Last fact-checked: 9 February 2020

Discover a world of great dental care at dental clinics in Mazatlan. This colonial city on the coast offers a rich history, giving you both culture and beach life – the best of both worlds.

Founded in the 16th century, the city of Mazatlan still retains its original architectural style with many of its colonial historic buildings still intact, particularly in the historic district, just by Olas Atlas beach. The Machado Plaza is the heart of the historic old town, and surrounding it are French and Spanish-influence buildings now housing cafes, theatres, hotels and a museum.

To the west of Machado Square is the Cannobio Portals, a beautiful old building that was once home to the ‘Fountain of Eternal Youth’. This building was a pharmacy at one time, where liquor was produced containing properties said to restore lost youth. Needless to say, it amassed its inventor, Mr. Cannobio, a huge fortune. 

After that, the building was used by a number of businesses, including the Bank of London and Mexico, before renovation restored it to its original structure, complete with a museum, galleries and a restaurant.

In the middle of the old city is the Mazatlan Cathedral, a beautiful old church that was finished in 1899, and considered to be one of the loveliest in northwest Mexico. 

The outside of the church has two Gothic towers, and the altars inside are embellished in a Baroque style with French crystal candelabra. The piece de resistance is a remarkable pipe organ, built in France by Aristides Cavaillie, and believed to have first been played in 1899.

The city is a joy to stroll around in, and this is only a small part of it. Monuments, beaches, natural attractions and a little further afield there are picturesque Pueblos Magicos (Magic Towns) to explore.

Enjoy Mazatlan’s enviable position on the coast, with one of the longest stretches of uninterrupted beach in the whole of Mexico, and all the buzz of the Malecon as you take in beautiful sunsets and island views – all with a spot of light refreshments from one of the many nearby cafes.

Mazatlan is in the state of Sinaloa, in the northwest of Mexico. It is directly opposite Cabo San Lucas, on the Baja California Sur peninsula, separated by the Sea of Cortes.

Mazatlan is a favorite with North American snowbirds and beach bunnies. The stretch of coastline is speckled with islands, it has a lovely promenade and its architectural and natural treasures have given it the name ‘the Pearl of the Pacific’. It is easy to reach, and it is also a cruise ship liner port.

The dentists here in Mazatlan provide excellent quality services, in common with many other dentists in Mexico who treat international patients. For dentists who do offer dental tourism, it is in their best interests to provide good quality services. If they don’t, it doesn’t take long for a reputation to be ruined on the internet. There is healthy competition among dentists, which obviously means that patients are the winners here, able to select the best facilities at the best prices.

Facilities are, by and large, as good as they are at home – providing you choose a reliable dentist. It’s always wise to do a little research, as there are charlatans wherever you go in the world.

Many dentists here have qualifications from the United States and are American Dental Association members, so you see, the training is hardly different from your dentist at home.

Mazatlan also offers great prices, with savings of around 70% on most dental procedures.

Here’s a look at the average prices for some of our popular procedures in Mazatlan:

• Average cost of a single dental crown in the US: $1,200; at a Mazatlan dentist as little as $392
• Average cost of root canal (molar): US $1,200; at a Mazatlan dentist only $163
• Average cost of full acrylic dentures: $1,800; at a Mazatlan dentist around $773

(Image by Stan Shebs)

Generally yes–providing you find a trustworthy dentist. The standard of dentistry here tends to be high, especially with modern dentists, who have traveled abroad to further their training and careers, and whose training is on a par with any dentist at home.

It is fairly easy to do some rudimentary checks on the internet of a dentist or clinic you are thinking of going to, but it’s not so easy to do know whether the information you found is something you can depend on.

This was behind our reasoning for setting up Dental Departures - and you can depend on the information we provide as we background check our dentists’ for legal and criminal records, as well as verify qualifications, professional memberships and experience. Alongside real patient reviews, high-definition photos and virtual clinic tours we think this information taken together give you a pretty good indication of the quality of our dentists.

Check out some of our most popular clinics in Mazatlan:

• Ortodoncia Mazatlan

• Clinica Dental Insurgentes

• Villabauza Clinica Dental

What Happens If Something Goes Wrong? Does My Dental Care Have Guarantees or Warranties?

Although warranties vary from clinic to clinic, depending on your procedure, all our clinics offer warranties on their work, including materials as well as the dentists own work.

In the unlikely event you experience a problem with your dental work, we will work with the clinic to make it right. It is worth bearing in mind that only a tiny minority of our patients have experienced complications or other issues.

It is also worth bearing in mind that although your dental care may be covered under a guarantee or warranty, any additional expenses, such as travel or accommodation, are not. 

If this causes concern, we would suggest you seriously think about taking out a low-cost insurance policy to cover additional accommodation or travel expenses to put your mind totally at ease.

• Flying in

The nearest international airport is General Rafael Buelna International Airport, also known as Mazatlán International Airport.

• Sailing

There are currently five cruise liners that stop here as part of their itinerary, including Carnival, Princess, Holland-American Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Azamara Club Cruises.

Where to Stay in Mazatlan

There are all sorts of accommodation options to suit every taste and style in Mazatlan. Fancy boutique in the Old Town? Or maybe 5-star at one of the international chains? You will discover resort hotels overlooking the ocean, or secluded hotels on one of the nearby islands, as well as options in the nearby Magic Towns.

Whether you are holidaying or on a business trip you’ll be able to stay connected as most hotels offer free wi-fi – and English is spoken widely.

