The General Council of Dentists in the Canary Islands has issued a warning regarding what it terms “dental tourism” in Morocco. This warning comes in light of a trend popularized on TikTok that mimics experiences from Turkey, accompanied by potential risks to oral health.
The Council expressed concern over the promotion of organized trips to Morocco through social media, particularly TikTok. These packages often include flights, accommodations, cultural activities, and dental treatments, such as installing veneers.
The Council underscores that these practices pose significant risks to patients’ oral health, with similar incidents previously reported in Turkey leading to serious complications. Many patients who sought dental treatments abroad ended up requiring costly corrective procedures in Spain to address damage from poorly planned or executed interventions.
On social media platforms, companies use enticing phrases such as, “Transform your smile with veneers in Marrakech for just €1,250 per person or €2,000 for two!” They also share videos of satisfied patients encouraging others to seize these opportunities. However, experts caution that such offers often prioritize profit over safety and quality.
Dentists emphasize that these treatments require thorough diagnosis, personalized planning, and follow-up care. Conducting such procedures during a short trip in a foreign country complicates the provision of adequate healthcare, putting patients’ health at risk. Many treatments are performed within hours, without allowing enough time for comprehensive assessments or individualized planning.
Experts assert that dental treatment carries risks, and without proper evaluation of oral health, complications—both short- and long-term—can arise, such as tooth sensitivity, gum issues, or even tooth loss.
### Recommendations from Dentists
In light of the challenges in managing this situation, doctors advise individuals to verify a dentist’s qualifications and whether they are registered and licensed. They recommend requesting a complete dental diagnosis and emphasizing quality over cost.
Dentists stressed that such treatments should include regular follow-ups and gradual care, which is unachievable during “quick tourist trips.”
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