If you have always dreamed of getting top-quality dental work at an affordable price and you take a tropical vacation at the same time, dental tourism in Costa Rica is just what you are looking for. Every year, implant, veneer, crown, and smile makeover procedures attract tens of thousands of patients to Costa Rica from the US, Canada, and Europe.
What is the reason? Putting together world-class dentistry with huge savings, short flights, and amazing nature from cloud forests to white-sand beaches, is what Costa Rica is all about. Whatever be the case - a new smile or full-mouth restoration, Costa Rica has top-tier clinics, experienced dentists either U.S. or Europe-trained, and modern facilities fitted with state-of-the-art technology.
Weigh out your trip to a stunning smile for less money and in one of the world's most stunning places.
Why Choose Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a pretty safe country and is both politically and economically stable. It’s close to the US and there are direct flights coming in and out of Costa Rica daily.
High Standard of Care
The World Health Organization reports that the life expectancy in Costa Rica is higher than in the US.
The Range of Dental Work Available
Anything that you can have done in the US regarding dental work is also provided in the country. You can go to Costa Rica for whitening and cavity procedures. Dentists in Costa Rica can also provide dental implants, crowns, oral surgery, orthodontics, full mouth restoration, pediatric dentistry, endodontics, and more.
Inexpensive Costs
Due to low costs, dental tourism is very popular. It is said that dentistry in Costa Rica costs as much as 75% less compared to US rates.
Quality Materials
Clinics in Costa Rica use high quality materials that are usually sourced from international brands like:
- Straumann, Zimmer and Nobel Biocare implant systems
- IPS e.max and Zirconia crowns
- 3M dental composites
- CAD/CAM digital dentistry
Accessibility
Costa Rica is only a short plane ride away from major U.S. cities, thus very accessible for dental tourists.
Costa Rica Dental Tourism Prices Guide
Note that these prices may vary slightly in clinics and depending on materials, but here is an accurate guide to help you plan for a dental budget.
| Dental Procedure | Costa Rica Price | USA Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Implant | $850 - $1,300 | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| All-on-4 Implants | $8,000 - $15,000 | $25,000 - $50,000 |
| All-on-6 Implants | $10,500 - $20,000 | $30,000 - $60,000 |
| Porcelain Crown | $350 - $600 | $1,200 - $2,500 |
| Veneers | $350 - $550 | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Teeth Whitening | $120 - $250 | $400 - $1,000 |
Insurance Options for Dental Works in Costa Rica
Dental clinics in Costa Rica are mostly cash-only, meaning they do not directly deal with your insurance, but you will have to pay out of pocket. The third party (insurance company) will then issue a refund after the completion of the whole treatment. The total cost will be low even if you do not have insurance, so it is still highly recommended to go abroad for dental care. Nowadays Costa Rica is considered one of the best places for international dental patient care.
Initially, you should understand the meaning of your insurance contract and/or contact your insurer or agent to get the required information. Dentists in Costa Rica will most likely assist you with the paperwork. These forms are quite complicated, puzzling, and they consume a lot of time. There are some clinics that may charge you for completing the forms, but it is still worth it.
Why is Dental Works in Costa Rica Cheaper?
Lower Labor Costs
Dentists and dental staff have lower operational costs than in the U.S. or Canada.
Cheaper Overhead Costs
The rentals, utilities, and equipment costs are much lower-which helps reduce patient fees.
High Competition
Many clinics target international patients, keeping prices competitive.
Favorable Currency Exchange Rates
The low exchange rate makes Costa Rica extremely cost-effective for foreign patients.
All Inclusive Dental Packages
Many clinics offer packages that tie in dental work with other travel needs such as hotel stays, airport transfers, and local transportation to and from appointments. The packages generally include:
- Free airport pick-up
- Hotel stay: depending on the treatment, 3–14 nights
- Consultation
- Transportation to and from the clinic
- Customised treatment plan
Popular Dental Procedures in Costa Rica
People often choose to undergo dental procedures of different kinds in Costa Rica. Among them are:
Dental Implants
As a cheap yet quality solution, Costa Rica is among the top places where people go for dental implants.
Cosmetic Dentistry
A good number of people opt for aesthetic dental procedures such as whitening, veneers, and smile makeovers while they are in Costa Rica.
Full Mouth Restorations
If you happen to have a major dental issue, you can take Costa Rica as a place where you get a full mouth restoration for a fraction of the price.
General Dentistry
Regular check-ups, cleanings, and fillings can also be done at a place that is both convenient and affordable in Costa Rica.
Dental Work in Costa Rica: What to Expect
Typical chain of events you can anticipate is as follows:
- Consultation: The first thing you will do is to attend a consultation to discuss your treatment plan and get a cost estimate.
- Treatment: The work that is done as part of the treatment is generally the primary dental intervention, which, if complicated, may be spread over several appointments.
