Los Algadones Dentist?

There is a parking lot on the U.S. side that charges a fee for parking. It is right at the border. The furthest walk if you are way back in the parking lot (highly unlikely) is about 1/2 mile to town. If you are close to the front of the lot then maybe 1/4 mile maximum to the town.
Other questions I cannot answer.

You are starting out on the right track. I haven't gone to one but I have read a lot of on line posts about it. The main point is DONT just go to anyone. Take the time to talk to several people who have a long term dentist. The common point that many mention is that whole Mexico dentist thing is about WORD OF MOUTH. Start doing general web searches and start writing down names and see who keeps getting good remarks. Go to an RV park or where you can talk to others that are doing it.

When you walk in there you will be approached by a bunch of paid people all wanting to steer you into their dentist. That's hit or miss.

It's a pita to even walk around there and browse the trinkets because they won't shut up and just let you look. I didn't like the pressure and I was looking at trash trinkets, not considering someone working on my teeth and risking infection. Do 100% of your homework before you go.

rjxj wrote:
It's a pita to even walk around there and browse the trinkets because they won't shut up and just let you look.

And the shoe shine urchins.

I've heard many glowing reports from snowbirds that have done that, but I think the best advice yet is to get word of mouth from those in that area/park. The internet is nice, but it sure doesn't replace the ability to size up a person that is giving the free advice to you (me included.)

My dentist of 15 years just retired late last summer. I told my hygienist during the cleaning that if I don't like the new replacement, might have to give Mexico a try.

She then told me that my retiring dentist just replaced a full mouth of crowns for a patient who had them done in Mexico (don't know where.) Did it all at cost(he's really a good dentist/guy)because he felt so sorry for them and they were in pain.

I needed major dental work, so I spent literally a couple of days doing online research about dentists in Mexico. I then contacted some RVers who had blogs indicating they'd gone there for their dental work.

I know a lot of people have had work in Mexico and are happy with the results, but to me, the risks outweigh the savings. I read about people with every imaginable disaster possible, including one who caught meningitis and almost died. I saw xrays of people who'd had the screws put into their mouths crooked (for implants). I also read about not being properly shielded for xrays and using unsanitary instruments as well as bad water. I also read stories of people who thought they had good results and found out a year later they didn't when their inexpensive crowns fell off or cracked. I talked to a local dentist (after the fact, so they weren't trying to get my business) who had a patient come to him for help after having Mexican dental work and had to be sent to an oral surgeon, who then told him he couldn't help as the damage was too great. They ended up in a major city for the work at a huge cost.

Be aware that a lot of the reviews on Trip Advisor and such are faked by the dental clinics.

Everyone has to do their own thing, but I'm glad I had my work done by a competent local dentist who was there afterwards in case I had any problems. I have no affiliations with anything dental, and I think the costs here can be too high, but I enjoy getting my medical treatment from a first-world country where things are regulated, which they aren't in Mexico. Saving money isn't worth it if you're in pain afterwards.

2lazy4U: Can you give links to all the 'bad' occurrences you 'read' or 'know' about?

In our 16 years of full-timing we've not heard of one bad instance. We've had excellent care and results and the dental offices were immaculate. We've been to Algodones, Nogales and Progresso.

Duplicate

Of course I can't give you all the links, as there were dozens. I suggest you Google it and do some research yourself, as you'll find there are plenty of bad stories. I have no dog in this fight, as I have no affiliation with anyone, just trying to tell others there are bad things that have happened and to be cautious. I'm glad you didn't experience them personally, and as my post said, there are plenty of happy campers, but to me the risk isn't worth it. I prefer to have a dentist locally where I can go back if I have problems, and I also prefer to use doctors who are regulated, as I said.

And an office can look immaculate but that doesn't mean they follow sanitary practices.

Have had lots of work done by Clarrisa Salzar down there three times. She lives in Yuma and comes over daily bringing USA liquids with her, and we checked her sanitizing beforehand. Unfortunately she wasn't available last time we were there to get a replacement plate, as mine was ill fitting. Got prices from Alberta Dentistry at $400 + $50 to clean, and several others quoted similar. Ended up at Torres, lovely young dentist and receptionists and will go back to them. Took more time and several fits to make sure was very comfortable for me (didn't feel rushed at all). Cost $250 for the plate and $25 for the clean.

Be careful of the folks on the street trying to encourage you to go to a specific dentist. They get about a 10% commission based on your actual bill from the dentists they drag you in to. Far better to go in and approach direct yourself and keep those dollars in your pocket.

There are two Torres locations, we went to the one in the courtyard/mini alley opposite the Purple Pharmacy and as said, thrilled with attention to detail and price. Best fit ever!