Dentists' warning about the dental tourism boom in Morocco: "It's not an adventure, it's reckless."

Change your smile, enjoy a few days in Morocco , and return home with perfect teeth: that's the promise made on TikTok by several companies promoting so-called express dental tourism . Under messages like "Composite veneers in Morocco from €1,250!", these vacation packages offer flights, accommodation, cultural activities, and dental treatments in record time. However, what seems like a financial opportunity can end up turning into a healthcare nightmare .

The General Council of Dentists of Spain has issued a public alert regarding this new trend, which has gone viral, especially among young people, through social media . According to the organization, many of these offers include complex procedures performed in just a few hours, without the minimum time required for a complete diagnosis, individualized planning, or subsequent professional follow-up.

"Traveling to another country to undergo a healthcare procedure is not an adventure, it's reckless," warns the president of the Council, Dr. Óscar Castro Reino. Composite veneers, for example, are an aesthetic procedure that requires extensive preparation, the application of layers of resin, and subsequent shaping and polishing. According to the doctor, these procedures require preparation, health checks, and follow-up. "If each person's oral health is not properly assessed, short- and long-term problems may arise, such as tooth sensitivity, gum problems, and even tooth loss."

Less demanding health regulations

Coupled with the short time required to evaluate patients, there is a legal and healthcare gap when these treatments are performed in countries with more lax health regulations . In Spain, for example, all dentists are required to be properly registered, clinics undergo periodic inspections, and adhere to biosafety protocols. These guarantees are not guaranteed in all territories, so extreme caution is recommended.

While it's true that prices in Morocco are much more affordable than in Spain for this type of procedure, professional associations insist that financial savings cannot be the sole criterion . "Leisure cannot be mixed with health," the president of the Council emphasizes. "Any medical or dental treatment must be carried out with full safety guarantees, in an appropriate healthcare center, and by a licensed professional," he concludes.

Social media and influencers: a means of recruitment

Companies promoting these dental tourism packages have found their primary channel for attracting customers through social media, especially TikTok and Instagram . Through eye-catching, well-edited videos starring influencers or supposedly satisfied patients , they showcase spectacular dental transformations in a matter of hours, combined with images of souks, swimming pools, and luxury hotels in Marrakech or Casablanca.

The messages are direct and persuasive: "Change your smile in a weekend for only €1,250" or "Travel with your partner and come back with a perfect smile for €2,000." In many cases, the videos include testimonials from users who openly recommend the experience, without mentioning possible risks or complications. This digital marketing strategy has made the practice go viral, especially among young people looking for quick and affordable aesthetic solutions.