#1 Guide to Dental Tourism in Colombia (2022)
Dental Tourism in Colombia helps you get a picture-perfect smile at just 30% of the US cost. Sounds fascinating? Read on to learn how!
Video Courtesy: Secret Travel Guide
Why Do People Go to Colombia To Get Their Teeth Done?
Let’s say that you are tense about going to Colombia for dental work.
In that case, you should note that this place has seen a great thrust in the dental tourism industry.
In other words, Colombia has seen a boom in the dental tourism landscape.
It is because of many reasons:
- Firstly, the country is working on building its security system. [1]
- Secondly, you also get a chance to savor a lush vacation in Colombia.
- Dentists in Colombia use world-class manufacturers and materials.
- Moreover, it is a pet destination for dental tourism due to its proximity to the US.
- In fact, most dentists have studied at International universities or have international exposure.
- Above all, off-shore patients from North America and Canada can save nearly 50%-60% on dental costs. [2]
Dental Tourism in Colombia
How Much Does It Cost To Get New Teeth Done in Colombia?
The cost of dental work in Colombia is 70%-95% less than in the US.
You should note that the cost of all-on-4 implants begins at just $5,500. In contrast, the price in the US is $25,000.
Similarly, you can see a huge price difference for dentures, crowns, fillings, veneers, and other dental work in the table below.
Cost of Dental Work | Colombia vs. US
| Procedure | USA | Colombia | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implantology | |||
| All on 4 dental implants | $25,000 | $5,500 | 78% |
| All on 6 dental implants | $29,500 | $8,800 | 70% |
| All on 8 dental implants | $35,000 | $10,000 | 70% |
| Single implant | $4,000 | $700 | 83% |
| Prosthetic Dentistry | |||
| Snap-on denture | $12,300 | $2,100 | 83% |
| Full denture | $2,000 | $350 | 83% |
| Restorative Dentistry | |||
| Root canal treatment | $1,000- $2,000 | $110 | 93% |
| Veneers (per unit) | $900- $2,500 | $400 | 76% |
| Porcelain crown (with abutment) | $1,900 | $400 | 79% |
| Tooth-colored filling | $250 | $40 | 84% |
| General Dentistry | |||
| Deep cleaning | $975 | $140 | 86% |
| Laser whitening | $950 | $100 | 89% |
| Scaling | $140- $300 | $45 | 80% |
In Colombia, dentist prices may vary with the complexity of the case.
Americans are saving upto 90%! Where are you?
Get a FREE quote!Why is Dental Treatment Cheaper in Colombia than the USA or Canada?
If you are still thinking about how the cost of dental care in Colombia compares with the United States, the answer is– affordable!
In other words, unarguably, this place offers a blend of modest prices and prime dental care.
For instance, factors that make dental work in Colombia cheaper are:
Cost of living is low, which means budget healthcare [3]
Overheads including rent, salary, [4] etc. are cheap
Colombian dentists don’t pass out from colleges with student debts
Best Cities in Colombia for Dental Work
Our partner clinics are providing Colombia teeth surgery in five locations:
Bogota
The capital city of the country is away from the coastlines. It is located at a high altitude. Therefore, the weather here is a bit cooler. [5]
Cartagena
It is located on the coast of the Caribbean Sea. [6]
Above all, the white-sand beaches and the blue waters make it the most stunning hot spot for tourists coming to Colombia.
Colombian Map
Medellin
Also known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Colombia’s second-largest city.
In addition, over here, you will enjoy the flower festival. This specific event is celebrated with great pomp-and-show. [7]
Cali
Known for its clubs and salsa dancing, Cali is one of the hottest tourist spots in the country. [8]
Barranquilla
This busy seaport is known for its world-famous carnival. Further, it sees flocks of tourists every year. [9]
Best Dental Clinics in Colombia
Look no further for experts in dental procedures. Our partner clinics house some of the best dentists in Colombia.
