About Dentistry in Costa Rica

1. Dentistry practice in Costa Rica has a long history as a professional medical field. Formal institutions including Costa Rica's Board of Dental Surgeons, Public and Private Dental Universities, Professional Associations and Specialist Boards, all work together to oversee the high quality of dental medical services.

2. Costa Rica's historic Board of Dental Surgeons, was established in 1898, and the first Dental University was soon opened in 1906 in Costa Rica's capital, San Jose. All practicing dentists in Costa Rica must be licensed members of the Board of Dental Surgeons, "Colegio de Cirujanos Dentistas".

3. During the early 20th century, the Board developed to include dental specialist practices and became the legal authority governing dentists in Costa Rica. Since 1973, all dentists are required to perform one year of dental residency or dental service for the general public.

How Costa Rica Offers Lower Dental Prices

1. The most thought about and asked question is how dentists in Costa Rica can offer lower prices compared to their U.S. or European counterparts? The answer is Costa Rica Dentists generally do not have $200,000+ dental school loans to pay back. In fact, the best and brightest students receive full tuition scholarships to University of Costa Rica's Dental College. Additionally, Costa Rica practicing dentists have lower office building rent costs, lower office and dental assistance labor costs, lower cost of living, and lower taxes and insurance. All these lower costs contribute greatly to the lower price for dental work.

2. Our office can save you as much as 50% over the established dental prices in the U.S. because of these lower operating costs. In fact, many dental crowns, veneers, and bridges ordered by dentists in the United States, are made in Costa Rica Dental Laboratories, and Fed Ex back to the U.S. Dental office for fitting.

3. Quality is never sacrificed. We do not cut corners on equipment or materials. Smile Costa Rica dentists use the same equipment, x-ray technology, filling and bonding materials, crowns, bridges, braces, veneers, and implants as any dentist would in the U.S. or Canada. Almost all equipment and dental material purchased in our offices come from manufacturers in the U.S.A., Germany, or Japan.

We are happy to introduce you to our staff, doctors, and give you a tour during your first visit.

Your Visit To A Costa Rican Dentist

A practicing dentist in Costa Rica has the same education, equipment and follows the same Board Certification Requirements as a dentist would in the United States, Canada or Europe.

When you visit a dentist office in Costa Rica, you will see the doctor's university degrees, certifications and permits posted on the wall. Costa Rican Dentists and all Doctors alike complete such an intensive education study and their skills, experience, and knowledge competes among the world's top professional medical standards.

	Our Dentists are members of the American Dental Association, the international authority providing continuing education and teaching about the advancements in Dentistry Science.
	The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry is the largest association advancing the knowledge and skills of Cosmetic Dentists. Our Doctor's membership in the AACD keeps them up to date on new technology and skills.
	Costa Rica's Board of Dental Surgeons governs all practicing dentists in Costa Rica. Membership and continuing education is required by all dentists and specialists.
	The National Heath Department ensures all dental clinics follow strict standards of sterilization and health. Inspection and Permission to operate a dental clinic is required by all dental offices.

Feel free to ask anyone of Smile Costa Rica Doctors about their education, continued training, and experience.