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So I have a friend who is in need of some dental work, so we have come up with a new reason to make a trip,:)
Dental work here in Canada is very expensive when you don't have insurance, and he is thinking it will cost less there, besides what better place to recover than with a Redstripe on the beach. So any one know the cost or a good dentist in the area?
Dr. McLeggan is very well-like here in Negril & recommended by Rob & I...Kings Plaza 957-9235
Dr. Hacker is in Sav....we've seen him recommended but have never used him.
Thanks, do you know if either do bridge work and that kinda stuff?
McLeggan can do all that and even veneers, bonding and braces!
I read all his literature while sitting in the waiting area one morning.... (grin)
Bridgework is not a one appt. procedure. First appt. is to prepare the tooth/teeth then impressions are taken and then the crown/bridge needs to be fabricated...usually not completed that same day unless he has his own dental lab onsite which I doubt. Although I'm sure this dentist is qualified...I've heard he was trained in the US, the part that concerns me more than his skills are the sterilization procedures of the actual instruments used and of the operatory itself. Just saying....
That's what we are looking for sounds good. I will pass the info along!
Anybody know what the price for veneers is in Jamaica? I know here, in the UK it's £400 per tooth ($660 approx). I know there's places like Thailand that do it much cheaper (still looks great) and I think Bulgaria. However, I love Negril and a seed has just been planted - a Negril holiday with dental appointments. A fortnight in paradise and a set of new gnashers!.
That was what we are checking on, the dentists here want to charge a ton and do everything, sometimes a fix up is all that's needed!
And sitting on a beach with a Redstripe to recover, rather that stuck in the house while its frezzing cold?
Sazo is getting where this idea is going,:)
Dana1 and to all,Quote:
Originally Posted by Dana1
This is one of the problems when you are "just saying..." things you have heard about and have no first hand knowledge. You often get it wrong. Yes, he was trained in the States, but I am sure that had he be been trained in Canada, Israel, Jamaica, the UK or Europe that he would have equally adequate skills. Being trained in the US is not the only way to be "qualified".
Bridgework, just as braces, veneers, root canals, tooth replacements, etc. are multiple visit procedures. I have had several multiple visit procedures at his office and his painstaking sterilization procedures including those of his staff are the foundation of his business.
I would never ever go there or recommend if that wasnt his top priority as it is with the vast majority of doctors of all specialities across the island.
Maybe it would be wise to actual use a service before making derogatory comments that do nothing other than misinform people...
Just saying....
SazO...veneers were significantly cheaper...I can't remember the exact amount...but you can easily call & get a quote.Quote:
Originally Posted by SazO
Oh yes I am on the "idea plane" and I love good ideas!. Ok, this may turn into a bit of plotting,scheming and manipulation tactics from me to ensure hubby is on same "plane" but it means we'll be back in Negril sooner than I thought so it's winner winner chicken dinner all round!.Quote:
Originally Posted by poolguywindsor
The research begins.........
Thanks bnewb, my research has begun!. I'll have the Hollywood smile and a topped up tan as soon as physically, financially and realistically possible.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bnewb
Whoa Rob!!! Take a chill pill!! I was not making derogatory comments at all but was merely stating that I would be looking into the qualifications and sterilization procedures of the office as I would recommend anyone do if going to any medical/dental office whether there or here. I work in a dental office and am quite familiar with the procedures so I'm not looking to misinform anyone just simply educating...cheaper is not necessarily better. Have a nice day!Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob
Dana1,
That you for clarifying. Your statement "Although I'm sure this dentist is qualified...I've heard he was trained in the US" did seem to imply that although trained in the US, the sterilization procedures may be different here in Jamaica. I am glad you have pointed out that Jamaican sterilizations procedures are equal to that of North America and other parts of the world. It is wise advice that people should always be wary and check out the sterilization procedures of any facility first, including your own dental office.
And likewise, more expensive is not necessarily better either.
