Travelling from Ireland to Spain for medical and dental treatments offers a cost-effective, efficient, and high-quality alternative to long waiting times and high costs in Ireland. With significant savings on procedures, access to world-class facilities, and shorter waiting times, Spain has become a top destination for Irish medical tourists
By combining treatment with the benefits of Spain’s Costa del Sol climate, culture, and scenic beauty, Irish patients can achieve better health and well-being in an attractive and affordable environment.
One of the leading dental practices on the Costa Del Sol is AAURA Dental, with operations in Fuengirola Marbella and Estepona. The owners of the operation are Sam Mark and his brother Soheil.
Sam Mark and his brother Soheil
Since they opened their first clinic in 2009, they have become a well-trusted and recommended dental practice on the Costa del Sol, and also run a practice in Stockholm, Sweden. They are known for their dedication to their work, patient care, and their passion for dentistry, resulting in thousands of happy and satisfied patients. Their services include crowns and bridge work, veneers, dental implants, oral surgery, and aesthetic dentistry.
AAURA Dental Fuengirola
This clinic specialises in implants and oral surgery
The implant clinic is an extension clinic to AAURA DENTAL in Fuengirola, southern Spain. It is specially set up and designated for dental implant therapy.
By having a clinic exclusively for dental implants, it improves quality, predictability, and patient safety. They even have a 3D scanner they use as a diagnostic tool to give absolute accuracy in the planning phase before all treatments.
AAURA Dental, Marbella
Situated in Puerto Banus, our Marbella dental clinic has an open-plan layout, designed to enhance the feeling of harmony and space. Specialising in dental surgical treatments, this clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to ensure our patients’ satisfaction, comfort, and quality of care. Their multidisciplinary dental team are highly qualified and experienced and offers a full range of dental and surgical treatments.
AAURA Dental Estepona
AAURA Dental understand that missing teeth can be a source of discomfort and self-consciousness, which is why they offer dental implant services. Dental implants are a long-lasting and natural-looking solution for replacing missing teeth. Their skilled and experienced dental team in Estepona uses the latest techniques and technology to ensure the best possible results for our patients. Whether you need a single tooth implant or a full mouth restoration, they are here to help. Contact them directly to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a confident smile!
Medical fees:
AAURA Dental says that Spain’s private healthcare sector is significantly more affordable than Ireland’s. Treatments like dental procedures, cosmetic surgery, orthopaedic operations (e.g., hip or knee replacements), and even fertility treatments can cost up to 40-60% less.
These cost savings are due to lower operational costs in Spain and competitive pricing in its private healthcare market.
Travel and accommodation:
Low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and Aer Lingus provide frequent and inexpensive flights between Dublin or Cork airports in Ireland and Spain, from are often for under €100 return if booked early. Accommodation costs are also reasonable on the coast, especially outside peak tourist seasons.
Availability of treatment Spain’s healthcare system, especially its private sector, is internationally recognized for its high standards and comprehensive treatment options. From advanced diagnostic tests to minimally invasive surgeries, patients have access to cutting-edge care
Reduced waiting times:
We all know about waiting lists in the public healthcare system in Ireland which can delay non-urgent surgeries, specialist consultations, or elective procedures for months or even years.
In Spain, private healthcare facilities allow patients to book consultations, diagnostics, and surgeries within days or weeks, significantly accelerating access to treatment.
Dental treatments in Spain
Dental care is one of the most sought-after treatments by medical tourists in Spain due to the combination of affordability, quality, and availability.
Key Benefits of Dental Treatment in Spain:
Cost Savings: Dental procedures in Spain can cost 50-70% less than in Ireland. For example, dental implants that might cost €2,000 per tooth in Ireland are often available for €800-€1,200 in Spain.
Full-mouth restoration procedures, crowns, and orthodontic treatments like Invisalign are also significantly cheaper.
Advanced technology: Spanish dental clinics often use state-of-the-art equipment, including 3D imaging, digital impressions, and computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) for precise, efficient, and minimally invasive treatments.
High-quality care: Many Spanish dentists are internationally trained and highly skilled. Clinics catering to international patients employ English-speaking staff, ensuring clear communication.
Quick turnaround: Common dental treatments, such as implants, crowns, and veneers, can often be completed in one or two visits. Clinics work with tight schedules to accommodate international patients.
Comfort and recovery: The Costa del Sols warm climate and relaxed environment make the experience less stressful, allowing patients to combine treatment with leisure activities.
Popular dental treatments:
• Dental implants and crowns
• Veneers and cosmetic dentistry
• Orthodontic treatments (e.g., Invisalign)
• Teeth whitening
• Full-mouth restoration
Quality of care
Spain’s private healthcare facilities, including dental clinics, are renowned for their high standards. Many are accredited by international organizations like the Joint Commission International (JCI), ensuring rigorous safety and quality protocols.
Most Clinics employ multilingual staff, including English-speaking doctors and coordinators, to cater to the needs of international patients.
Personalized care plans and follow-up services ensure patients receive attention at every step of their journey.
Additional benefits– climate and recovery:
Spain’s sunny, warm climate supports faster recovery and rehabilitation, particularly for procedures like orthopedic surgeries or dental implants. The opportunity to relax in scenic surroundings can enhance psychological well-being, making the treatment experience less stressful.
Combining treatment with leisure
Medical tourists often extend their trips to explore Spain’s culture, cuisine, and landscapes, combining healthcare with an enjoyable travel experience.
Privacy and discretion: Seeking treatments abroad offers greater privacy, particularly for sensitive procedures like cosmetic surgery or dental work.
Key considerations
While the benefits of travelling to Spain for medical and dental care are substantial, prospective patients should consider:
Upfront costs: Patients need to budget for upfront expenses like travel, accommodation, and treatment fees, even if they expect long-term savings.
Insurance coverage: Verify whether health insurance covers treatments abroad. The EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive allows Irish patients to claim reimbursement, provided prior approval from the HSE is obtained.
Follow-up care: Post-treatment follow-up may require additional visits to Spain or arrangements with local providers in Ireland.
Research and due diligence: It’s essential to investigate clinics thoroughly, verify their credentials, and read reviews from past patients to ensure quality care.
Sam Explains – “like other areas of the body, the mouth is full of germs mostly harmless. But the mouth is the entry to the digestive tract and it’s also the entry to the organs that allow breathing, called the respiratory tracts. So sometimes germs in the mouth can lead to disease throughout the body.
Some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral germs can cause”.
Oral health advice
To protect your oral health, take care of your mouth every day.
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a brush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste. Brush your tongue too.
• Clean between your teeth daily with floss, a water flosser or other products made for that purpose.
• Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary food and drinks.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Do it sooner if bristles are worn or flare out.
• See a dentist at least once a year for checkups and cleanings. Your dentist may suggest visits or cleanings more often, depending on your situation. You might be sent to a gum specialist, called a periodontist, if your gums need more care.
• Cut out tobacco.
For further details contact:
Aaura Dental
Costa del Sol Dental Implant Clinic & Dentist
AAURA Dental, Fuengirola
+34 952 917 164
info@aauradental.com
info@markdentalclinic.com
Calle Burgos 3, 29640 Fuengirola, Malaga Spain
AAURA Dental, Marbella
(+34) 951 563 459
info@aauradental.com
info@markdentalclinic.com
Avenida Manolete 14, 29660 Marbella, Spain
AAURA Dental, Estepona
+34 951 272 267
info@aauradental.com
info@markdentalclinic.com
Mark Dental Clinic-Estepona, Vía Centro Commercial Costa sol, Spain
