The Plan … Before Shots
I was looking forward to my 4th visit to Thailand. It was my 3rd visit to Yanhee, and my 2nd with my dentist, Dr. Kamala.
My plan was to have a laminate done on a front tooth that had chipped twice over the last few months. The price in the US, $1200 -$1500. Yanhee’s price was just under $300.00 I saved roughly $1,000. In addition, AARP Dental reimbursed me half, $180.00. I’m just sending out the final payment for a root canal I needed in April here in Southern California. AARP insurance covered half, my cost was about $800. Although a cap was recommended, it will have to wait until I come back to Thailand. With any luck, it will take years to turn dark. Natural is better,till then.
My friend Barry was traveling with me again. His plan was a complete dental overhaul. A major traffic accident in his early 20’s left him with a mouthful of bridges and partials. Estimates in the U.S. ranged from $7,000 – $15,000. Final price in Thailand – $1,400. We also managed to squeeze in a weekend in Cambodia, but that’s another story…
At my recommendation, Internationally renowned traveler and journalist, Dian Thomas, joined us at the Park Plaza. She didn’t seem terribly intrigued when I mentioned that our priority for at least the coming week was scheduled dental appointments. As destiny would have it, that same night, she chipped a molar. The subject was a lot more interesting for her in the morning!
At the hospital, the dermatologist toke care of some silly, “sun spots”.
In addition to fixing her dental problem with a beautiful inlay, she asked Dr. Kamala to replace her old mercury fillings.
After a full body melanoma check, she headed back to the US, packed with sunscreen and a hat, ready for a long distance bike tour in Iowa.
Dian’s a hoot, and truly remarkable woman of the world. She is one of the pioneers of TV Cooking Shows. We took a cooking class together at the Park Plaza.
You can read more about her outdoor cooking adventures on the Johnny Carson Show, how she lost over 100 lbs., and her next trip to China, on her website: www.Dianthomas.com
