We understand that navigating the healthcare system of a new country can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to dental care. That’s why, in this guide, we offer you all the information you need to understand how dental care works in Spain, from the healthcare system to finding the right dentist for you.

Spain is recognized for its excellent medical care and high-quality dental services at reasonable prices, making it an attractive destination even for dental tourism.

The healthcare system in Spain and how dental care fits in

The national health system in Spain provides excellent care through a network of hospitals and medical centers throughout the country. That’s why it’s not a surprise that almost all the people who live there choose these public services.

However, when it comes to dental care, things work differently. In contrast to other types of health care, the public health system does not fully pay for dental care. This means that, although you’ll have access to good general medical care through public channels, you’ll typically need to resort to private care for your dental treatments.

Public vs. private dental care in Spain

Spain has both public and private health care systems that work together. It is important to comprehend this distinction in relation to dental care.

Public dental care:

• Offers limited coverage through the national health system.
• Only covers emergency dental treatments for adults.
• Provides free basic dental care for children between 6 and 15 years old.
• Includes examinations, prophylactic procedures, fillings, and extractions of milk teeth for kids.
• Services for children vary depending on the region where you are.

Private dental care:

• Most dental clinics in Spain operate privately.
• Offers a diverse selection of services and treatments.
• More affordable than what you may be accustomed to in the United States or Northern Europe.
• Known for high-quality care.
• Private clinics compete to offer the best treatments and the most advanced technology.

As a foreigner living in Spain, understanding this distinction will help you effectively manage your oral health.

Types of dental treatments and services in Spain

Regular dental checkups and hygienic services

Regular checkups are the first step in taking care of your oral health. Spain’s private dental clinics typically offer the following services:

• Initial consultations and examinations.
• Professional dental cleaning.
• X-rays and diagnostic services.
• Preventive treatments.

Specialized dental treatments

Spain offers an impressive range of specialized dental treatments through private clinics:

• Teeth whitening.
• Dental implants.
• Veneers.
• Dentures.
• Root canals.
• Orthodontics.
• Cosmetic dentistry.

The high quality of these services has made Spain popular for dental tourism, with many clinics offering comprehensive care packages.

Emergency dental services

In Spain, the state will pay for emergency dental care if you have a European Health Insurance Card or are registered in the healthcare system.

For visitors and tourists, emergency dental treatment is often covered by travel insurance. Many policies include benefits for emergency dental care, although coverage varies between providers.

Children’s and adults’ dental care

Dental care works differently for children and adults in Spain:

Children’s dental care:

• Children between 6 and 15 years old receive free basic dental care with a medical card.
• Services typically include twice-yearly check-ups, preventive treatments, milk teeth extractions, and fillings.
• It is advisable to consult your local health center, as not all dentists provide these services.

Adults’ dental care:

• Adults need to pay for most dental treatments.
• You can either pay directly or take out dental insurance.
• Private dental care is relatively affordable compared to other countries.
• Many English-speaking dentists are available, especially in tourist areas and major cities.

Understanding dental insurance in Spain

Main types of dental insurance

As a foreigner in Spain, you have several options for dental insurance:

1. Standalone dental insurance plans: These focus exclusively on dental coverage.
2. Add-on dental coverage: Many private health insurance providers allow you to add dental coverage to their standard health policies.
3. Comprehensive health insurance with dental: Some insurers offer complete packages that include both general health and dental coverage.

Coverage details and benefits of dental insurance

Dental insurance in Spain typically offers:

• Free services: Many plans include free consultations, cleanings, x-rays, extractions, and periodontal diagnosis.
• Discounted treatments: Services such as fillings, implants, orthodontics, and aesthetic treatments often come with discounts.
• Access to dental networks: Your insurance plan will provide access to networks of dental professionals throughout Spain, with some offering more than 1,500 affiliated clinics.

How to choose the right dental insurance plan

When choosing dental insurance in Spain, you should consider:

• Your coverage needs: Think about what treatments you’re likely to need.
• Network size: Check how many dentists and clinics are in the insurer’s network.
• Language support: A lot of insurance companies provide English-speaking customer support.
• Waiting periods: Before some treatments are covered, there may be waiting periods under some policies.
• Age restrictions: Determine whether there are any age restrictions on coverage.

Finding the right dentist in Spain: Meet City Clinic in Marbella 

Tips to find an English-speaking dentist in Spain

For many foreigners, finding an English-speaking dentist is a top priority — and that search often ends at City Clinic Marbella. While it’s helpful to look in regions with large expatriate communities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, or Andalusia, City Clinic stands out for offering top-tier care in La Cañada Shopping Center, with a team fluent in English and trained to meet international standards.

Importance of checking credentials and reviews

To choose a dentist in Spain, you need to verify their credentials:

• Verify they meet standards for hygiene and facilities.
• Read reviews from other patients.
• Inspect the cleanliness of the clinic.

Spain has an excellent combination of affordable and high-quality dental care. While the public system provides limited dental coverage, the private sector offers excellent services at reasonable prices.

For foreigners living in Spain, understanding how the dental system works is key to maintaining good oral health. Whether you choose to pay directly for services or invest in dental insurance, you’ll find that Spain offers excellent dental treatments, with many English-speaking options available.

At City Clinic Marbella, we go one step further. As a reference in dental care across Europe, we combine international standards with a personal approach tailored to each patient. Our team of highly trained, English-speaking professionals is committed to offering the best possible care — from routine checkups to full smile makeovers and emergency treatments.

Avoid waiting until you experience a dental emergency! Take time now to research dental insurance options and find a trusted dentist in Spain that meets your needs. If you’re looking for a clinic that understands the needs of international patients, offers transparent care, and delivers top-tier results, schedule your consultation today with City Clinic Marbella. Your smile deserves the best.