an oral surgeon come in to do them (one was impacted) it still cost less than having one tooth pulled in California. Even if it wasn’t so inexpensive, I would recommend him, the office is modern, the work excellant.
Dr. Jesus is my dentist as well, and I am happy to say, without qualification, that he is The Man. His equipment is all so new and modern that I had never even encountered it before, and his staff is professional and courteous. My initial examination (including prowling with a fiberoptic camera) was free, unheard of in the States, and my cleaning was $350 pesos. The real expense is going to be clear when I go in for my next round of work…getting about 10 fillings pulled out and replaced. Good times.
Hello.
I need extensive dental work and wonder if you recommend all the dentists listed or just some of them for the following: My American dentist says that all my teeth should be crowned and that I need dental surgery to expose more of my front teeth first(I have all my natural teeth with no crowns now). I know my teeth are bad and need the surgery and crowns on at least all the non-molar teeth. Any specific recommendations?
Thanks, John
John, we’re not dentists (although our mothers probably would prefer that at least one of us was), so we can’t recommend specialists. What we can suggest is that you contact one of the dentists above and they will make sure that you find a qualified specialist for your situation. Saludos!
Thanks for the great info. I have to have a crown (hopefully the existing root canalled tooth will last until I arrive in Feb.!) Do you know if Dr. Sanchez has an email address where I could possibly make an apptment before we leave Canada. Is there usually a long waiting period? Thx.
Thank you so much for this. I need implants and braces and even with my insurance here in the states, it’s really expensive! Would you have any ballpark figures on what those treatments would cost in Merida? This is great. You guys are doing a fantastic job.
I just came across your site while starting my research on moving to Mexico. I wish we could be there sooner but we’re not yet at retirement age!
We cannot remember what Dr. Jesús told us about braces. They did seem cheaper than what we remember paying in the States. The implants are cheaper, but not as significantly cheaper as crowns, bridges, fillings and other prosthetics. That’s our understanding anyway. Click on the ads above or contact any of the dentists on our list, and I’m sure they will be happy to give you a quote over the phone or in email.
I have two favorite dentists in Merida: Dr. Manuel Alayola and Dr.Miguel Dogre. They are excellent doctors and persons, and with Dogre you always laugh while he works with your teeth, he is funny and makes you forget where you are.
Dr. Alayola is one of the best dentists in Merida too, actually I should give him a call next time I go to Merida.
I just want to say, Dr. Felipe Mena is the best dentist in town!, Í’ve been with him several times, and he did a great long-lasting job! He and his wife, who is also a dentist, speak flawless english and make you have a good time. I highly recommend going with him, you’ll forget you are in the dentist, and you’ll walk out with a big smile!!
You can chek Dr. Mena´s web page:
http://www.geocities.com/dr_felipe_mena/
Our dentist in Mazatlan has a swimming pool as a waiting room. You haven’t lived until you have to get one of the kids out of the pool for their dentist appointment.
The office is also their home and we’re quite used to that.
My temporary crown came off (after 6 months of use; I was trying to wait to get back to Maz) and I just might make a long stop in Merida (en route to the Carribean) to get that taken care of. Hey, might just get the bridge I’ve been putting off and get exams for all the kids again.
Thanks for the great info!
For my son, the estimate on braces (for 10 months) was about 3800 pesos. Incrediable! of course prices vary acording to what your particular problem is, I think I was quoted 5000 usd for the work in California.
Theresa
My daughter needs a buildup on a tooth and a crown.
What would that cost there?
Martha,
Please send an email to one of the dentists on our list. They all speak English and can give you an estimate in email.
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How far is Merida from Cancun?
Driving on the 180 Autopista, Merida is 300 Kilometers (180 miles) west of Cancun. It takes about 3 hours by car and 4 hours by bus. There are two toll booths, so if you travel by car, bring about $300 pesos to pay the tolls. For more details, see http://www.yucatanliving.com/yucatan-survivor/driving-in-yucatan.htm
How much would teeth whitening be??
Thx
If we remember correctly, teeth whitening was about 2000 pesos, which is less than $200 US.
