Emergency Dentist in the Dominican Republic: Leaving Norwegian Viva for Urgent Dental Care

• Introduction: My First Atlantic Crossing on the Norwegian NCL Viva Prima Class Ship
• Emptying my Delta SkyMiles Accounts to get Value Flying to Lisbon Portugal
• The Comfort Inn South Bend SBN Airport Review via Delta Stays – How Very Disappointing
• Checking Bags on Two Separate Delta Tickets (Interlining) – How to Make it Work Seamlessly
• Are Lounges Worth the Effort Anymore in Atlanta?
• Shrinkflation: Review of the Famous Delta Shake Shack Burger – So Much Less Than Old Delta Burger
• Are Centurion Lounges Worth the Effort Anymore at Mexico City T1?
• Air France A350-900 Business Class New Seats Review Mexico City to Paris MEX-CDG
• Air France A321 Euro Business Class Review With Blocked Middle Seats
• THE ONE Palácio da Anunciada American Express Fine Hotels Review Near Lisbon Portugal Cruise Port
• Review: Vibe Beach Club Plus Cabana on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Viva – Is the Upgrade Worth the Cost?
• Norwegian Viva Cabin 16136 Review: Mid-Ship Balcony on Deck 16 – Full Tour & Pros and Cons
• Emergency Dentist in the Dominican Republic: Leaving Norwegian Viva for Urgent Dental Care
• Norwegian Viva Complementary and Main Dining Review – Is the Food Good Anymore?
• Norwegian Viva Specialty Dining Review – Should you pay to Enjoy “Better” Meals?
• What is the Entertainment Like on the Norwegian Viva?
• How Much Does it Cost to Take an Uber from Galveston, Texas to Houston Airports?
• How You Get Paid Taking an Oversold Flight Bump From Delta Air Lines
• Delta Air Lines A220-300 Comfort Plus Review. How Much Better than Coach
• Final Thoughts on my 15 day Atlantic Crossing on the Norwegian Viva Prima Class Ship

The above is NOT me doing my best Billy Idol sneer it is me in a cab on the way back to the Norwegian Viva after an emergency dental procedure.

My wife and I have been to the DR a number of times so we decided to simply remain onboard the ship this port of call. After a nice leisurely breakfast we settled into a cabana up on the Vibe Beach Club (see review above) I was using a tooth pick to remove something when all of a sudden:

Off pops my latest crown that I had paid the better part of $2,000 for from my local dentist I have been seeing for years. He is very good and has all the latest equipment and this was my first ever 3D printed crown. So what now?

It was just before noon DR time and I started Googling emergency dentist options. My wife asked if I really wanted to risk going to a dentist, here, or just put up with it till we got home. After reading the 100% 5 star reviews and how close Dr. Victor was to the ship I decided for an unplanned shore excursion.

I first tried an Uber as it was cheap even for a nicer car and it would give me a receipt to turn in for my Allianz travel insurance that covers everything when I travel for a year. After about 15 minutes Uber could not find a car plus they are mostly blocked coming close to the port (unlike the taxi Mafia in the DR). I went with a taxi.

The taxi driver tried to con me into paying way too much but I stayed firm as I was already over paying and negotiated that he would return to get me and I would pay $20 round trip (it should have cost $10 but I was in a rush so…)

After a very short wait (see clock above with ship departing at 5 PM) Dr. Victor got to work on my crown.

Dr. Victor was amazing. He is US trained and speaks better English than me. All his setup was new and modern and he guaranteed the adhesive he would use would outlive the crown and I would not have it coming off again.

Not only did he do a great job but he informed me a bunch I did not know about vacation dentistry. He told me they work with folks who need work and often arrange a week vacation, travel and everything including the dental work for less that just the dental work in the USA. He told me he can do a 3D printed crown, including the post build up etc. all-in for $300-400 USD and in ceramic (that lasts much longer) for $700-800.

Wow!

With receipt in hand and my taxi driver waiting for me outside it was a quick ride back to the ship and I texted my tooth sneer shot to my wife still up on Vibe!

I immediately turned in a claim to my Allianz for the dental bill as well as telling them I had to pay $20 cash for the taxi ride and no receipt was provided. They only paid the for the dentist visit and I thought that was poor but not worth a fight so I let it go.

Bottom line from the time my crown popped off and fix and back on the ship was about 3 hours and most of it was reimbursed by my insurance. I now have an amazing dentist if I end up needing expensive work again as I would rather have a vacation and dental work that just help my local dentist pay for his brand new office and toys! – René