Chatting with the Dentist
- Mar 17
- 2 min read
I look forward to going to the dentist -- truly. Cleanings are never pleasant, but I enjoy talking with our dentist, Dr. Ricardo Coutinho, who enjoys discussing social norms, economics, and international politics. Like most medical professionals in Portugal, he speaks fluent English, which makes conversation easy for me.
Dr. Ricardo does our six-month cleanings himself. Although a hygienist typically handles them after the first visit, I suspect he keeps us on his schedule because he enjoys the conversations — he always leaves time to chat afterward.
At my visit last week, he told me his dental education included four years in Portugal and a final year at a top dental school in Sweden. He said Portuguese students consistently earn top marks there. Tuition? Less than €1,000 per year — still true today.
He had interviewed at NYU, where tuition was $60,000 per year at the time (now over $165,000), and noted that the equipment there wasn’t as modern as in Portugal.
That perspective helps explain why he and his staff seem so relaxed and happy. They have no medical school debt, take 90-minute lunches with family, and work with modern equipment alongside happy colleagues.
This is not a story of an extraordinary person. We have found our medical providers and their staff are attentive, highly educated, and personable.
Patients benefit from all of it: excellent training, English fluency, up-to-date technology, and a genuinely positive atmosphere. And one more advantage — the cost. We pay out of pocket, and it’s remarkably reasonable when you compare to costs in the US.
average cost in Portugal | average cost in US | |
Cleaning, exam and Xray | 75 euros ($ 86) | $ 200 - $350 |
Extraction | 89 euros ($100) | $ 130 - $ 600 |
Fillings | 50 - 100 euros ($ 58 - $ 117) | $ 175 - $ 600 |
Implant | 1000-1600 euros ($ 1160 -$1840) | $ 3000 - $6000 |
Are you curious about other aspects of our lives here? Please suggest topics and ask your questions in the comments. Or send a direct email. We love to hear from our friends.
Imagine with love. Penelope and Tim
Very interesting and inspiring. It's so good to know there are places in this world where quality service and a balanced life style go hand in hand and are possible. Your dentist looks like a wonderful person to know. I love your posts.
Thanks for keeping us updated! It is heartening to see the good flourishing in so many places-even in medicine.
You are making me want to move to Portugal, Penny! I am so happy that you are so happy there!