Testimonials

I was visiting Costa Rica for the fifth time and determined it to be a place where I would establish part time residence. During me visit I chip a tooth which became very uncomfortable. I accessed the USA Consulate site in search of a Dentist and found Dr. Prada's name. I called and made an appointment and was very surprise and sincerely impressed that his assistant, Carolina, and driver picked me up at my hotel and drove me to his office for a consultation.

I found his office to be imimmaculate and his staff to be extremely professional. During my initial consultation with I was impressed with the doctor's exempalary manner and professional treatment. Dr. Prada did an overall outstanding job on repairing my tooth and actually employed some techniques that I have never experienced that tototaly eliminated any discomfort during the treatment.

I have become a patient for life and my son flew down for dental work. We now consider Dr. Prada as are primary dentist even though we live in Dallas, Texas. I would be remiss if I did not mention the cost was far below what stateside dentist charge.

When I tell most of my friends about my dentist in Costa Rica they have one thing in mind, to visit Costa Rica and request dental work from Dr.Prada.

Ron
Dallas, Texas

When I first met Dr. Prada, I was at the bottom of the bottom. I had been used up by American dentists so much so they wouldn't even touch me any more since they had done as much damage as possible with failed procedure after procedure over eight years. And together, they collaborated that it was my fault that I had allowed them to eventually pull all my teeth while they shared my life's savings and left me desperate. Of course the U.S. doctors did not intentionally cause me harm, but they seemed so insensitive and uncaring about the outcome. It was business that went wrong, simply business.. .and I did not know what to do or know where to turn? I was completely lost since the doctors told me there was no longer any hope to fix me or stop the non-stop, almost unbearable pain from my mal-occlusion. There were no testimonials or directions to guide me - only one last desperate try for the miracle that could save a once very attractive woman who was in her mid 40's but looked ten years older without teeth. I was too violated, too, driven and too proud to give up, so I took one last chance and flew to Costa Rica on the red-eye from , San Francisco -- totally fearful aDdalone. .).

When I first met Dr. Prada, I felt like a wounded animal who trusted no one, yet somehow he seemed different -- like maybe he cared, like maybe it was not about the money, like maybe he really wanted to help me make my dream of getting a fixed, removable denture come true -- so I could eat again and just as importantly, so I could smile and laugh again. Some say it's easier to smile than frown, but for me it was the opposite because I could not open my mouth and expose the nightmare that haunted me. In Dr. Prada's eyes, I sensed sincere determination and passion to make me the perfect dentures. His hands were gentle, his touch was caring and his words were encouraging. And I soon learned his tools were stateof- the-art, his education was extensive and his experience was vast when it came to the challenging problem of how to create the functional dentures that could work with my very 'limited base of implants since there was no longer any chance of adding more bone.

It took three trips, but on the last two trips I was accompanied by his Patient Service Coordinator, Carolina. With her I truly felt safe and secure because Carolina was the same as Dr. Prada -- an expert in her trade to diligently take care of every detail-- from the airport to the hotel to the restaurants to Dr. Prada's office -- and even shopping and sight-seeing if I wanted. Carolina is truly a perfectionist who does so many extra things I could never begin to explain, but if! could in a few words: she makes me totally feel at home away from home in a country where I was lost without her. Carolina is the consummate professional who provides siricere devotion and caring friendship. And she possesses what I dreamed of the most -- a sweet, beautiful smile.

Finally, the day came: my dentures were ready -- so skillfully created only minor adjustments were necessary. My perfect dentures fit like a glove and my hope to have permanent, functional dentures was no longer an impossible dream, it was an improbable reality! How does one say thanks for a dream come true? One can only explain the truth about what happened and say I now believe it could atso happen for you. Of course, the price was right, but what I gained was priceless. I can now do what I though I could never do - speak more clearly, eat solid food and smile, smile, smile! And I can now do my secret dream - to sing in my church choir.

This is my story and my testimonial about Dr. Prada and Carolina - one so personal and so involved I believed it could never be told, but I will tell you it is true and if you want to call me I will tell you more. Thank you Dr. Prada and Carolina for helping me as if you were helping your family. Thank you for doing something that many professionals have forgotten how or never knew how to do: CARE, really care that the job is done right and giving all you have to try to make it so. Do I believe in miracles? Maybe I do now, but I do know for sure I will always believe in both of you! My phone number is: 510-601-6211.

