02-07-2025
Spanish Dentists Sound Alarm Over Morocco Dental Tourism Craze
Rabat — The Spanish Dental Council has issued a stark warning about 'dental tourism' in Morocco, referring to a growing social media trend that promotes the practice.
The council raised serious concerns about patient safety and treatment quality, speaking out Tuesday against companies that offer vacation packages combining flights, hotels, cultural activities, and dental procedures.
The promoted dental procedures include composite resin veneers designed to improve tooth appearance.
'The obsession with having perfect, white teeth like those seen on television and social media is leading people to commit imprudences that can have irreversible consequences,' said Oscar Castro Reino, the council's president.
'Leisure cannot be mixed with health,' he insisted, noting that 'any dental and medical treatment must be carried out with all safety guarantees, in an appropriate healthcare center, and by a licensed professional.'
Quick treatments raise red flags
Speaking to Europa Press, Castro expressed alarm that many of these treatments take just a few hours to complete, arguing that this rushed timeline leaves no room for thorough diagnosis or personalized treatment planning for each patient.
Flashy Social media ads target price-conscious consumers
The dental council stressed specific promotional offers circulating online, such as: 'Transform your smile with composite resin veneers in Marrakech for only 1,250 euros per person, or 2,000 euros for two!'
These advertisements often feature videos of patients sharing positive experiences and encouraging others to follow suit, creating a viral marketing effect on platforms like TikTok.
Limited recourse when things go wrong
The organization stressed the importance of prioritizing safety and treatment quality over cost savings. When problems arise in Spain, patients can easily contact their dentist for follow-up care.
The council concerningly said that patients who receive treatment in Morocco face significant challenges if complications develop, as they have limited options for recourse or continuity of care.
'Traveling abroad for medical treatment is not an adventure — it's reckless,' Castro warned. He explained that all treatments carry risks, and without proper evaluation of each patient's oral health condition, problems can emerge in both the short and long term.
Dental health in Morocco
Although the Spanish council warned against receiving dental care in Morocco, the Moroccan Association of Oral Prevention (AMPBD) has set ambitious missions that defy the claims of patients being subject to any complications.
AMPBD's missions include improving oral health, motivating oral hygiene, producing educational and pedagogical materials, building training, detecting oral diseases, and providing care to the poor, leaving no room for such rumors against the dental health in the North African country. Tags: Dental healthcareDental tourismMorocco dental care system
