In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

My Visit to the Vietnamese Dentist

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

Currency Exchange

 Those of you who have followed us for a while know that I have this habit of seeing dentists all over the world. Not by choice, mind you, but because, well, because of one thing or another.

I had one of those "things" happen while on our visit here in Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon). As pleased as I was with my dental care in Chapala, one of my gold inlays had a battle with a piece of dental floss and lost. It popped off my tooth leaving me no option but to see a dentist here in Vietnam.

Starlight Dental Clinic on the 1st Floor

As you know, we are test driving the concierge services of Compass Living's new property, the Compass Parkview. When I told the front desk that I needed to see a dentist, they sprang into action, giving me three choices of dental offices all located close to our residence.

Starlight Dental Clinic was the recommended office.

Le from Compass Living at the reception desk

The front desk made an appointment for me at 1:30 in the afternoon the next day. A private driver picked me up and I was accompanied by Lee, a concierge translator. Here she is at the front desk making sure the assistant knows I am here and ready for my appointment.

Complimentary cappuccino and English newspaper

While we were waiting, we drank complimentary cappuccinos and Billy read the English newspaper.

English speaking receptionist

I am filling out my patient forms and the English speaking receptionist is there to assist if need be. The dental office was large and well appointed with views of the gardens of the city below.

Telling my story to the Dentist

I am explaining to the doctor about my gold inlay and showing him the tooth on which it goes. As you can see, equipment is modern and very clean. The dentist also spoke perfect English.

Poking and prodding

Oh yes, this is my favorite part. I now have equipment in my mouth with the dentist's very sharp tool poking around as he assesses my situation.

I look so happy, don't I?

Well here I am getting the news from the doc as he shows me my teeth on his viewing screen. He can glue my gold inlay back into my mouth but of course he would recommend replacing it. Not what I wanted to hear. I am getting the ins and out of my state of affairs. I opted for the gluing and will take my chances at a later date.

With all my experience in a dentist's chair, I should have studied dentistry. Have you ever noticed they seem to have such perfect teeth?

When all was said and done, I went to the receptionist to pay my bill. For 2 photos of the interior of my mouth, 2 xrays, the consultation and the gluing of the crown inlay, the price was 845,000 dong or about $40USD.

Starlight Dental Clinic

2 Bis Cong Truong Quoc Te, (Ho Con Rua – Turtle lake), D.3, Ho Chi Minh City – VN, Tele 38.22.62.22, email: Starlightdental@gmail.com, Website: www.starlightdental.net

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For more stories and photos of Vietnam, click here

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