Centro de Implantes de la Costa
- Experience: 15+ years
- Technology: German CEREC
- Payment Methods: Cash and credit cards
- Assurance: Guarantee of dental treatment provided
- Consultation: Free
Dentist Cartagena
- Technology: Latest medical infrastructure and equipment
- Assurance: 4 years guarantee on crowns
- Vicinity: 11-minute drive from the airport
- Languages spoken by dentists: Spanish and English
- Others: Translation devices are available on demand
Sonrisa Perfecta Dental
- Technology: Waterlase, Global G-6 Dental Microscope, Nomad Portable X-Ray, etc
- Vicinity: Located in a tourist-dense region with many hotels
- Languages spoken by dentists: English, German, and Spanish
- Payment Options: Cash (local & USD), credit cards, and debit cards
Carlos Acevedo Odontología
- Technology: CEREC
- Procedures: Same-day crowns available
- Languages spoken by dentists: English and Spanish
- Parking Space: Reserved for patients
- Vicinity: Sonesta hotel is located in the same mall
Denticenter
- Features:14 dental chairs and advance booking system
- Payment Options: Cash, debit, and credits cards
- Languages spoken by dentists: English and Spanish
- Vicinity: A 5-minute drive from many hotels
- Accreditations: Zimmer Biomet Dental Education Program & American Dental Association (ADA)
- Experience: 20+ years
- Payment Options: Cash, debits cards, credit cards, and cheques
- Languages spoken by dentists: Spanish and English
- Others: Pick-up and drop-off from the airport are available
Dentica
- Technology: In-house radiology lab and anxious patient management system
- Payment Options: Cash and all debits or credits cards
- Financing Options: Available
- Languages spoken by dentists: English, German, Spanish, French, and Portuguese
- Procedure: Same-day crowns available
Oralimagen
- Experience: 10+ years
- Technology: CAD-CAM system, digital smile design, oxygen therapy in a hyperbaric chamber, ivobase injected prostheses
- Payment Methods: Cash, debit cards, and credit cards
- Languages spoken by dentists: Spanish and English
For an expert opinion, trust Dentavacation
I need help! ✋Best Dentists in Colombia
Expertise
Oral & MaxillofacialEducation
Universidad San Martín- Accreditations: Colombian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese & German
Expertise
Dental implants, oral surgeryEducation
Oral Surgery and Implantology of the Dental College of Colombia- International speaker at the Bicon Institute in Boston, United States.
- Certified Trainer in CEREC Solutions for the Design and Digital Construction of Dental Restorations with Cad-Cam Technology, from Sirona, Bensheim, Germany.
Expertise
Smile design, ImplantsEducation
University of Cartagena- Specialization: Oral rehabilitation, Endodontist, Orthodontist & Maxillofacial Surgery
- Accredetations: ADA
Expertise
Dental ImplantsEducation
University of Cartagena- Masters in Clinical Biochemistry from the University of Cartagena
- Masters in Oral Rehabilitation from the University of Cartagena
Expertise
Implantology & RehabilitationEducation
University Andres Bello, Chile- Current Dentistry Fellowship (NYU School of Dentistry, NYC, USA)
- Completed his post graduate training in Chile under Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark
Expertise
Digital Smile DesignEducation
Cooperative University of Colombia- Certified in Oral Rehabilitation
- Certified by Dr. Christian Coachman, Founder of Digital Smile Design, in DSD
Expertise
Dental Aesthetics and ImplantsEducation
Dental Aesthetics and Implants - New York- Federation Member of ALD Academy of Laser
- University Member of the Javerian Odontologists Federation
Expertise
ImplantologyEducation
University of Cartagena- Specialization: Oral rehabilitation, implants, and dental esthetics
Does Colombia Have Good Dentistry?
If you are still scratching your head about how to find good dentists in Colombia, we are here to help you!
Accordingly, we suggest you should do thorough research about the clinic and the treating dentist in Colombia, South America:
- Find out the credentials of the seemingly famous dentist in Colombia that you are thinking of opting for. For instance, the dentist must have completed DDS, a graduate course of 5 years. [10]
- Secondly, dentistry in Colombia also requires the dentist to complete 1 year of binding service with the government. [11]
- Besides, a long experience of dealing with foreign patients and dental work is advised.
- Sterilization is of extreme importance. Hence, the dental clinic must meet the set international standards.
- Check if the clinic has an in-house dental lab because it allows your dentist to have better control of treatment from start to end. Further, it also ensures faster turnarounds.
Colombia Dental Tourism Welcomes You!
Snapshot of the Colombian Ecosystem
Colombia is a hub for dental tourism, as well as it offers a grand bonus vacation. In general, the place offers vibrant landscapes and culturally rich heritage.
Further, the country comes decked with a perfect blend of theater, art, and music.
However exciting, planning a trip to this off-shore land can be a huge task. For this reason, the below points will help you plan your itinerary for Colombia.
Entry, Exit, And Visa Requirements
- Firstly, the currency limit for entry and exit is $10,000.
- US citizens must have a valid passport upon entry & exit from the country.
- Further, you may be denied entry to Colombia if you don’t have a return ticket.
- Travelers from the US are advised to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. [12]
- The visa need is not applicable for a tourist or business stay of 90 days or less than a cumulative stay of 180 days in a calendar year (Jan to Dec).
Source: Travel.State.Gov
If you are traveling from the USA or Canada, the air route would be the best option for you.
To explain, here is a list of flights from New York City and Toronto to the five above-stated cities in Colombia.
