Do you desire a perfect smile? But worried about sky-high dental costs? Dental work in Costa Rica is the solution. You’ll save up to 70% on dental expenses compared to the US.

Costa Rica stands out if you’re seeking affordable & quality dentistry. Read this article and get to know everything you need!

Watch on YouTube: “Costa Rica Travel Guide “
Video Courtesy: James B

Why Choose Costa Rica for Dental Work?

You should note that foreign patients receive 90% of dental services in Costa Rica.

-Costa Rica News [1]

The benefits of getting dental work in Costa Rica are:

💰 Potential Savings | Up to 70%

  • Dental affordability is the prime reason why people travel to Costa Rica.
  • Costa Rican living expenses are lower than the US and hence the low cost is not due to compromise on quality. [2]

🏥 Premium Dentistry | Best Clinics

  • The clinics follow international safety standards. Thus, there’s no compromise on the quality.
  • Our partner clinics use state-of-the-art technology for the best dental experience.
Watch on YouTube: “Get Pain-Free Dental Work in in Costa Rica”
Premium dentistry: Pain-free dental work in Costa Rica

🏝️ Tropical Paradise | Attracts Tourists

  • Dental tourism in Costa Rica offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking and ziplining.
  • Tropical beaches and cloudy rainforests are the major attractions you can explore during your stay.

White Sand Beach in Costa Rica

Carrillo Beach, Costa Rica

🛡️ Skilled Dentists | Multilingual Staff

  • Our partner clinics have a dedicated team that works efficiently to help you restore your smile.
  • Dentists have 20+ years of experience and are quite professional.

✈️ Cheap Flights | Fast Commute

  • Geographical accessibility makes Cancun a desired destination among travelers.
  • The average flight duration from the US to Costa Rica is 4-5 hours. [3]

Cost of Dental Work in Costa Rica

The cost of dental work in Costa Rica is 30% of that in the US & Canada. That’s a huge saving!

For instance, the cost of dental implants in Costa Rica is $750.

On the other hand, you pay $5,000 in the US for the same treatment. You will save up to 85%!

Similarly, all-on-4 dental implants in Costa Rica cost $10,700. You pay 56% more in the US, i.e., $24,000.

Check out the below table for the cost comparison.

Cost of Dental Work in Costa Rica (in USD)
Procedure USA Canada Costa Rica Savings
Cost of Dental Implants
Titanium Dental Implant* $5,000 $4,600 $750 85%
All on 4 Implants* $24,000 $22,000 $8,500 64%
All on 6 Implants* $28,000 $26,000 $10,200 63%
All on 8 Implants* $35,000 $32,000 $10,750 69%
Implant Denture/Snap-on Dentures $6,000 $5,500 $3,000 50%
Cost of Dental Crowns
Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) $1,100 $1,020 $395 64%
Zirconia Crown $2,000 $1,840 $425 78%
Cost of Veneers
Porcelain Veneers (per unit) $2,500 $2,300 $400 84%
Cost of General Dental Procedures
Root Canal Treatment $1,500 $1,300 $325 78%
Simple Extractions $300 $270 $60 80%
Laser Teeth Whitening $1,500 $1,380 $250 83%
*Including fixed acrylic/zirconia hybrid denture per arch
Prices are subject to change.

Low-cost dental work is also available in popular destinations like San Jose, Liberia, Playa Del Coco, and Playa Jaco in Costa Rica.

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Top Dental Clinics in Costa Rica

To save you from hours of scrolling, we have found the best dental clinics in Costa Rica for you.

Best Dentists in Costa Rica

Get expert advice from top Costa Rican dentists

Book an appointment!

Top Dental Procedures in Costa Rica

Some of the most popular dental procedures in Costa Rica are listed below:

Dental Implants

Dental Implant

It replaces tooth roots with metallic screw-like posts.

Dental Crowns

Dental Crowns in Costa RicaA dental crown is a cover placed on top of damaged teeth.

Dentures

Dentures in Costa Rica

Dentures are artificial replacements for missing tooth/teeth.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening in Costa RicaIt improves the appearance of stained teeth using bleaching substances.

Veneers

Veneers in Costa Rica

Veneers are tooth-colored shells that cover chipped or stained teeth.

Tooth Extraction

Tooth Extraction

The process involves the removal of a tooth due to decay, infection, or trauma.

Watch on YouTube: “Gum Graft Surgery in Costa Rica: Loose Teeth”
Gum Graft Surgery in Costa Rica

Dental Tourism in Costa Rica

Dental tourism in Costa Rica is a treat for every nature lover. It’s a perfect blend of flora and fauna at different elevations.