I just called Dr. Jesús Manuel Sanchez Ruz’s office THEY DO NOT SPEAK ENGLISH
Dear Anonymous,
Dr. Jesus and his able assistant do indeed speak English. Perhaps today when you called, they were out to lunch and the person left in charge spoke only Spanish. We encourage you to try again. If you are faced with a Spanish-speaking person, try saying this:
“Por fah-VOR, PWAY-do ah-BLAR cone dock-TORE HAY-zoose?” (Please, may I speak with Dr. Jesus?). Or you can simply ask “AH-blass ing-LACE?” (Do you speak English?). They should put you through to someone who speaks English at that point.
Buena suerte (good luck) and let us know how it goes!
Many thanks for the dentist recommendations and feedback from web site readers. I hope to travel to Merida SOON for mucho dental work. While I’m there I would also like to have some cosmetic surgery procedures. Are any cosmetic surgeons recommened on this site? If not, do any readers have experience or insights to reputable practitioners in the area? Thanks, so much.
Hi guys I was born in Merida and they brought me to L.A. 29 years ago I am planning on returning one day. In the mean time I enjoy reading all the great articles that you guys write. My wife does not like the idea of going back to Mexico one day because she is use to all the stress in California I am taking all the information you provide us and helping me on my future plans thanks gringos
Can you highly recommend a dentist(s) that does dental implants in Merida?
What is the cost of dental implants by this dentist?
I am looking for Dr. Miguel Dogre and can’t find a number or address-I got work done with him four years ago and was very pleased-any contact information would be great-thanks
I am his client since I was a child. He has been in the same place, but last year when I saw him, he said he was going to move. I just know he is on calle 60. I am going to Merida next week. If you want I can get the phone number and send it to you later or just look on the internet. I am pretty sure you will find it there.
Jessica
Which way is better? To stay in Cancun at a timeshare (”free”) and drive to Merida? Or to stay in Merida at a hotel while getting dental work done? I need to get crowns and implants. Can’t yet decide whether to go to a dentist in Merida or to try the American Smile Clinic (Cancun). How old are these postings? 2-28-08
Thanks.
The dentists in Merida are, on the whole, really good and inexpensive in comparison to the US. Regarding the American Smile Clinic in Cancun, we have no experience. But we do have enough experience to know that there is NEVER a free lunch, especially in Cancun.
[…] celebrated its 175th birthday and Merida does tend to attract and retain the cream of the crop. Read Working Gringa’s article on Dentists in Merida or leave us a comment with the name of your favorite dentist in the […]
I have nothing but words of praise for the professionalism and personalized attention I get every time I went to see Dr Jesus Sanchez Ruz, either for a simple cleaning or for a root canal or a crown. We call him the “painless dentist”; I recommend him for anyone fearing a dentist. He will change your perception of a dentists.
margaret leblanc, Dr Miguel Dogre´s Phone is 9236976, and his cell phone is 04499-91-000611,
Aloha from Maui!
My new husband (who is Mayan) will be traveling from Maui to Merida in September. I am looking for a biological and holistic dentist who will extract the mercury from my fillings and replace with a non-toxic substance. I am a bit nervous going to a ‘new’ dentist but feeling a bit relieved that I found this site. Can anyone recommend a dentist that has experience with this?
Many Mahalos!
Me-Shell Mijangos
I need two teeth extracted and replaced with implants. Who is the best and economical dentist in Merida or surrounding area to get this work done.
Thanks for all the good postings here.
Looking forward to an answer soon.
Bill
Bill,
Both the dentists that advertise on this page are great dentists. They both speak English and they have good prices.
You can call their offices and get quotes for the implants….or email them. If you don’t get a reply, let us know and we’ll help.
Me-Shell,
Again, both Dr. Camara and Dr. Jesus will replace old amalgam fillings. We just recently went to Dr. Jesus and he charges $500 pesos ($50 US) to do a filling.
The costs for implants are much higher there than other parts of Mexico. I have a quote from a highly recommended dentist in Ensenada that specializes in implants. 10 implants including crowns, extractions, scaling, etc. She uses top quality materials, I have been researching this for several months. Her quote is $11,500 total, another highly reccomended dentist in Mexico near San Diego quoted $14,000. I have found a huge range in costs for the same procedures using highly skilled and recommended dentists. $10,000 in India to $30,000 in the US. One dentist specalizing in implants in Florida, Boca Raton quoted $12,500. pwfine@aol.com