Dental tourism in Costa Rica

Why Costa Rica for dental care?

• Licensed dentists. To practice in Costa Rica, a dentist must be a member of the Colegio de Cirujanos Dentistas, the national dental board.
• Published fees. The board publishes a minimum fee schedule, so you can see the fees before you travel.
• Fees many visitors find lower than at home. Compare for yourself: every fee on this site is listed in US dollars.
• Close to North America. San José's Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) has direct flights from many cities in the United States and Canada.
• A beautiful place to visit. Costa Rica is known for its beaches, volcanoes, rainforests and wildlife, so your dental trip can also be a vacation.
• San José is a good base. The capital sits in the center of the country, and many beaches, volcanoes and cloud forests are a few hours away by road. You can travel between appointments and come back to San José for your next visit.

Why Dr. Pacheco?

• More than 40 years in practice. She graduated from the University of Costa Rica in 1984 and did an internship in restorative dentistry.
• English spoken. You can explain what you need and ask your questions in English, at the office and on WhatsApp.
• Licensed by the national dental board, license 1044086086.
• Clear fees. Her fees follow the board's minimum fee schedule, and each treatment page lists them in US dollars.
• Implants in one place. A specialist places the implant at her office, and she makes the crown that goes on top.
• The same dentist at every visit. It is a small, personal practice.

Which treatments fit your trip?

The number of visits decides how long you should stay. These are typical times. The doctor confirms them after she examines you.

Implants take several months because the bone needs time to heal around the implant. It is placed on one trip, and the crown is fitted on a later one.

How to plan your trip

1. Message the doctor on WhatsApp before you book your flights. Tell her what you need, and send any recent X-rays or dental records you have.
2. She will tell you how many visits to plan for. The final treatment plan and price are confirmed after she examines you.
3. Book your first appointment early in your stay, so there is time for lab work and adjustments.
4. Leave a few free days between your last appointment and your flight home, in case something needs adjusting.
5. Bring a list of the medicines you take, and tell the doctor about any health conditions.

Before you fly home

• After surgery, such as an extraction or an implant, ask the doctor when it is safe to fly.
• Ask for a written summary of the treatment you received, to share with your dentist at home.
• Back home, keep up regular check-ups and cleanings.

Practical details

• Location. San Pedro de Montes de Oca, on the east side of San José, near the University of Costa Rica. The office is 100 m west of Taco Bell, in Condominio Da Vinci, Office 3. Directions
• Hours. Monday to Friday, with different times each day. Closed on weekends. See the hours
• Payment. Cash, card or SINPE Móvil. Fees are set in Costa Rican colones; the US dollar amounts on this site are converted at ₡450 per dollar.
• Time zone. Costa Rica uses Central Standard Time (UTC−6) all year, with no daylight saving time.