Nowadays, many Americans and Canadians seek dental work in Medellin, Colombia. It makes sense since the city has transformed from, the “most dangerous city on the planet” [1] to the “city of eternal spring”. [2]
Medellin, Colombia
Medellin Colombia pulled itself together after years of suffering.
It even lures around 550,000 tourists each year. [3] Medical tourists make up 20,000-30,000 — from various countries — of the entire tally. [4]
However, as a dental tourist, you might have many concerns like, why choose Medellin? Is it safe there as a tourist and as a dental patient?
And if so, how much does the dental care cost? Is it the right destination for you?
We have tried our best to answer all your concerns in this article, so keep reading.
Why Choose Dental Work in Medellin, Colombia?
There are so many reasons for you to choose Medellin, Colombia for your dental services, some of them are:
Price Savings
Medellin’s dental care can allow you to save up to 70% on the cost compared to the US or Canada.
The low cost of living is the main driver for this cost difference. [5]
Enjoy a Tropical Vacation
Medellin is Colombia’s 3rd most visited city after Bogota and Cartagena. [6] It gained its nickname,’the City of Eternal Spring’ due to its weather.
No Sacrificing Quality
Despite the considerably low cost of dental work in Medellin, the quality of dental services almost matches that of the US.
This was made possible due to the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) in 2012. [7]
The TPA allows the import of duty-free medical equipment.
Cost of Dental Work in Medellin, Colombia
Dental work in Medellin, Colombia, is a lot cheaper than in the US and Canada.
The cost of dental implants and all-on-4 implants in Medellin is $795 and $7,895, respectively.
The same procedures will cost you $5,000/$4,600 and $24,000/$22,000 in the US and Canada, respectively.
Such a huge price gap allows you to save up to 70%-80%.
Porcelain veneers in Medellin cost $490 compared to $1,500 (on average) in the US and Canada.
For a further cost comparison between dental procedures, you can check the following table:
Cost of Dental Work in Medellin vs. US and Canada
| Dental Procedure | US | Canada | Medellin |
| Titanium implant | $5,000 | $4,600 | $795 |
| All-on-4 implants (per arch) | $24,000 | $22,000 | $7,895 |
| All-on-6 implants (per arch) | $28,000 | $26,000 | $9,580 |
| Porcelain fused to metal crown | $1,100 | $1,020 | $450 |
| Full dentures (per arch) | $2,000 | $1,840 | $630 |
| Root canal (anterior) | $1,100 | $1,000 | $140 |
| Invisalign (per jaw) | $7,000 | $6,400 | $2,650 |
| Laser teeth whitening | $1,500 | $1,380 | $295 |
| Wisdom tooth extraction | $300 | $270 | $90 |
| Porcelain veneers (per unit) | $2,500 | $2,300 | $490 |
*Prices are case dependant
Don't have dental insurance? We got your back!
Get free quote!Popular Procedures in Medellin, Colombia
Dental Implants in Medellin, Colombia
- Dental implants are a long-term option for replacing missing teeth. Shaped like a screw — made of either titanium or zirconia, they’re surgically drilled into the jawbone.
- After the healing period, an abutment and crown are fitted on top.
All-on-4 Dental Implants in Medellin, Colombia
- All-on-4 dental implants are one the best solutions for restoring one arch or for a full-mouth restoration.
- Four implants are surgically drilled in your jawbone, on top of which replacement teeth are placed.
Veneers in Medellin, Colombia
- Veneers fall under the cosmetic-dentistry procedures category. Their main function is to bond to your chipped/broken/crooked teeth to alter their shape, color, and size.
- They can be made of porcelain, zirconia, or composite resin.
Top Clinic in Medellin, Colombia
From 2010 to 2019, Colombia benefited from an upward curve of medical tourists. [8]
This change was due to the continuous effort by the Colombian government to support clinics with obtaining international accreditations and improving their quality of services. [9]
Dentavacation partner dental clinics are vetted through a rigorous and thorough selection process to ensure the best dental services for you.
Oralimagen
- They have experience with foreign patients.
- The clinic is equipped with the latest technology.
- You will see multilingual staff which eradicates any language barrier.
- There is proximity to a hotel zone.
- The clinic also has National Accreditations — the SDHA and the CSO .
- They follow international standards of sterilization.
- You will get treatment warranties – with terms and conditions applied.
Payment Options
Best Dentist in Medellin, Colombia
Your oral health is precious. That’s why when choosing a dentist, you should double-check their credentials and what people are saying about them.
