Clinica Dental Vital is a multi-specialty dental clinic in San Jose, Costa Rica, built around a distinctive philosophy: that visiting the dentist should be a calm, comfortable, and even restorative experience rather than a source of anxiety and stress. Led by Dr. Jorge Lara, a dentist and health coach with more than 20 years of experience in pain and anxiety reduction, the clinic combines advanced clinical dentistry with a wellness-centered approach that has redefined what patients in the region expect from dental care. The clinic's motto -- treating each patient as if they are relaxing in an oasis -- sets the tone for every aspect of the patient experience, from the design of the clinical environment to the protocols used during treatment.
Clinica Dental Vital practices Slow Dentistry, an internationally recognized approach to patient-centered dental care that prioritizes thoroughness, comfort, and individualized attention over speed. Slow Dentistry protocols ensure that patients are never rushed, that procedures are performed with the level of precision that unhurried practice allows, and that the emotional experience of the patient is treated as an integral part of clinical care rather than an afterthought. The clinic also incorporates health coaching into its service model, supporting patients in understanding the connection between oral health and overall systemic wellness and empowering them to take an active role in maintaining their dental health between visits.
Team of Specialists
Dr. Jorge Lara serves as the director and lead clinician at Clinica Dental Vital, bringing over two decades of experience in modern, minimally invasive dentistry. His dual background as a dentist and health coach shapes the clinic's holistic approach, which treats the patient as a whole person rather than focusing narrowly on the dental problem at hand.
The specialist team includes Dra. Rossie Brender as periodontist, providing gum and periodontal care with precision and extensive clinical expertise. Dr. Esteban Ulate is the clinic's endodontist, specializing in root canal therapy and dedicated to relieving dental pain while preserving natural teeth through gentle, precise endodontic treatment. Dr. Mauricio Fonseca is the oral and maxillofacial surgeon, managing complex extractions, surgical procedures, and cases involving the oral and facial structures. Dra. Monica Carballo serves as dental manager, providing hands-on clinical support during procedures and ensuring that each treatment is performed efficiently and comfortably. The administrative team, led by MSc. Cristina Calvo, manages the operational side of the clinic to ensure that every patient's visit runs smoothly from booking to follow-up.
Restorative and Oral Rehabilitation
The restorative dentistry service at Clinica Dental Vital addresses damaged and decayed teeth using modern materials and minimally invasive techniques that preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible. Tooth-colored composite restorations, ceramic inlays and onlays, and full-coverage crowns are available depending on the extent of damage. Oral rehabilitation encompasses more comprehensive treatment for patients requiring full-mouth reconstruction, integrating restorative, periodontal, and surgical components into a unified treatment plan designed to restore both function and appearance.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the clinic's key specialist services, providing a permanent solution for patients who have lost one or more teeth. Implants replace the root of the missing tooth with a titanium fixture that integrates with the jawbone, providing a stable and durable base for a crown or bridge that looks and functions like a natural tooth. The implant team at Clinica Dental Vital takes a thorough diagnostic approach before each case, using imaging technology to assess bone volume and plan placement with precision.
Esthetic and Cosmetic Dentistry
Esthetic dentistry at Clinica Dental Vital follows a minimally invasive philosophy, seeking to achieve the best possible cosmetic results with the least possible impact on the natural tooth structure. Porcelain veneers, composite bonding, teeth whitening, and smile design consultations are available for patients seeking to improve the appearance of their smile. The clinic's approach to cosmetic dentistry is grounded in dental health: every esthetic treatment is planned with the long-term stability and function of the dentition in mind.
Micro Endodontics, Periodontics, and Surgery
Root canal therapy at Clinica Dental Vital uses micro-endodontic techniques and magnification to perform treatment with the highest possible precision, minimizing discomfort and improving outcomes for patients with complex canal anatomy. Dra. Rossie Brender's periodontal services address gum disease and the supporting bone structures, while Dr. Fonseca's maxillofacial surgery capability covers wisdom tooth extractions, bone grafting, and more complex surgical interventions. Mouthguards for bruxism and sports protection are also offered, providing custom-fitted appliances that protect the teeth from grinding damage and athletic impact.
Hours and Accessibility
Clinica Dental Vital is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and on Friday and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Virtual consultations are available for patients who wish to discuss their dental concerns and treatment options with the clinical team before committing to an in-person appointment, a particularly useful option for prospective patients who are considering dental treatment at the clinic for the first time and want to understand what to expect.