Kathleen
USA

My dad's issues were related to college football injuries...a strong genetic link between generations has yet to be identified. I have always had decent general dental care; Ken, with good reason, called our enthusiastic hygienist "The Duchess of Dachau." Over the years, I have discovered that squirming in the chair and emitting small, guttural noises generally speeds every process.

I had some serious work to have done or re-done and decided to investigate services abroad. My criteria was fairly simple to research. I wanted each dentist to be a specialist in his/her field, not a general dentist who performs root canals and places crowns and implants. And anyone who has heard me order dinner at a Mexican restaurant, knows that English-speaking would be a must. I was hoping to find specialists who received their masters at US dental universities.

Did I hit the jackpot! After reading the dental qualifications of almost every clinica in San Jose, Costa Rica (while climate was not a primary concern, I don't remember researching anyone in Iceland,) I contacted Dr. Vinicio Prada, a prosthodontist in Escazu, Costa Rica. He heads an Clinica de Especialistas, three dentists who have graduated and taught at LSU, Tufts and Baylor. Their CVs, including the diplomas, are on their web site. There is such a difference in web sites, some are flashing ones, promising dazzling cosmetic results but with little reference to the credentials of those performing the treatments.

Before arriving in Costa Rica, I had in-depth phone discussions with Dr. Prada and the other specialists about my needs. Still, I assured family and friends I would exercise common sense and if anything didn't feel right about the situation, I would abandon the idea and gleefully tour CR. I asked Dr. Gonzalez, the well-known periodontist/implant surgeon, how many implants he had performed! He deftly installed mine with a sinus lift in each one, no pain, no general anesthesia, no post-operative complications. He asked me if I wanted him to describe each step and I assured him that would not be necessary. Next day, back in the chair with Dr. Prada. I wasn't familiar with the attention to detail that a prostodontist uses.
Even the teeth cleaning was done over several days, he did each section while it was numb so he could use that hydraulic pressure washer (I doubt that is the name of that piece of equipment) more aggressively without pain. I was relaxed in the chair, never felt a twinge. Ok, it doesn't hurt that he makes Antonio Banderas look like a has-been.

This was expensive but it was much less than US prices and I have never had this level of expertise and interest. The equipment is state of the art. Actually, how would I know? I only know it is much more advanced and sophisticated than a dentist has used on me and these dentists have made a large investment.

Unfortunately, when I smile, I am not going to dazzle, I didn't do anything cosmetic. In a way, it is like working on a house. Just when you are ready to spruce up the kitchen, you are faced with an extensive plumbing problem and there goes the budget. In order to showcase this work, I'll have to carry tongue depressors and a small flashlight.

A great dental experience...words I never thought to associate with each other. A bit of an adventure. I "have" to come back to CR to finish and will stay across the street from the dentist at the beautiful Villa del Rios. Anyone want to join me?

Alma Darling almadarling@gmail.com.

Dear Ana, Thank you so much for recommending Dr Prada to me for doing the completion of my dental work. As you have known, I have had a complete mouth of implants and have had several bone grafts prior to seeing him. The last time I came to your house for some plastic surgery, I had explained the enormous amount of time, money, and effort spent already on my teeth. Stiill I needed a trained prosthodontist to put teeth over the implants. So before I left I went to see Dr Vincio Prada and had a complete trans xray set down ($40) here ($200) in the states. I took his card and had him communicate with my oral surgeon, who had done my implants. My Illinois oral surgeon (who teaches at MIDWESTERN University) along with having a private practice, discussed the case with him on the phone and by emails. They exchanged emails and xrays. My american dentist was pleased that Dr Prada was trained at University of Louisiana and spoke near perfect English. Additionally, the cost even with hotel and flight would be less than half of the American cost of these procedures. So I went back and was measured and measured and molds were made. The clinic is lovely and very clean, with all the latest equipment. At all times the doctor was kind and gracious as was all his staff. He even drove me to several places to help me arrange all the doctor's visits I needed to make. He gave me his cell phone and remained in contact with myself and my dentist. Today I have my final teeth and I feel fantastic. THANK YOU DR PRADA,and THANK YOU ANA for the recommendation.

It has been a wonderful experience. I am a licensed clinial psychologist and would be glad to speak to anyone who is considering having the teeth done abroad. During office hours I can be reached from 9 to 5 at 630 242 2244
Sincerely,
Dr Jan Hart
DrJanHart@Comcast.net