Flights from New York City (JFK)
| City | Duration | Distance | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cartagena (CTG) | 5 hrs 4 min | 2,091 mi | Non-stop |
| Barranquilla (BAQ) | 7 hrs | 2,047 mi | 1 stop |
| Cali (CLO) | 6 hrs 5 min | 2,574 mi | Non-stop |
| Medellin (EOH) | 9 hrs 10 min | 2,377 mi | 1 stop |
| Bogota (BOG) | 5 hrs 41 min | 2,481 mi | Non-stop |
Flights from Toronto (YYZ)
| City | Duration | Distance | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cartagena (CTG) | 9 hrs 16 min | 3,720 mi | 1 stop |
| Barranquilla (BAQ) | 7 hrs 16 min | 3,660 mi | 1 stop |
| Cali (CLO) | 8 hrs 1 min | 4,480 mi | 1 stop |
| Medellin (EOH) | 15 hrs 10 min | 4,178 mi | 2 stops |
| Bogota (BOG) | 6 hrs 10 min | 4,364 mi | Non-stop |
- More than 99% of people speak Spanish. [13]
- Also, the official currency of the country is the Colombian Peso (COP). [14]
- Further, the country of Colombia has a first-class network of buses (BRT). [15]
- In fact, you will find that many cities, including Bogota, are vegan-friendly. [16]
- Besides, the most common foods used in Colombian cuisine are rice, maize, greens & a range of meats.
The best time to visit Colombia is from December to March. It is because these are the months that receive the lowest rainfall. [17]
Due to its location on the Equator, the season remains the same. So, it's a year-round location for a dental tour.
🏜️ Dry season (from Dec to Jan, Jul to Aug)
🌧️ Rainy season (from Apr to May, Oct to Nov)
However, the thermal floors may vary. Medellin (known for Festival of the Flowers) and Cali have temperate climates with 17 °C and 24 °C.
On the contrary, it is colder in Bogota at 12 °C and 17 °C.
Spanish is the language spoken in Colombia. However, the Spanish here in Colombia is a little distinct.
Knowing some Colombian slang is better, so you are not stuck due to a language barrier.
Some common words & phrases used in the country are:
- How are you?– “Qué más?”
- Pardon- “Cómo?”
- Later or “in a little bit”– “Ahora”
- Mate or Pal– “Parce”
- Really good or Cool– “Muy Bueno”
- Beer- “Polas”
- Colombian Pesos- “Lucas”
- Police- “Los Tombos”
- Tired- “Mamada”
- Do me a favour-“Hágame un catorce”
Tourist Attractions
Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
Catholic church built entirely of salt within a now-defunct mine.
Tayrona National Park
Corners the Caribbean Sea and offers lush beaches.
Cartagena
Old historic town with century-old towers and buildings
Caño Cristales
Pretty river canyon offering serene hikes.
Is Dental Work In Colombia Safe?
Colombia is one of the countries which provide low-cost universal healthcare. [18] In addition, in the last 5 years, off-shore patients have grown by around 22%. [19]
Above all, the dentists are board-certified and have completed their degrees from world-class institutions.
Is Colombia Safe?
Moreover, in Colombia, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection oversees the entire healthcare system. [20]
After considering all these factors, we can say that Colombia is safe for dental work.
Further, as long as you keep your wits to yourself and stay away from dangerous places, it is one of the most splendid places in South America.
In other words, take note of the following if you want to stay away from any trouble:
- Keep a low profile and don’t flash any costly items
- Don’t travel on rural roads at night
- Keep your important documents safe
- Use only credible modes of transport
- Research about the area you are staying in/traveling to
Trust The Testimonials: Dental Tourism in Colombia Reviews
Suke from the USA thereby talks about her experience with Dentica By Cristina Suaza
David Smith, Diseno & Billy are happy after getting dental work at Oralimagen
Watch this patient from Australia talk about his experience with Carlos Acevedo Odontología
Murat from USA talks about getting dental implants & crowns done at Estetica Dental Avanzada
Had an amazing experience with Dr. Julio Oliver. 16 veneers, 8 on top 8 on the bottom. Savings & Quality are unbelievable!
Ardian Gjeloshi
USA
I went to DentiCenter for a second opinion & was very pleased with the team’s professionalism! Very knowledgeable!
Saby de Bies
USA
Highly recommend! Always a pleasure to go to Sonrisa. Everyone is always so lovely and gentle! Highly recommended!
T Camaro
USA
Final Verdict on Dental Tourism in Colombia
Opting to go for dental work in Colombia is a wise decision. Firstly, It lets you save around 70%-95% on cost without compromising the quality of dental care.
Further, it also allows you to enjoy a lush vacation amidst beaches, majestic churches, and places of historical value.
So, don’t be shy! Let the world see your smile.
FAQs
Most of the dentists here are bilingual and speak English.
Besides, the hospital staff can speak/understand basic English words.
Most patients self-pay for dental work in Colombia.
Further, most clinics accept cash (local currency and USD) and credit cards/debit cards.
Also, some clinics let you pay via bank transfers and checks.
Dental Veneers cost around $400-$500 in Colombia compared to an average price of $1700 in the USA.
Consequently, you can save around 74% by getting Veneers in Colombia.
The Gateway to South America is calling 📞
Take me to Colombia 🇨🇴