Sterilization procedures may very well be different in Jamaica...I haven't personally been to a dentist in Jamaica. I know here in Canada, office procedures are not taken lightly and licensing and continuing education are regulated closely. I am by no means discrediting dentists in Jamaica or any foreign countries. If I were to have a toothache or need emergency care while in Negril I would not hesitate to use the service however to undertake major dental procedures in a foreign country, I would definitely have second thoughts. Many things can go wrong with dental procedures and if something should fail with the work done abroad, you would incur further expense when returning to your regular dentist at home.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob
Dana1,
As you point out, you have no idea if the sterilization procedures are different than Canada, "just saying" something you know nothing about can be misleading. Since I dont know the sterilization procedures in Canada, it is equal for me to state that the procedures here may be different, even stricter than those procedures in Canada.
But, Jamaican dental office procedures are taken no more lightly here than in Canada. There are strict licensing rules and regulations along with continuing education that are also closely regulated. There are also strict insurance requirements should something go wrong the insurance company would incur the additional costs, not the patient. The patient need not be overly concerned about that issue.
I understand that you are trying to keep your fellow countrymen's dental business in Canada, which is good for your business and Canada's economy.
But to make statements that you admit you know nothing about can mislead people.
I am particularly impressed with the education quality in Jamaica. While there is work to do in participation, the quality is perhaps superior to North America. All the professionals that I have dealt with in Jamaica have impressed me with their knowledge and seriousness. Of course, as in North America, we have to deal on a one on one basis. Judging from Robs beautiful illuminating smile (grin) his dentist is first rate!
While our local dentists do not have websites, here is the Jamaica Cosmetic Dental Services website from Kingston. It gives you a good overview into the state of dental offerings and procedures available on the island. I hope this helps show the true state of our beautiful island's dental care.
http://www.jamaicasmiles.com/
Wow...sorry I had the gall to state an opinion that differed from yours. Obviously, you are the self-elected ambassador of all things Jamaica. I'm glad you're such an expert on the subject. I have personally dealt with insurance companies, and rest assured they will NOT cover the additional costs if something goes wrong especially when done by a different provider and in a foreign country. I was merely stating that I would not encourage someone to have major dental procedures which may require follow up later by a dentist in a foreign country simply because it's "cheaper". Only your own regular dentist knows the history of your mouth and can advise if the treatment will work for your particular case. There may be varying reasons for failure...infection, decay, fracture, condition of one's mouth. For example, we had a patient recently that had bridgework done in Columbia....the work was satisfactory to the patient however within months she developed decay under the bridgework and unfortunately ended up having the teeth extracted. For you to recommend foreigners to have major dental work done in a foreign country is incredibly naive of you and does no one a good service. And furthermore, any reputable dentist would advise having the treatment done by a dentist in their own country so that proper follow up care is received.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob
I certainly cringed at the above comment...maybe that's why Rob is upset!Quote:
Originally Posted by Dana1
I read it as...he was only possibly qualified because he was trained in the US.
Dana1,Quote:
Originally Posted by Dana1
Your insults aside, I have worked for and with insurance companies, and no, your provider will not cover you in a foreign country. But I am talking about the Dentist's insurance company - not the patient's. They most certainly will cover the additional costs of the dentist's patients. And some of the people who seek this less expensive alternative are not insured for dental in the first place. So the only coverage they would have would be the Dentist's insurance coverage should something go awry.
Medical Tourism is one of the fastest growing markets and Dental Tourism is part of it. There are even websites devoted to that new form of tourism:
http://www.dentaldepartures.com/arti...-destinations/
As for only your own regular dentist knowing the history of your mouth, what happens if they retire? Should you stop going to any dentist? What if you move out of town and need a new dentist? Should you not seek one since they are not your own regular dentist? You argument doesnt hold water.
Complications can occur from any medical procedure. That poor girl in the US who had the tonsillectomy is one of the most recent examples. Such a sad case, and this was performed by her own doctors. Complications can occur anywhere. But they are fortunately rare and not the norm. It is a risk that everyone takes when going through any medical procedure.