- Recovery: You will have to wait for some time before you can heal from the procedure which, in most cases, takes place in comfortable recovery rooms that many clinics have. There are also some hotels where you can recover as some clinics have arranged this with them.
- Follow-up: It may not be necessary but you can still have some check-up appointments to be sure that everything is going well.
Top destinations for Dental Tourism in Costa Rica
San Jose
San Jose is the lively capital of Costa Rica, full of both historical and cultural heritage. The urban area of the capital is among the most visited places by tourists who are keen on the natural side and the fauna of the country.
Top clinics in San Jose
- Flikier Dental Institute
- New Smile Dental Group
Liberia
Warm hospitality, delicious cuisine, and beautiful beaches make Liberia a must-visit place in Costa Rica. For unforgettable vacations, it offers a unique combination of natural and cultural attractions. Visitors can visit national parks, historic sites, and take part in various cultural events and festivals.
Recommended clinic in Liberia
- Arte Dental
Jaco
With its beautiful beaches, surf culture, and lively nightlife, Jaco appeals to a broad range of tourists. Available activities in the town include surfing, horseback riding, zip-lining, and golfing, making it a great destination for adventure seekers.
Recommended clinic
- Premier Dental Care
Best Time to Travel for Dental Work
December to April is definitely the best time to visit Costa Rica for such a reason:
- Dry season: The best weather for touring Costa Rica is during this period of the year.
- Less crowded: You can be away from the crowd of the peak tourist months.
- Cost efficiency: There are cheaper travel and accommodation rates.
Is it Safe?
Sure, it is quite safe to undergo dental treatment in Costa Rica if you select a good clinic and do your research beforehand. Many have the high-quality services with modern equipment that you would expect in North America but at a lower price, and a few have even become accredited with the staff trained in the US. However, for your safety and success, you need to do your research and choose a reliable clinic. Some of the important safety measures include: verifying the dentist’s credentials, checking the clinic’s reviews and equipment, and preparing for the situation if you need follow-up treatment.
Transportation and Local Travel
Getting around Costa Rica is pretty easy, as there are various transportation options at your service.
- Private Shuttles: Our clinics offer pick-up & drop-off to and from the airport.
- Taxis: Available in cities. Use official taxis or apps like Uber for safety.
- Public Buses: Cheaper for longer distances, yet not as convenient for tourists.
- Car Rentals: The pricing starts with a small car from $25 per day.
- Domestic Flights: Fast for longer distances between cities or places.
Costa Rica Safety Travel Tips
While dental tourism in Costa Rica is safe, it's good to follow some general safety tips to have a stress-free experience: Avoid traveling to isolated areas. Travel in authorized taxis to ensure safe rides. Never leave your valuables unattended. Beware of petty theft in public transportation.
Things to Pack For Dental Work in Costa Rica
- Bottled water to stay hydrated
- Passport, travel documents
- Comfortable, loose-fitting outfits
- Prescription medications and painkillers
- Sun protection, sunglasses etc.
- Medical records, x-rays
Costa Rica dental tourism is the perfect way to not only change your smile and save money but also have a memorable vacation in the tropics. In short, Costa Rica is still the number one place to go for dental care on a tight international dental tourism budget because of the skilled dentists, modern clinics, high-quality materials, and great discounts on implants, veneers, crowns, and full-mouth restorations. Also, if you are only looking for a crown or a complete smile makeover, Costa Rica is the place where you will get the best care with a lot of friendliness, a nice atmosphere, and beautiful nature. Your stunning smile will be even cheaper than you might have thought.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I save by getting dental work in Costa Rica?
Essentially, a saving of 50 - 70% is possible when compared to dental prices in the U.S. or Canada.
How long should I stay in Costa Rica for dental treatment?
Generally, the duration of most treatments is within 5 - 14 days and the length of the stay depends on the complexity of the treatment.
Are Costa Rican dentists reliable and qualified?
Definitely. Quite a few of them are U.S.-trained, members of the ADA, and have a great deal of experience in dental tourism.
Is it safe to get implants in Costa Rica?
Yes. Facilities offer the highest quality implant systems like Straumann and Nobel Biocare.
Do clinics help with travel and accommodation?
Nearly all the best clinics provide package offers that entail hotel stays, airport transfers, and treatment planning.
References
Dental tourism in Costa Rica - dentist prices, packages [2026]. (2025, November 3). Medical Tourism Co.{: rel="nofollow"}
Alvarez, R. (2025, January 25). ✈️✨ Costa Rica Dental Tourism: How to save 70% & Vacation in Paradise.{: rel="nofollow"}
Rica, A. D. C. (2018, August 21). 5 things you need to know about dental tourism in Costa Rica. Advance Dental Clinic Costa Rica.{: rel="nofollow"}
Anahita. (2025, November 5). Dental work in Costa Rica | Dental tourism packages. dentavacation.{: rel="nofollow"}
