by Sherry Hudson
Sherry is an alumnus from the Focus Program, Jan. 31 – Feb. 7, 2009. We’re pleased that she wanted to share her experience with a dentist in the Lake Chapala area.
Though the main purpose of my first visit to Chapala was to investigate future living potential. I know about the polarity of “medical vacations,” particularly around the Guadalajara area due to the high number of U.S. trained and certified medical specialists and the high standards to which they adhere.
I came to Ajijic with a quote from a dentist back home in B.C., Canada for an inlay for one tooth at $935.00. Shortly after arriving, I called Dr. Don Olivera at Clinica Maskaras and made an appointment for consultation.
I took in my quote, which described the work of the tooth in question, and Dr. Olivera, who is fully bilingual, looked at my tooth and said he could do the prescribed work in two appointments for a cost of $4,000.00 pesos, about $400.00 Canadian.
I also pointed out another tooth recently “fixed” by a dentist in Canada that was an atrocious mess of three colors and left me wondering about his qualifications. Dr. Olivera said he could fix this and I would have a perfectly even-toned tooth (important because it was at the front and very visible. Impressions were taken after anesthesia of the first tooth drilled out with a temporary installed.
The following week both teeth were completed. There was absolute minimal discomfort and all was done within hygienic conditions.
The total cost for both teeth which would have cost me approximately $1,200.00 ( $1,400.00 Canadian), was $4,600.00 pesos, or about $460.00 Canadian. Nearly $1,000.00 savings, which not only paid for my airfare, but my first week’s lodging in Ajijic Suites, making this a very affordable and worthwhile holiday. (I highly recommend Clínica Maskaras for a medical holiday.)