It boasts lush rainforests, unexplored beaches, and a richness of wildlife.

Splendid landscapes and exotic wildlife will leave you awestruck.

Hike with active volcanos and ziplining amidst the clouds. Seems exciting?

Source: US News Travel [4]

Celeste River Waterfall, Costa Rica

Celeste River Waterfall, Costa Rica

How To Reach San Jose, Costa Rica?

The most convenient way of getting to Costa Rica is by flight. Several international flights run from different US cities to Costa Rica.

Juan Santamaria International Airport (IATA: SJO, ICAO: MROC), is the country’s primary international airport. [5]

Check out the flights from various US and Canadian city airports to San Jose airport (SJC):

There are many non-stop flights available from Miami (MIA) to San Jose (SJO), starting at $300 (round trip).

However, the prices may vary depending on your booking date, time, or month.

The estimated flight duration between Miami and San Jose is 3 hours.

Some of the airlines offering non-stop flights are:

  • Aeromexico
  • Copa Airlines
  • Avianca
  • American Airlines

There are many non-stop flights available from Houston (IAH) to San Jose (SJO), starting at $350 (round trip).

However, the prices may vary depending on your booking date, time, or month.

The estimated flight duration between Houston and San Jose is 3.5 hours.

Some of the airlines offering non-stop flights are:

  • United Airlines
  • Southwest Airlines

There are many non-stop flights available from Dallas (DFW) to San Jose (SJO), starting at $380 (round trip).

However, the prices may vary depending on your booking date, time, or month.

The estimated flight duration between Dallas and San Jose is 4 hours.

Some of the airlines offering non-stop flights are:

  • American Airlines
  • Southwest Airlines

There are many non-stop flights available from Chicago (ORD) to San Jose (SJO), starting at $400 (round trip).

However, the prices may vary depending on your booking date, time, or month.

The estimated flight duration between Chicago and San Jose is 5 hours.

Some of the airlines offering non-stop flights are:

  • United Airlines

There are many non-stop flights available from New York (JFK) to San Jose (SJO), starting at $400 (round trip).

However, the prices may vary depending on your booking date, time, or month.

The estimated flight duration between New York and San Jose is 5.5 hours.

Some of the airlines offering non-stop flights are:

  • Avianca
  • JetBlue Airways

Flights From Different US Cities to Costa Rica

Flights From Different US Cities to Costa Rica

Entrance Requirements:

So, to travel to Costa Rica, you will need the following documents:

📜 Visa

  • US citizens don’t need an entry visa to Costa Rica (for a stay of up to 90 days).
  • If you wish to stay longer than that, then you will need to apply for a visa at the Directorate General of Immigration in Costa Rica.

🪪 Valid Passport

  • For travel in 2023, Costa Rica requires that visitors hold a passport valid for one day – on the day they arrive.

🎟️ Ticket for Return Flight

  • Visitors might need to present a return ticket to exit Costa Rica within 90 days. (Either to return to your country or to go to another country).

💵 Proof of Funds

  • Each visitor is required to show they possess $US 100 (per person) for every 30 days or part of 30 days of their Visa.
  • For example, if you plan to stay in Costa Rica for 60 days, you will need to show $US 200 per person.

💉 Proof of Vaccination

  • Carry proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination if traveling from South America or Africa.
If you are traveling with multiple family members, you can also show the possession of a credit card or an online bank statement as proof of funds.

Source: Travel.State.Gov [6]

Top Tourist Attractions in Costa Rica


Braulio Carrillo National Park

  • Spread over 117,300 acres, this park is a must-visit destination in San Jose.
  • Over 150 species of mammals and 500 species of birds invite you to explore this amazing cloud forest.
  • Transportation can be arranged from most central valley (San Jose) hotels for about $60 per person for a day trip.