To save your time during the selection process, here’s our list of the best dentists in Medellin:
Expertise
VeneersEducation
Cooperative University of Colombia- Associated with Colombian Society of Prosthodontics
Expertise
ImplantsEducation
DDS- Associated with The Colombian Association of Periodontics
Talk to dental experts for complete assurance
Contact now!Popular Tourist Attractions
Comuna 13
This part of Medellin used to be the most dangerous neighborhood in Medellin. Now, it’s decorated with street art and even has open-air escalators.
The Medellin Metrocable
The Metrocables are metro cars that soar above buildings, allowing you to soak in the city’s beauty while you commute from one place to another.
The Botanical Garden
The botanical garden of Medellin offers 35 Acres of greenery.
You can learn about the 600 tree species, discover the herbarium and the lagoon, and have fun at the Butterfly enclosure. If you are a nature lover, you will surely love this place.
Parque Explora
Once you’re done with the botanical garden, cross the street to enter the Parque Explora.
It has a vivarium, a planetarium, and the largest freshwater aquarium in Latin America.
El Castillo Museo y Jardines
Just as the name suggests, it’s a castle that used to be private property.
You can enjoy a picnic within its confines for a fair admission fee.
Travel Tips for Dental Work in Colombia
How To Reach Medellin, Colombia?
You’ll land at the José María Córdova International Airport (MDE). It is located 21 miles away from the center of Medellin.
However, there are six different ways to reach Medellin from the airport:
- White Airport Taxis: The fare is fixed to — $20 – $22.
- Yellow Taxis: Their fare is similar to the white airport taxis.
- Airport Bus: This is the least expensive option.
- Ride-hailing companies: These include Uber, Beat, and DiDi.
- Private driver: It is the most expensive option.
Do I Need a SIM Card?
Yes, you will need a SIM card while in Medellin.
Unless you’re fine with receiving a huge roaming bill from your current provider, we recommend you get a prepaid chip — as the locals call them.
You can easily get one at the airport itself.
Claro is the most recommended provider for its affordable packages and range of LTE coverage.
What Language(s) is/are Spoken in Medellin, Colombia?
According to the Ethnologue database for Colombia, there are 101 languages spoken in Colombia. [11]
The country’s official language is Spanish, though you have nothing to worry about, our clinics employ multilingual staff and have translators onboard.
Useful Apps
Is It Safe To Visit Medellin, Colombia for Dental Care?
As a Tourist
✅Yes, Medellin is safe — despite its old reputation. In fact, its murder rate has dropped a significant 82% in 25 years. [12]
✅The city’s official website recommends using common sense to stay safe. That includes:
- Steering clear of dangerous neighborhoods
- Not showing signs of wealth
- Keeping valuables out of sight
- Drinking in moderation and keeping an eye on your drinks
- Being aware of any motorbike with two male passengers — which is illegal [13]
✅You can contact ‘123’ for emergencies.
As a Dental Tourist
✅Pre-pandemic, Colombia has witnessed an annual increase in medical tourists and in service quality. Most of it is traced back to the government’s efforts to support the medical tourism industry.
✅Not only that, but Medellin — specifically — is praised for its cosmetic surgery and dentistry.
✅Despite the stellar reputation, good and bad dental care exist everywhere. So, to make sure your choice is right; here’s a list of criteria to be on the lookout for:
- Qualifications and accreditations of the clinics and their dentists.
- Experience with foreign patients
- The clinic’s reviews
- The technology used
- The type of sterilization procedures
- Dental work warranties
Dental Work in Medellin: Reviews & Testimonials
Client Reviews of Dental Work in Medellin, Colombia
Conclusion
Along with cheap and dependable dental work, Medellin in Colombia offers plenty in terms of activities for you to enjoy.
Be it for families, solo travelers, nature lovers, or extreme sports enthusiasts. There is something for everybody in Medellin.
Thus you can get a cost-effective treatment while enjoying a perfect vacation in Medellin, Colombia.
FAQ’s on Dental Work in Medellin, Colombia
That depends on the type of treatment you need. For example, the cost of dental implants in Medellin, Colombia is $795, while the cost of an all-on-4 treatment starts at $7,895.
The same procedures would cost, respectively, around $5,000/ $24,000 in the US and $4,600/$22,000 in Canada.
The price of porcelain veneers in Medellin, Colombia is $490 and zirconium veneers cost $500.
Compared to the prices of both treatments in the US or Canada — which is between $800-$2,000, you could save up to 75% of the cost.
The cost of crowns in Medellin, Colombia ranges from $490 to $705, depending on their type.
In contrast, the price range for crowns in the US and Canada is between $800 and $2,500.
So, you can save between 45% and 80%.
Pack your bags & explore enchanting Colombia
Plan my trip!
