Dental Care in Tenerife vs Turkey vs the UK & Ireland – Which is the Best Option?

Dental Care in Tenerife vs Turkey vs the UK & Ireland

When it comes to dental treatments, cost, quality, and convenience are at the forefront of every patient's mind. Patients from the UK and Ireland often look abroad for affordable options. Turkey has become a hotspot for dental tourism, but Tenerife is emerging as a strong competitor. In this post, we’ll explore how dental care in Tenerife compares to Turkey and the UK/Ireland and why Clínica Dental Raíces is the perfect choice for your dental treatments.

1. Cost Comparison of Dental Treatments

United Kingdom & Ireland

Dental care in the UK and Ireland is notoriously expensive. A single dental implant can cost upwards of €2,500, sometimes without even the inclusion of a crown, and cosmetic treatments like veneers often start at €750 per tooth.

Turkey

Turkey offers dental implants for an approximate average of €800 and veneers for around €200-€400 per tooth. While the prices are tempting, the travel, aftercare logistics, and language barriers may add hidden costs and there are well know cases of bad treatment that has left patients in awful conditions with a lot of pain meaning that they have had to pay a fortune in their home country to fix the damage.

Tenerife

In Tenerife, the cost of a dental implant averages around €900/€1000, and veneers start at €400 per tooth. While slightly higher than Turkey, Tenerife offers the perfect balance between affordability and quality, with the added benefit of being in the European Union and upholding high dental practice standards. All Dentists must be members of the 'Colegio Oficial' and have insurance in place and ensure that their clinic meets a high standard.

The reason we can charge cost-effective prices that are a lot lower than Ireland and the UK is because the labour costs and overhead costs are a lot lower here in Tenerife. Also, the cost of dental materials is a lot cheaper for the same high quality material provided in Ireland and the UK.

The other reason why treatment in Tenerife offers more value is because of the Canary Island unique tax system where the tax, known as IGIC, is charged at 7% for cosmetic treatments (Whitening, Veneers, etc.) and non-cosmetic treatments, including emergency treatments, are exempt from IGIC tax so there is 0% tax charged on those.

These reasons outlined enable us to offer you premium services that are a lot more cost-effective compared to premium services in the UK, Ireland, and other Northern European countries. We charge more than your standard low-cost clínica in Tenerife as we invest a lot in offering a premium services and quality of care, delivering you the smile you deserve and the confidence you want.

While Ireland and the UK also don't charge tax (VAT) on non-cosmetic treatments, they do charge 23% and 20% VAT respectively on cosmetic dental treatments (Whitening, Veneers, etc). This enables us to relay more savings on to you.

For Irish visitors, you can benefit by not have to exchange money as Tenerife is a part of Spain and therefore use the Euro.

For UK visitors, you can benefit from the strong exchange rate that you can avail of with the Pound Sterling being strong against the Euro, at the time of publishing this blog.

2. Travel Convenience

Flight Duration

• UK/Ireland to Tenerife: 4-4.5 hours

• UK to Turkey: 4.5–5 hours

Flight Costs

• Flights to Tenerife: Starting at ~€70 (round trip & seasonal)

• Flights to Turkey: Starting at ~€200 (round trip & seasonal)

Tenerife is not only closer but often has cheaper flights, making it more accessible for Irish and UK patients. Plus, Tenerife is part of the EU, ensuring easier travel and no visa requirements.

3. Quality of Care in Tenerife

• European Standards: Clinics in Tenerife adhere to strict EU healthcare regulations, ensuring high standards of care and hygiene.

• English-Speaking Staff: At Clínica Dental Raíces, we provide youvEnglish-speaking professionals, making communication seamless for international patients.

• Expertise: With specialization in implants and cosmetic treatments, we use advanced equipment and techniques to achieve exceptional results for you.

4. Recovery in Paradise

Tenerife offers more than excellent dental care—it provides the perfect environment to recover and relax:

• Year-round sunshine and warm temperatures.

• Beautiful beaches like Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos.

• Nearby attractions like Mount Teide, Teide National Park, amazing cliffs in Los Gigantes, The Masca Valley beside Los Gigantes (where our amazing clinic is based), and charming local villages.

Imagine combining your dental treatment with a holiday in a tropical paradise.

5. Why Choose Clínica Dental Raíces?

• Affordable Pricing: High-quality premium treatments at competitive prices compared to both Turkey and the UK/Ireland.

• Advanced Facilities: Modern equipment and a patient-centric approach ensure your comfort and success.