Source: Costa Rica Guide [7]

Braulio Carrillo National Park, Costa Rica

Braulio Carrillo National Park, Costa Rica

Tortuguero National Park

  • Visit this isolated piece of jungle and embrace the beauty of nature.
  • Get the chance to meet white-faced monkeys, jaguars, bright lizards, and red-eyed frogs.
  • Price: $15 for adults
  • Hours: 8 am – 6 pm daily

Source: US News Travel [8]

Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica
Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica

Jaco, Costa Rica

  • Located far from the country’s cloudy rainforests, Jacó is a beautiful town brimming with shops, restaurants, and beaches.
  • Playa Mantas and Playa Blanca are two popular local beaches for a calm beach day.
  • Take a tour of the Pura Vida Gardens, and don’t miss to gaze at the soaring coastal mountains.
  • Price: Free
  • Hours: 24/7

Source: US News Travel [9]

Jaco, Costa Rica

Jaco, Costa Rica

La Paz Waterfall

  • From the colorful orchids to the sea of leafy green canopies, La Paz Waterfall is constantly buzzing with activity.
  • Price: $42 for adults; $26 for kids 3-12
  • Hours: 8 am – 5 pm

Source: US News Travel [10]

La Paz Waterfall, Costa Rica

La Paz Waterfall, Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano

  • Towering over 5000 feet, Arenal is one of the world’s most active volcanos.
  • Frequent eruptions occurred until 2010 when the volcano reverted to a dormant state.
  • Prices: $15 per adult and $5 per child (6-12 years old)
  • Hours: 8 am – 6 pm

Source: US News Travel [11]

Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica

Dental Work in Costa Rica: Travel Tips

Keep these tips in mind for a better tourism experience: [12]

🌤️ Weather

  • Best time to visit Costa Rica – Mid-December to April (the dry season)
  • This peak tourist season is blessed with plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for exploring rainforests and relaxing on beaches.

✝️ Culture

  • Costa Ricans are well-known for their pleasant and easygoing nature.
  • Casual clothing is appropriate for the laid-back Costa Rican lifestyle.

Happy Dance in Costa Rica

Happy Dance in Costa Rica
The official religion of Costa Rica is Catholicism. More than 70% of Costa Rica’s population is Roman Catholic.

🚍 Local Travel

  • The best way to explore Costa Rica is by bus – easy to navigate, cheaper, and frequently runs through San José.
  • Hiring a car-and-driver service is better than renting your own set of wheels.

🗣️ Language

  • The official language in this country is Spanish.
  • However, you’ll find English speakers in popular tourist areas.

💲 Currency

  • The Costa Rica Colón is the country’s official currency (CRC).
  • Because the CRC to USD exchange rate fluctuates, make sure to check the exchange rate before you go.

Is It Safe To Get Dental Work in Costa Rica?

Dental work in Costa Rica is quite safe. But traveling abroad without proper planning is a bad idea.

Therefore, we suggest you research at your end to avoid any inconveniences.

To make it easier for you, we have categorized safety into two sections.


You must look for the qualifications of the dentist. Moreover, read about the clinic’s background and reviews.

DentaVacation ensures that you get the best health care. The points mentioned below will clear your doubts regarding safety as a medical tourist.

  • Use of state-of-the-art technology.
  • The dentists with 20+ years of experience.
  • Autoclave technique for cleaning the dental instruments.
  • Associated with renowned organizations such as ADA, ICOI, and much more.

Petty crimes like pick-pocketing are common in heavy tourist areas. But the Costa Rican government provides additional security resources, especially in tourist areas.

Therefore, follow these tips for added safety.

  • Beware of your surroundings.
  • Keep an eye on your belongings.
  • Do not display signs of wealth.
  • Do not engage in physical resistance to any robbery attempt.
  • Register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts. Doing so will make it easier to locate you.

Source: Travel.State.Gov [13] [/infobox]


Dental Tourism in Costa Rica: Reviews

Watch on YouTube: “Affordable Dental Care in Costa Rica”
Patient Testimonial: Affordable Dentistry in Costa Rica

Conclusion

Get your smile and confidence back with dental work in Costa Rica.

Besides your dental treatment, you get a variety of travel options here.

In the above article, we have outlined the top clinics and dentists in the best way possible.

Still, have doubts? Feel free to reach out to us!

FAQs

Costa Rica is indeed a good place when it comes to offering quality dental work. Dentistry here is safe, affordable, and top-notch.

Moreover, our partner clinics here use high-end technology and international brands for uncompromised dental care.

Dentistry in Costa Rica is much cheaper than in the US & Canada.

For instance, you spend only $750 for a titanium dental implant in Costa Rica. On the contrary, you pay $5,000 in the US.

Therefore, cost savings run up to 85%!

Similarly, the cost of all-on-4 dental implants in Costa Rica is $10,700. In the US, it’s approximately $24,000.

Dental veneers in Costa Rica are 84% cheaper than in the US. The cost of a porcelain veneer in Costa Rica is $400.

The same treatment in the US will cost you $2,500. That’s a huge saving!

Pack your bags and fly to Costa Rica

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