Please introduce yourself.
Dr. Baez has been a part of our group for 11 years. In 1994 he graduated from the University of Costa Rica as a D.D.S. with a emphasis on cosmetic dentistry. Over the past few years he has completed multiple advanced training courses focused on this field and implantology.
Most continuing education courses are in the USA but also in other Latin American countries as well.
Dr. Baez has been a member of the School of D.D.S. since 1994 as well as a member of the Editorial Council of the Entrepreneur Dentist magazine, which is the most widely distributed magazine in the country.
He has also completed an advanced training program in Implant dentistry and has become a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI). Currently Dr. Baez is dedicated exclusively to private practice and the care of his patients.
Dentavac Dental Clinic is a Costa Rican based company formed by general dentists and specialist who join efforts to give our patients integral solutions in the following areas, cosmetic dentistry, orthondontics, endodontics, oral surgery, dental hygiene and dental implants.
How long have you been in business?
Dentavac Dental Clinic have been since 1989.
How many dental implant procedures have you done?
We have done over 7000 implant procedures, success rate of 99%.
Where do most of your patients come from?
Most of our patients come from Europe, US and Canada. They hear about us by internet or references of other patients.
What procedures do you typically recommend and perform?
Cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, dental hygiene, dental implants and bleaching.
What type of implants does your clinic use?
We use Zimmer and Implant Direct. Both of them made in US.
Please give me a summary of the steps in the process of getting an implant at your clinic.
Most of the times patients already know they need an implant placed. In this cases they send us x-rays or dental scan by email and we can tell them what is involved in the procedure but for a patient that does not know we do the x-rays here or if we need the scan we can do it ourselves here at the clinic.
Usually for a patient with no medical contraindications we go right ahead and do the implant the same day if possible. If the patient needs a special medication protocol we follow it to make sure everything is going to heal right. When the patient has the implant in place we do not need to see them until 4 months later to do the restoration. Sometimes we can do the crown immediately after we put the implant but this is not for all cases. The all on 4 procedure is an immediate load procedure.
Can you please provide a quick description of the surgical procedure at your clinic?
Surgical procedures follow the guidelines given by the American Dental Association. We sterilize all instruments and use methods of control at the sterilization room. Everything can be done at our dental facilities but if the patient needs special care we do surgeries on a regular basis at private hospitals near our clinic.
How much do your procedures cost?
Around 30 to 50% less than in the US. See price list:
What payment methods do you accept?
We don’t offer financing, but we accept cash or all type of debit or credit cards, (discover, American express, visa, mastercard…)
How many trips to Costa Rica are required?
Two trips. Usually, the first is the implant placement and the days required is two days, and for the second trip to place the crowns that goes on top of implants we required four days.
How long is the healing time like for patients who get dental implants? How many surgeries/appointments are required?
Around 4 to 6 months to heal gums and bone. For placing the crowns we may need four working days required because for the lab.
What do advise your patients to do if they have a problem with their implant?
This is rare with new implants but most of the times, they can just have it tightened by a local dentist.
Do you provide any guarantees?
We guarantee the work only here in Costa Rica, so they have to travel back to Costa Rica.
What other costs would there be for someone travelling to your clinic from North America?
Hotel, food, airfare, transportation.
Where do your patients stay while they are getting an implant done?
In a hotel of their preference.
Is it safe in Costa Rica?
Yes, Costa Rica is the safest country in Central America.
Does a patient need to be able to speak Spanish?
Our staff is fluent in English.
What is there to do in your city?
Dental patients are always in good shape to make visits to Costa Rican beaches, mountains, national parks, etc.
What is the best time of year to travel to Costa Rica?
All year round
What are the best places to eat in your area?
Escazu is the #1 area in Costa Rica for tourist to find restaurants.
Contact DentaVac Dental Clinic
Have a question or inquiry? Click the green button to get in touch with DentaVac Dental Clinic.
Address: San Rafael, Escazú, Costa Rica
Phone: +506 2288 5959
Hours:
Mon-Fri: 08:00 – 17:00
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed
Please note: This interview is for informational purposes only and does not represent a recommendation of the dentist mentioned. All opinions expressed are those of the interviewee.
If you’ve had dental work done by this clinic, please leave a review!
I used Dentavac in Costa Rica recently. The clinicians and facility/equip are top notch. (I liked the fact they have so many specialists running around the place!) I found pricing to be at most 20-25% savings compared to quotes I have received here in Montana (Billings).
Factor in airplane tickets, lodging, taxi ride costs, meals and expensive x-rays and scans and that savings was rapidly off-set.
I was not particularly put off by the fact that I really wasn’t saving in dentistry bills per-SE. I had other reasons for visiting CR. I WAS a bit disappointed that the x-rays and scans that I had recently paid for here in the States were not usable by the CR clinic.The software I’m guessing was incompatible between the two different clinics. The email forwarding of my x-rays had been accomplished but on viewing those pictures on their screen, it was obvious that they were not of the quality resolution for them to proceed with my treatment.
When it comes to dental implants, good clinicians want to see EXACTlY where placement of posts are going. After implant, they want to see if the procedure went well. Patients need to factor in all the before/after x-rays that are required as this really starts adding up! (NO big discount here!)
My hotel was cross town in San Jose and the expense of commuting and the time it took to navigate through bad traffic all are part of the picture. I would recommend that lodging be as close as possible to the clinic to reduce this additional burden, especially if repeated appointments are necessary to complete the treatment plan for that particular trip.
I will probably return to Dentavac to have abutment and crown placement and possibly for a bi-lateral sinus lift procedure (surgery for this will have to wait for my budget.). I will have some tourist plans as well to take advantage of the expense of travel and make it additionally worth while.
Patients going for a dental visit alone may be disappointed that dental expense discount savings by themselves may not be enough to compensate them or justify the trip abroad due to all the travel expenses– unless — they have quite a bit of work required in their treatment/restoration plan.