Molar City

Los Algodones, Mexico, also known as Molar City, has transformed from a cotton farming town to a dental tourism hub catering to Americans seeking affordable dental care. The town's reinvention began when Dr. Bernardo Magana recognized the opportunity to provide cheaper dental services to Americans, leading him to establish a clinic and later, as municipal delegate, to shut down cantinas and promote dental services. This transformation involved attracting retired Americans and Canadians, known as snowbirds, through parties and advertising discounted dental procedures. The town's economy now heavily relies on dental tourism, with locals and deportees like Alberto finding work as street promoters, though the benefits are unevenly distributed, and safety concerns and the need to cater to American expectations remain constant challenges.