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Thursday, May 10, 20071178806512
Medical Tourism
Today was a day of first. Today was my first day in a Beijing city bus (built as nice as American mass transit, and less scary co-riders), my first day with sour yogurt (like American yogurt, except with a tangy kick), and my first day as a medical tourist. But would orthopediatry with Chinese characteristics be able to save me money on my dental bill?
Peking University Dental Hospital
Read below to find out!
Only the best cars were in the parking lot -- a good sign.
And while the hoi polloi busily lined up for a standard session.
The third floor gives a notice for "Special Department of Dentistry"
And a a first-class waiting room. (I was the only American there, and most of the fellow waiting patients were Chinese.)
With a nice view!
The dental hospital is run by Peking University, one of two big universities in town (and also the parent of Beijing University Press). Service was prompt and efficient. After checking in, I waited about 20 minutes to see a dentist. She checked my teeth, and noted one area where I would need a filling soon. (While not painful, the area was definitely more sensitive than my other teeth.) I told her to go ahead with the work, and the entire business was finished about 30 minutes after I sat down. My new filling actually looks nicer than my old one (white-colored instead of metallic), and it's hard to beat the price.
Total Bill: 610 RMB ($80)
Some closing thoughts: The dentist spoke fine English, but without the idioms I was used to. For instance, instead of "bite down," she would say "close your mouth." However, I'm not sure if the dental jargon I'm used to is confined to the upper midwest, so perhaps I'd run into the same minor mysteries in other parts of America, too. I also noticed that the dentist was less ostentatious. I've always had weak enamol, and it was nice not be to be scolded for "grinding" (read: normal wear and tear on feeble teeth). Additionally, unlike back home the work was actually done by the dentist, with the (quite attractive) nurse playing a secondary role.
I'm happy with the service, happy with the cost, and happy with my filling.
Thanks, Peking U!
09:15 Posted in Beijing 2007 | Permalink | Comments (4) | Email this | Tags: peking university, dentists, medical tourism
Comments
I dunno Dan... China and you don’t seem to be getting along all that well. Sure there are fine sights, food and family... but this is the second time you’ve needed to consult with a doctor while over there. One wonders what would happen if you went back for a third time.
Posted by: Brendan | Thursday, May 10, 2007
Brendan -- haha! Actually this trip was planned beforehand, in case I needed a crown or two (I could've made a profit!)
So, counting something else this winter, we have 2 visits to a medical professional after contact with America, 1 after a contact with China. (Of course I've been in America a lot longer, too...)
Posted by: Dan tdaxp | Thursday, May 10, 2007
Mom is happy with your dental work too.
Posted by: mmm | Thursday, May 10, 2007
Glad to hear China has good dental care too. I know I'm headed to India for any future medical procedures I need, unless I am making the decision in an ambulance. My new book, State of the Heart: A Medical Tourist's True Story of Life Saving Surgery in India, brought the atrocities here to the forefront of my life. Always good to have options, right?
Posted by: Maggi | Tuesday, June 12, 2007