Helping Seniors Get Dental Costs Within Reach

Life can be very hard on a tight budget. It is especially hard for a senior who may have few resources. However, doing without quality medical is both dangerous and unsightly. Insurance companies will say that many kinds of dental work are cosmetic and therefore unnecessary, but that is hogwash.  Quality dental work can improve quality of life in dramatic ways. We hear over and over from people with dental implants that they can smile again, they can eat again, they can be social again. 

Moreover, the health benefits are very well-documented. You've heard the phrase that one bad apple will ruin the whole barrel? A similar principle extends to teeth. Decay spreads, and one unhealthy tooth can endanger its neighbors. Dental implants also prevent bone loss and the accompanying visible jaw changes.

We've been speaking about quality of life. A healthy face is so utterly important for self-esteem, but also for all aspects of social living. Jobs and careers and position can all suffer dramatically from poor oral health. This almost goes without saying.

The price for a better quality of life can appear out-of-reach for many seniors, especially if they have multiple needs. As an example, dental implants are generally $2,000 to $4,000. Mr. Example needs two implants. He can go down the street and pay perhaps $6,000. 

Or Mr. Example can pay $1,600 in Costa Rica. He pays $400 for airfare.

Now he is at $2,000 in costs. He has saved $4,000 and so can enjoy a very luxurious vacation with a clear conscience. He can enjoy this sunny tropical country with great weather and beautiful world-renowned landscapes.

Perhaps he needed three implants? In this example, he would save $6000 (compared to $9000).

Perhaps he needed ten implants? In this example, he would save $20,000 (compared to $30,000).

Imagine that, a price $20,000 dollars cheaper with actually better quality.

Better quality? Yes, you see a USA dentist is trying to keep prices low by cutting costs wherever he can, more or less reasonably. They will use cheaper materials, last years' equipment, and not perform needed scans. In Costa Rica, the dentists do not cut corners. A patient will receive the best from the best surgeons in the best equipped offices.

Why is this such a difficult idea?

Helping People in Need, But Having Fun, Too

I am very proud of what we do. People are in need, and we help. Our little company is able to make an observable difference in people's lives. However, that isn't all we do.

I was about to write my article with all sorts of sad comments -- talking about the tragic consequences of poor healthcare and the sad circumstances that force people to make choices based on hard financial necessity. People who are between a rock and a hard place, as it were.

But I reconsidered, and enough with the negativity!

Our clients have a wonderful time! And we have the photos to prove it! There is no need to focus on the sad and the tragic. The Costa Ricans have a saying: PURA VIDA. It basically means "Have a good day" but extends to enjoying life in general. Let's enjoy life.

The reason for a trip with us is pretty clear --medical or dental. And that is rightfully the focus. But around those appointments there is no reason to not enjoy yourself. In fact, it is extremely difficult to ignore the exotic location you'll find yourself in.

Our patients are saving so much money by doing this, they are usually at liberty to spend money on vacationing and tours. Our patients will (for instance) visit the hospital two days and spend three days on sightseeing expeditions. There are volcanoes, 200-foot waterfalls, coffee plantations, majestic forests, organic farms, wildlife refuges, riverboat trips, sunny world-renowned beaches. There is even a theme park, much like a Six Flags. For the less adventurous, there is shopping and museums and parks all convenient. Whatever your adventure-comfort-level, the verdant scenery, breathtaking views, and boundless fresh air will thrill your senses. The plentiful fresh fruit and beautiful local meals only enhance the experience.

There are tours that appeal to all sorts of interests. Bird-watching, coffee-lovers, nature-lovers, shoppers, beach bums, church-sightseeing, sustainable farming, architecture, or family fun. We have people who prefer to travel with a group or others who are seeking an immersive experience.

Dental surgery or a medical operation is quite a bummer -- that cannot be helped. In fact, it is entirely proper -- after all, that is the reason for the trip. Discomfort can dampen the mood. I have no interest in trying to tell you it can't happen, but what is amazing is that we put together FUN trips despite all these hurdles.

Another part of this that is amazing is how within reach it is! For $300-$600 dollars a person can get a round-trip ticket to Costa Rica, and from there decide how much money they want to spend on hotels and tours. The value is quite simply unbelievable.