A personal report directly from the Panama Gringo
Last week, the Gringo traveled to Panama City from Houston on a mission. After several difficult dental implant surgeries in the United States, I was determined to find a better way. Honestly, I was just sick and tired of dealing with a dentist treating 3 to 5 patients at the same time, feeling rushed and like I was on an assembly line even though I was 
spending over $3,000 an implant. I immediately thought about Panama because of the quality health care providers I had met on my previous trips. Personally being in the medical business my entire adult life, it is easy to tell the difference from people who practice medicine because they really care about helping people and those who do it to maximize their incomes. I have found many medical providers in Panama who still practice the “art of medicine, dentistry and providing care” – it is refreshing.
So I spoke with Dr. Monica Shedden at Pacific Dental Clinic and made an appointment. First – YES – you actually can speak with the doctor directly with questions. Dr Shedden and her partners treat a good deal of non-Panamanians and understand there are concerns and questions.
Upon arriving, I was greeted by Dr. Shedden and immediately started to notice the differences in the level of care – first, a sincere conversation with a host of options, then a thorough exam and more discussion, After we agreed on the course of treatment, she began the treatment with SLOW numbing injections (its amazing how little numbing agents sting when the dentist isn’t trying to run in and out of the room). She then took 90 minutes to carefully extract a tooth so she did not additional damage to my bone structure – which allowed me to have an immediate implant and skip the 8 to 10 weeks of wearing a prosthetic (denture type appliance) – a feat that I have never enjoyed in the United States because no one was ever willing to take the time to do it gently and slowly. My extractions have typically been out in less than 10 minutes and required bone grafts etc.
The office was in Punta Pacific hospital complex (John Hopkins) and was very pleasant, extremely sterile, and a soothing environment overlooking the city streets.
The implant went smoothly. The aftercare was excellent.
Dr Shedden called me several times personally to make sure I was doing well. She had her staff go to the pharmacy and pick up all my supplies. Suffice it to say, I will be doing all my dental work in Panama at Pacific Dental Clinic.
And yes, the procedure was just 1/3 of the price I paid several times in the United States – and the care was at least 3 times as good.
I was not totally clear, was all the conversations in English. I am in Guatemala, and going south by land. I want to check out both the offshore opportunities of Panama and the Medical benefits would be a bonus. As best I can understand you paid about 1/3 or 1000 in Panama for what you could get for 3000 in the USA. Thanks from Andy in HoboTraveler.com in Guatemala Travel Blog and Hotels
Hi,
Dr. Shedden speaks very fluent English. As for pricing, I have paid $3500 a tooth for implant and $1k for crown in US. I paid $1200 plus quoted around $650 for crown so about 1/3 the US price.
The Panama Gringo
More great news….as a resident in Pedasi, dental treatment is mostly non-existent. Well until recently.
I recently had to have an extraction of my rear molar. I went to the Guadalupana Clinica in Las Tablas and was pleasantly surprised by what I found.
1st, I got in the same day. 2nd, my appointment was with this smokin hot Latina dentist who spoke some english as did her assistant who wasn’t too shabby herself. 3rd, I have teeth that are tough to pull out plus this 1 had lost most of the tooth already. 4th, the doctor then proceeded to inject me with xylocain and I can truly say I didn’t feel a thing !!!!! She’s GREAT !!!! 5th, She spent the better part of 40 minutes getting that monster OUT!!!! Even she was impressed by the size!!!! IT WAS TOTALLY PAINLESS !!!!
In closing, I’m now 7 weeks post event and can truthfully say I’ve had no problems, pain or anything. The hole has closed up nicely.
I can’t wait to go back for a cleaning. OK…and maybe to see my smokin hot dentist.
Just as a side…..IMHO we need more english speaking professionals and government employees. Oh yeah, also need to have ALL government docs in english. NOW !!!!!