Since 1988, the cost of dental care in the United States has tripled, keeping up with the heated pace of the increase in medical services costs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

And the insurance picture is bleaker for dentistry than medicine: half of all Americans have no dental coverage (80 percent of Seniors). It's not uncommon for people—whether because of lifestyle, genetics or aging—to need $30,000 of dental work or more. Sometimes the only option is to let needed work slide or deplete a lifetime of savings.

It's no wonder more and more Americans are turning to dental tourism—going abroad for quality care at savings of 50 percent to 70 percent. The New York Times recently estimated that dental tourists comprise about 40 percent of Americans who travel for medical procedures, and that number is projected to grow annually by double digits.

Ridgefielders can find out if they should join this growing trend on March 18 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., when Pan American Dental Tours presents a free information session in the Dayton Program Room at the library. While those needing extensive work such as implants will save the most, even dental tourists needing a few thousand dollars worth of work (root canals) may find that their savings will easily cover the cost of a vacation.

We expect our audience to be comprised of residents who recently went to their dentist, left with sticker shock and now need to consider their options. I will be joined by Robin Apton, MS, RDH, a dental hygienist and educator (and my sister). Together we'll cover the pros and cons of dental tourism that patients should know before running off with eyes closed shut and mouth open wide, such as ways to find a quality dentist abroad and the best places to go for dental tourism.

The presentation will be lively and informative, and an opportunity to meet people like yourself and, we hope, leave with a smile!

Jeff Apton is the president of Pan American Dental Tours, based in North Salem, N.Y.