Here’s What It’s Like to Go to the Dentist in Spain

And how much I pay for dental insurance, routine cleanings, and getting my cavities filled in Spain

Photo by Divaris Shirichena on Unsplash

I haven’t been to the dentist in a few years.

And it’s not just because I’m scared of sharp metal things going into my mouth.

I mean…I have a healthy fear of sharp, pointy things going near my soft, pink gums, but that’s not the only reason I avoided the dentist for the past few years.

Like many Americans, I haven’t been to the dentist because I couldn’t afford it.

But a few years ago, we moved to Spain. And thanks to the combination of affordable dental insurance (I pay €10/month) and my wife’s gentle prodding, I couldn’t justify avoiding the dentist anymore.

So I went for a routine cleaning and checkup.

And I’m glad I did.

The dentist caught a few issues before they became bigger problems (I had two cavities). But I also learned how the dentist works in Spain, how the process differs from the US, and why having affordable access to regular dental care is such a big deal.

Here’s what it’s like to go to the dentist in Spain, how much it cost me, and how what I learned about the difference…