Is It Safe?

Mazatlan is experiencing something of a renaissance and is considered to be safe by many, despite reports you may hear to the contrary. You shouldn’t have any problems if you stick to the tourist zone – the Zona Dorado and the historic town center, as well as direct routes to the airport to and from these locations. Medical and business travelers rarely experience risk when visiting Mazatlan or anywhere else in Mexico.

When is the Best Time to Visit One of Our Dentists?

Our dentists are open throughout the year and the weather in Mazatlan is generally good all year round too, so any time is good to go to this lovely spot in Mexico.

Is Mazatlan Wheelchair Accessible?

Certain parts are handicapped accessible, for example, the Malecon is fine for wheelchair users and you will find the squares in the Old Town easy to navigate too. Generally, if you run into difficulty, the locals are helpful and friendly and will likely come to your assistance.

Many of our dentists offer complimentary pick-up and drop-off services from your hotel, and so if you get in touch with our Customer Care team they will be able to organize something for you to get you to one of our dentists.

Do I Need to Speak Spanish?

Mazatlan is a popular city with North Americans and you will find English is spoken widely throughout. You will also find that our dentists are fully conversant in English.

What Payment Methods Are Accepted?

US cash is accepted by all of our dentists, as are other methods, including personal/traveler checks, debit/credit cards and bank transfers. Please check out the individual clinic listings to find out what methods of payment are accepted at your chosen clinic. You should also be aware that credit card payments may be subject to a small processing fee of 3-4%.

Is My US or Canadian Dental Insurance Accepted?

Dentists in Mazatlan are not usually likely to accept your US or Canadian dental insurance. However, you may be able to claim your expenses back if your provider allows ‘out-of-network’ expenses. Check with your insurance company before you travel, and make sure you get the appropriate paperwork to bring with you.

Your money will certainly go much further in Mazatlan than at home so it’s definitely worth checking out.

What Else Can I Do in Mazatlan?

Mazatlan has miles of sand (11 to be exact), one of the largest boardwalks in Latin America, surfing, golfing, deep sea fishing and excellent restaurants ranging from beach shacks to fine dining. Mazatlan is a family favorite and whether it’s the old town or the ocean that you love the most, there is an ambience here that everyone falls in love with.

The warm Pacific Ocean waters are perfect for all manner of activities, including scuba diving and snorkeling and if you want gentler family-oriented swimming or just splashing about head to Los Pinos Beach.

The port is one of the busiest and so there is always something going on from the mixed beats of German oompah fused with Latin-American, known as banda, which is an integral part of the culture of this part of the world brought here from Bavarians.

Mazatlan knows how to party, with Mardi Gras attracting thousands or revelers to this 7-day event that ends just before Lent. Parades, costumes, fancy dress and the whole of the city letting their hair down in a non-stop party – it’s definitely a great time to visit.

From hardcore partying to the biggest open-air museum in Mexico. Las Labradas is a beach with fascinating sculptural masterpieces right below your feet. Dramatically different and unique, the sea breeze rather than the usual air-conditioned museums is infinitely more pleasurable.

One of Mazatlan’s popular draws is the Aquarium, which has been here for more than 30 years, and which houses more than 200 species from around the world. There’s also great shopping in the Zona Dorado where you’ll find everything from Mexican furniture to silver jewelry and other popular handicrafts.

Outside of Mazatlan, you will find quiet villages, such as Altata, around 124 miles north. Currently, it’s peaceful and rustic, but there are plans for it to become another of Mexico’s top tourist destinations – so get in now before the masses discover it. 

There’s also El Fuerte, another colonial town with cobblestone streets and a central Plaza that comes alive in the evening or the old mining towns of Cosalá and El Rosario, both Pueblos Magico (Magic Towns). There’s one thing for certain, there’s no shortage of things to see or do here.

What Is the Downside? What Else Should I Know About Visiting?

Dental patients should be aware that local anesthesia, rather than sedation, is the standard form of pain relief in Mexico. If you think you will need sedation, many of our dentists can arrange for this, but they will need to arrange for the services of an anesthesiologist, so you will need to discuss this option in advance. It usually carries an additional charge of around $400.

Prescription medication such as Valium will also have to be ordered in advance.

Distance to Airport and Other Nearby Places of Interest:

• General Rafael Buelna International Airport: 13 miles (21 km), 23 mins
• Torreon: 321 miles (516 km), 5 hrs 45 mins
• Tepic: 171 miles (275 km), 3 hrs 18 mins
• Puerto Vallarta: 272 miles (438 km), 5 hrs 17 mins
• Topolobampo: 268 miles (431 km), 4 hrs 45 mins
• Turrialba: 299 miles (481 km), 5 hr 35 mins

You can book an appointment online or call our toll-free number and speak with our Customer Care Team. With Dental Departures we will always find you a quality-checked dentist in Mazatlan for the best prices available – and that’s guaranteed with our best price promise.

(Main Image by TravelingOtter)

Sources:

American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/en/

Madsen, Sheila. Mazatlan Life. Website Accessed 20 November 2018. http://mazatlanlife.com/walking-tour/

Pueblos Mexico. Website Accessed 20 November 2018. http://www.pueblosmexico.com.mx/

Rigg, Susannah. CNN. 12 October 2018. https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/things-to-do-mazatlan-mexico/index.html

 D, Jake. Nomadic Hustle. 26 June 2018. https://www.nomadichustle.com/is-mazatlan-safe/