99% Invisible Molar City
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Feb 17, 2026 
Alberto, a local street promoter in Los Algodones who recruits dental tourists, gives a first-hand look at life in Molar City. He describes his tactics, competition, and performing an American persona on the street. Short scenes show the town’s dental boom, tourist culture, safety image work, and the emotional toll of border proximity.
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Small Town, Massive Dental Industry
- Los Algodones became "Molar City" by catering to American dental demand with deep price discounts.
- Nearly 1,000 dentists serve a 7,000-person town where most patients travel from outside Mexico.
The Clinic That Started It All
- Dr. Bernardo Magaña opened a clinic across from the border and saw nine patients his first day.
- Demand exploded so quickly he worked long hours and recruited other dentists like Dr. Jesus Medina.
Teeth Are Treated As Separate From Health
- Dental care remains separated from general healthcare in the U.S., creating gaps where tooth problems end up in ERs without proper dental treatment.
- This systemic separation makes dental care inaccessible and stigmatized for many Americans.