There has been a lot of talk lately about illegal immigration (sometimes mis-labeled just immigration), and how things are so bad in Mexico (by far the source of most of the illegal immigration, but not all of it). But for all the talk of doom and gloom, Mexico is doing some things right.  They are shooting lawyers.

Just kidding.  But they do seem to have a dearth of them, which is good for business and in connection good for us.  Why?

I recently chipped a tooth.  No big deal really as it was one of 2 that had a cavity filled 25 years ago.  But my Dentist wants to cap it.  For a mere $900!  So since I don't like paying outrageous prices for that stuff, I took the opportunity of a visit to California to step over that line in the sand (literally in this place) and visit a dentist there.  One who I have availed myself of before, and who capped a tooth for only $160 when (2 years ago) my dentist back in the states wanted to charge $760.

Upon arriving at the Dentist office, she was busy with 3 Englishmen (excuse me, 2 Englishmen and a Scotsman).  And I learned something I was not aware of.  It seems that while England has National Health, that does not cover Dental!  So a procedure in England (and the US) that costs over $1000, was only going to cost them $250 in Mexico!

Yes, Dentistry in Mexico is literally dirt cheap!  And good (get recommendations, do not pick one at random).  IN this tiny town on the border with California, there are a lot of Dentists and Optometrists.  Why those 2? Well, as most working people know with medical insurance, those 2 areas are usually not covered.  So many Mexican dentists and Optometrists set up shop and cater to the Snow birds (retirees that flock to the south in the winter months). 

And they are good. But how can they be so much cheaper?  2 words. Malpractice Insurance!

I look at it this way.  We go out to California to visit family several times a year.  The cost of the airline tickets (rising recently, but still not bad) comes to about $700 for my wife and I.  A little math shows you that when I need dental work (O, BTW:  She increased her prices.  A Crown is now $187) the savings pay for our tickets! So we get a free trip out of it, and she (yes, a She - cute too) gets a very satisfied customer.

I like my dentist in the states. But I like saving money more.  Especially when the service is the same.

As more people learn of this (damn, should not told anyone!), the demand is only going to grow.  And unlike the illegal immigration issue, no one can complain about me spending my Money in Mexico.  I sure don't!

So for your next Vacation, if you need dental work, try Mexico.  I have a dentist who is very cheap, and highly recommended (and yes, San Chonino, she is married.  Sorry.)