Choosing a great dentist in Mexico does not have to be hard! In this short article we will look at the three steps to ensure you choose a fantastic dentist south of the border.
Step 1: Look for an Experienced Dentist Trained at a Top School
After graduating from high school, aspiring Mexican dentists go straight to dental school, which lasts 4-5 years and culminates with the Undergraduate General Exam followed by 1 year of social service (Dental Education in Mexico).
Following their social service, Mexican Dentists are awarded their Doctorate of Dental Surgery diploma and issued a Professional License Number.
The best dental schools in Mexico according to El Universal 2020 Best University Rankings are:
1. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
(National Autonomous University of Mexico)
2. Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León
(Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon)
3. Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara.
(Autonomous University of Guadalajara)
Great Dentists also tend to continue their education throughout their career to learn about the latest techniques and technology in the industry. Members of the Mexican Dental Association, for example, have a minimum continuing education requirement of 40 hours of formal instruction every 2 years.
Dentists who continue their education are proud to display their certificates and discuss continuing education relevant to your desired procedure. Your health is precious, and you have a right to ask questions to make sure your dentist is right for you!
Step 2: Check Credentials
You should have complete confidence in the qualifications of your Dentist. If you have any doubts, you can check your prospective dentist’s qualifications using their professional license number in the National Registry of Professionals.
All you need is the full name of your prospective dentist. The Spanish can be intimidating, but you can translate the page using your browser, or you can keep use these quick translations to verify yourself:
nombre(s) // first name(s)
primer apellido // first last name
segundo apellido // second last name
Names in Mexico are 3-4 words long, lets use an example to illustrate this:
Juan Carlos Jimenez Rivera
Oh no! this is 33% more confusing than American names! Stick with me here.
[Juan Carlos] nombre(s) / name(s)
[Jimenez ] primer apellido / first last name
[Rivera] segundo apellido / second last name
When you submit the form, you will be able to see their University credentials. At a minimum, you need to find a form that says ‘LICENCIATURA COMO CIRUJANO DENTISTA’ this is their license to practice dental surgery.
You will also find 2 results for dentists with 2-year specializations. the second will say “ESPECIALIDAD EN (PERIODONCIA)” Specialty in (Periodontics). Google Translate is your friend here.
Step 3: Request References
Still have your doubts? Check out testimonials on line, request to speak with former patients who underwent the same procedure, or consult the services of a medical travel facilitator.
Your comfort and safety are extremely important. Don’t compromise when it comes to your health. Best of luck in your dental endeavors. If you need any help, the professionals at Apollo Medical Travel have your back.