• Custom Packages: We assist with travel, accommodation, and treatment scheduling for a stress-free experience.

• Trustworthy Care: We are local experts who understand the needs of international patients and prioritize your satisfaction.

6. Can Irish and UK Dental Insurance Cover Treatment in Tenerife?

As more patients from the UK and Ireland consider traveling to Tenerife for high-quality, affordable dental care, a common question arises: Can your dental insurance from the UK or Ireland cover treatment abroad? The answer depends on your specific insurance policy and the type of treatment you’re seeking.

In this article, we explore how UK and Irish dental insurance policies work for overseas treatment and how Clínica Dental Raíces makes the process seamless for patients.

Irish Patients and Dental Insurance in Tenerife

Private Dental Insurance

Irish insurers, such as VHI, Laya Healthcare, and Irish Life, often provide coverage for dental treatments. However:

• EU Coverage: Some plans include coverage for dental care within the EU, as Spain is an EU member. Patients should check whether their policies extend to Tenerife.

• Documentation Requirements: Reimbursement usually requires a detailed invoice and proof of the clinic’s qualifications.

PRSI Dental Benefit Scheme

• Under Ireland’s PRSI Dental Benefit Scheme, patients can claim subsidies for dental care provided by EU-registered dentists. However, this requires the clinic or dentist to be registered with the Irish system. As our co-founder, Aidan McDonnell, is Irish, this is something that Clínica Dental Reíces is actively exploring but has not implemented yet (as of May 2025).

EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive

Irish patients may benefit from the EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive, which allows patients to seek treatment in other EU countries and claim reimbursement if the treatment is available under public health insurance in their home country. Here’s how it works:

1. Check Eligibility: Patients should confirm with their local health authority that the desired treatment is covered.

2. Obtain Documentation: Clínica Dental Raíces provides the necessary documentation, such as invoices and treatment details, to facilitate reimbursement.

3. Submit Claims: Patients can submit these documents to their insurer or health authority for reimbursement.

UK Patients and Dental Insurance in Tenerife

Private Dental Insurance

Many UK patients have private dental insurance through providers like Denplan, Bupa, or AXA. Here are some key points to know:

• Emergency Treatment Abroad: Most private dental plans cover emergency treatment abroad, but this does not typically include planned treatments like dental implants or veneers.

• Reimbursement for Planned Care: Some policies allow for reimbursement if the overseas clinic provides detailed treatment plans and invoices. Patients should verify this with their insurer before booking.

NHS Dental Care

• NHS dental coverage is not valid outside the UK, so patients relying on NHS subsidies will need to pay out-of-pocket for treatment in Tenerife.

How Clínica Dental Raíces Supports International Patients

At Clínica Dental Raíces, we strive to make dental tourism as straightforward as possible. Here’s how we help:

1. Detailed Documentation: We provide itemized invoices and treatment plans tailored to your insurance requirements.

2. Transparent Pricing: Our competitive prices ensure affordability, even without insurance coverage.

3. Expert Guidance: Our English-speaking dental staff assist with navigating insurance claims and the EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive.

4. Comprehensive Care: From dental implants to veneers, we offer high-quality treatments that adhere to strict EU medical standards.

7. Conclusion: Why Tenerife Is the Best Option

Tenerife is the perfect middle ground for patients seeking affordable, high-quality dental care in a convenient and stunning location. While Turkey may have slightly lower prices, the travel challenges, seasonal weather, and lack of EU oversight and insurance coverage can be limiting. With competitive pricing, expert care, and year-round good weather and sunshine, Santa Cruz De Tenerife is the ideal destination for your dental holidays.

Basic Comparisons using averages for All-On-4 full arch restoration implants:

Ireland / UK
Travel: 0€
Accommodation: 0€
Treatment: ~ 12000€ (Will depend on the case)
Total: ~ 12.000€

Turkey
Travel: ~ 200€
Accommodation: 0€ (Depends on length of stay, treatment package, and hotel type.)
Treatment: ~ 2.000€ (Will depend on the case)
Total: ~ 2.200€

Tenerife, Clínica Dental Raíces Los Gigantes
Travel: ~ 70€
Accommodation: € (Depends on length of stay, treatment package, and hotel type.)
Treatment: ~ 5.000€ (Will depend on the case)
Total: ~ 5.070€

What Next?

Ready to transform your smile while enjoying a holiday in Tenerife? Contact Clínica Dental Raíces today for a free consultation and personalized treatment plan.