
DDS Alejandra Medina
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Unlike bigger cities like Tijuana, Mexicali, Los Angeles or Chicago, the tourist district of Los Algodones is essentially 6 city blocks. There are no stop lights and the speed limit is about 7 mph. Everyone here has a stake in making the town safe including special tourist police. Most visitors park across the border and walk to our office or we pick them up. This is part of the reason hundreds of thousands of Americans and Canadians come to Los Algodones every year.
We strive to make our office as close to what you would find in the United States and Canada in terms of cleanliness modernity.
Lopez Dental Care uses the Autoclave sterilization system which uses steam and are pre-vacuum-type sterilizers. Temperatures reach approximately 250 degrees F to 273 degrees F. Sterilization times range from four to 30 minutes depending on temperature, whether instruments are wrapped or unwrapped, and manufacturer’s instructions. The drying cycle may be 25 to 40 minutes.
There are many reasons why dental costs are lower in Mexico. In the case of a dentist, the education system in Mexico usually means that a dentist has no student loan debt by the time he or she receives their license to practice. All Mexican dentists complete one year of public service as a condition of licensure and that service is deemed as full payment for thier public education.
Mexico has been known for its low labor costs. So everything to janitorial to construction has an implact on the cost of doing business here. Business taxes, permits, regulatory burdens and licenses are also relativily inexpensive versus the United States. Generally all operating costs all contribute to lower costs in Mexico.
In terms of pharmacies, the medications are often the same exact brands. The regulations and laws are less cumbersome than in the USA. For optical, the cost of overhead and labor largely contribute to the lower fees.
The border crossing in Los Algodones is officially named the "Andrade Port of Entry" and it opens at 6:00 am and normally closes at 10:00 pm. Due to COVID the border has been restricted to "essential travel", such as dental work and closes at 2pm Pacific Standard Time (3pm Arizona Time). Customs and Border Protection has a handy "app" for iPhone and Android that lists current wait times and estimated wait time based on historical data. The app is named "Border Wait Times" and can be downloaded on the app store or from Google Play. You can also view the current wait times on their website by clicking here.
Lopez Dental Care understand you have many choices for your dental care in Los Algodones and beyond. Our apporach is patient centered and the whole team at Lopez Dental Care has a stake in making our patients happy.
All English Speaking Staff
Many clinics in town use translators to communicate with their patients. At Lopez Dental Care all of our dentists and staff are fluent in English so there is no missed communication.
Free Shuttle Service to and From the Border
We have a dedicated late model SUV to shuttle our patients from the border to our office. Even though our office is blocks from the border, many patients appreciate our shuttle service, especially those with physical challeneges.
Personal Attention with Escort for Shopping, Pharmacy, etc.
Our dedicated staff are happy to drive you to the pharmacy, get eyeglasses, to your Los Algodones hotel, or otherwise escort you to wherever you need to go while in town.
Modern Equipment and Sterilization
The offices at Lopez Dental Care are equipped with the most modern dental equipment including digital xrays, late model dental chairs, and surgical instruments. We use industry standard steam sterlization ensuring the health and safety of each and every one of our patients.
Top Quality, Proven, Local Los Algodones Dental Labs
There are many dental labs in Los Algodones and over the years we have identified the best. Our longstanding relationships with our dental labs means predictable, quality results that will last a lifetime. In the event there is a question about a patients case, lab techincians will visit you chairside taking any guesswork out of the equation.
We Work With the Top Specialist in Los Algodones
In the United States and Canada it is common for a general dentist to refer to an outside specialist. At Lopez Dental Care, the specialist comes to you. Complicated root canals, surgical extraction, or periodontal work is pefromed in our office saving our patients time and possible miscommunication.
Specializing in the All on 4 Procedure
Implants and Implant supported dentures are
We Accept All Major Credit Cards