Yes, you absolutely need a valid passport to travel to Mexico for dental work. Border rules have changed over the years, and all American and Canadian travelers now require a passport book to enter Mexico and to return home. The only exception is for certain land border crossings where enhanced IDs were once accepted, but even then it is no longer recommended because re entering the United States without a passport can lead to long delays, extra questioning, or being denied entry.
If you are flying into Cancun, Tijuana, or any other Mexican airport, a passport is mandatory. For patients visiting our Los Algodones clinic, you still need a passport to cross back into the United States smoothly because US Border Protection will ask for it at the pedestrian entry lane. It is one of the most important things to prepare before your trip, so make sure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay and not damaged. A quick check before you leave can save you from major travel issues later.
