Dentistry remains the biggest draw for medical travelers to Baja California. It accounts for 50% to 60% of the patients who come to the state for care, Fabián Walters, president of the Baja Health Cluster, told Grupo Animal in a report published October 12, 2026.
Dentistry still leads
Walters said dental services continue to have the highest demand among foreign patients, and that the sector has now stabilized. The procedures patients come for include:
- Cleanings
- Dental implants and veneers
- Orthodontics and root canals
- Maxillofacial and reconstructive surgery
He also noted that some U.S. insurers now allow members to receive certain oral health services in Mexico, which helps keep demand steady. Tijuana has specialized infrastructure in place to receive these patients.
Other specialties gaining ground
According to Walters, plastic surgery is still among the most sought-after services, and orthopedics and cardiology have seen a rebound in the region’s medical tourism offering. Bariatric surgery, by contrast, has declined as more patients use injectable and oral weight-loss medications, and as some U.S. insurers now cover the surgery for eligible patients.
Tips for dental patients
- Check credentials. Verify the dentist’s professional license (cédula profesional) and any specialty certification for implants or oral surgery.
- Ask about your insurance. Some U.S. plans cover certain dental services in Mexico. Ask your insurer before you book.
- Get an itemized plan. Ask what is included, such as imaging, abutments, crowns, follow-up visits and warranties.
- Plan for follow-up. Implant treatment often takes more than one trip. Plan your visits around healing time.
Resumen en español
La odontología concentra entre el 50 y el 60% de los pacientes que llegan a Baja California por turismo médico, informó Fabián Walters, presidente del Baja Health Cluster. Los servicios dentales siguen siendo los de mayor demanda, desde limpiezas e implantes hasta ortodoncia y cirugía maxilofacial, y algunas aseguradoras estadounidenses ya permiten atender ciertos servicios en México. Walters agregó que la cirugía plástica continúa siendo muy solicitada y que la ortopedia y la cardiología muestran un repunte.
This article is for general information and is not medical or dental advice.