But since you have never visited a dentist in Jamaica, let alone the one's we have recommended, to insinuate that the care you would receive in Jamaica would be sub-par to the care you would receive in Canada is amazingly unfair. Medical tourism is here whether you like it or not - and that fact will not change any time soon.
I was just recently informed that my aunt that lives in Arizona drives 3 hours to see a dentist in Mexico in order to save on the cost. She has had some problems that a follow-up was required but none of the local AZ dentists would see her since she had the initial work performed out of the country.
I'm not intending to compare dentists in MX with those in AZ or JA, just pointing out that sometimes a follow-up might become necessary due to a complication but if it's not convenient to return to the same Dr. it might not have been worth what you thought you might be saving.
Good info, Homebrewer!Quote:
Originally Posted by Homebrewer
One just needs to look at all the beautiful Jamaican smiles to know that the care is great.
And for the top 6 myths about traveling abroad for dental care:
http://www.dentaldepartures.com/arti...r-dental-care/
Interesting a dentist won't see some one because they have had dental work outside a given country?:p
Rob :
Exactly my thinking !
I waited about full year to have a simple hernia repair procedure here in Calgary. It did cross my mind several times to go to Sav and ask. Would have not a slightest concern...
Interesting that this topic has surfaced. We in Canada have bogus dentists practicing with no qualifications. One was recently arrested in British Columbia. I wonder how many they haven't caught????
Red strip or no, and any qualifications aside... A dental appointment on vacation, in ANY Country, including mine is not something I would look forward to having.
I hate going to the dentist, in spite of the necessity, and making me think about one while in Jamaica... That is just mean :)
My sentiments exactly, Hussyband! ;)
The real question here is... where would a Jamaican seek Dental work? If I was an uninsured Jamaican, in need of two Dental Bridge replacements, would I fly to, Miami or Toronto? This was the question I was hoping to answer. Tens of thousands, yes, tens of thousands of Americans fly to Costa Rica for dental work, in particular, implants. Costa Rica is a Dental Tourism Mecca with Mexico not far behind. Unfortunately for me, my Patois is better than my Spanish. You can bet your behind that sterilization and cleanliness of the facility is of great concern, but which Jamaica are we looking at? Let's look past the coconut water and the straw hats for a moment. Underneath the chaotic scene, we typically stereotype Jamaica with, is a vibrant well educated society. More than capable of performing the task at hand. I live in Windsor, Ontario which borders Detroit, Michigan. This allows me to contact both U.S. and Canadian Dental Practices, which I have. Hope your sitting down, the cost in the U.S. is $5,480 drum roll please, and Canada $6,000. Long gone are the days when I could flash my Green Shield Card and think "who gives a crap what it costs". Now, if all I needed were a couple of fillings then the cost of travel would not make sense. I needed a Business plan, a well researched Business plan. First I ran the idea past a friend of mine who travels to Jamaica frequently, he contacted Rob. Rob provided a Dentist's name and the research began. I posted on a few Negril FB groups with the Dentists name, a few people had work done by the fellow and all reviews were positive. I Google'd his name to death, looking for a blemish, nothing. The only thing I found were legitimate business contacts and a reference to his name being listed in the book "Who's who in Black Dentistry in America" published by Aqua Dynamics, Ltd., 1989. If ever there was a guy to trust this would be the guy (the only thing I know about my hometown Dentist is the address). I decided to contact the Negril Dentist to discuss costs, procedure and time frame. Looks like I'm spending two weeks in Negril. The Dental work, plane ticket, transportation, $60 a night rooms, food and drink will come in well below the Canadian estimate and a smidge below the U.S. estimate.
Hey Hey! what can I say...
What about glassed in Jamaica? My parents have a winter home in Arizona. My dad bought new glasses there. Same designer frames, same light weight lenses and saved 80%.