Dental care

[islandpaddler]

We're getting organized to spend a year traveling around the country and Canada in our Pleasureway. We will need to get our teeth cleaned at the six month point like we do at home. However, we don't live on the mainland and my Interent research hasn't turned up an answer. I was wondering if walk-in dental clinics are common. I turned up some places that said they took dental emergencies, but this won't be an emergency. I also don't want to became a new patient at some dentist's office because that will entail the usual spectrum of exams, xrays and the like. We just want to get our teeth cleaned because we have a regular dentist at home. We also won't be able to make an appointment say, three months in advance, like seems to be the norm at dentists offices because we don't know where we'll be. Any ideas?

[MTPockets1]

We've had no problem finding dental clinics/dentists who will gladly schedule you in for checkup and cleaning. Cost has been steady at about $100 per person. We have had quotes as high as $200, but another call And we're back too the $100 range.

[EsoxLucius]

We just got our teeth cleaning today at Dental Clinic of Yuma. smileyuma.com

[doxiemom11]

I have not found any in 4 years that will just do a cleaning - they do all want you to be a "new" patient with the charges associated with that. I have found a dentist who took me when a crown cracked and he only worked on that one tooth. I take very good care of my teeth and see the hygenist for a cleaning once per year, on one of our trips home. This is working for me but I understand not all people can go 1 year without creating problems.

[islandpaddler]

All good suggestions, and I thank you.

[HappyKayakers]

Take a paper copy of your latest xrays with you. When it's close to time for your cleaning, start calling small town dentists near where you'll be. Explain the situation that you just need the cleaning, not the new patient stuff. At one small town in North Dakota I actually got my teeth cleaned by the dentist instead of a tech.

[Desert_Captain]

If you are in the Tucson area try "Dental Laser" in Nogales. Excellent work at great prices.

:C

[Jack_Diane_Free]

Check out dental schools where they train dental hygienists. You do really need a dentist for cleaning.

[SteveRuff]

If you are traveling down south you might consider going across the border into Mexico. Algodones, across from Yuma Arizona is one place, another is in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. We have used Mexican dentists for years and have been very pleased with the quality and price of the dental care. A cleaning is usually between $20 and $30. Walk ins are accepted and much more advanced work is available if needed.