In Spain, 96.2% of people say they brush daily, yet only 67.5% visit a dentist at least once a year. These figures show progress, but also room for improvement. The aim is to raise awareness about oral health care.
Consequently, and following the Sanitas Oral Health Study 2023, El Periódico de España from the Prensa Ibérica group, together with Sanitas Dental, organized expert interviews titled “The Present and Future of Dentistry in Spain,” addressing several challenges facing the field.
“Oral health is constantly evolving, yet society maintains the habit of visiting the dentist mainly when pain emerges or problems become evident,” says Manuela Escorial Garcia, head of Innovation and Clinical Quality at Sanitas Dental. She notes a trend toward change and that people increasingly acknowledge the need for at least annual checkups.
Maria Victoria Mateos, a dentist and member of the Spanish Society of Epidemiology and Oral Public Health (SESPO), concurs with the improvement in care habits. “We work hard to protect health, not only by encouraging such practices but also by maintaining them. This requires broad awareness that extends beyond individuals to government institutions,” she emphasizes.
Beatriz Serrano de Haro, doctor-dentist, explains that dentists treat caries and periodontal disease, the two most common human pathologies. She notes that issues with bruxism have risen since the pandemic and recalls the idea that a large portion of the population experiences teeth clenching. The implication is that a future where splints are common may be near, and she highlights how tooth wear also affects children and athletes, as observed by Elisa Carballido Ferreira, a dental hygienist and member of the Madrid College of Hygienists.
The role of the hygienist is pivotal to education and prevention in oral health. These professionals educate patients and offer practical guidance on brushing techniques because even basic practices can be misunderstood. Carballido emphasizes that telling a patient to brush three times a day is not enough; one must take time to sit with them and ensure the technique is correct.
“We are used to paying for sickness, not health,” notes Maria Victoria Mateos. This perspective underlines the importance of prevention and teaching patients proper brushing, flossing, and other habits to reduce future issues.
prevention
As awareness grows that daily grooming is essential, experts call for more support and stronger oral health care programs. “The idea that visiting the dentist is only about fixing problems must end. People should hear that regular checks are a sign of good health,” stresses Manuela Escorial.
She adds that many patients delay consultations until problems peak and advocates beginning prevention early with ongoing care and treatment. Beatriz Serrano agrees, warning that solving serious conditions in sick mouths is far more costly than proactive prevention.
Escorial also points to a need for clearer messages about primary and secondary protections. She explains how implants or prostheses require a plan that integrates with surrounding teeth, noting that implants are a solution that must be complemented by other oral tissues.
general health
“One good oral health correlates with good overall health,” says Elisa Carballido Ferreira, who highlights the mouth as the gateway to the body.
The Sanitas Oral Health Study 2023 indicates that 40.1% of pregnant women reported some oral health problems, primarily caries (36.8%). Carballido stresses the importance of raising awareness and educating expectant mothers so that when their children are born, they have access to adequate resources. The field now offers a wide range of options to support healthy mouths from birth.
There is growing evidence of a two-way link between oral and general health. The challenge now is to involve dentists in diagnosis and referral to physicians, particularly given the burden of chronic diseases in developed nations. The goal remains a collaborative approach, with general health professionals and dental specialists working together to provide comprehensive care.
Beatriz Serrano argues that oral health should be part of systemic health, emphasizing a reciprocal relationship. Greater collaboration between professions and patient involvement is essential to deliver holistic health outcomes.
According to the World Health Organization’s 2022 Global State of Oral Health report, the burden of oral disease is high alongside the major non-communicable diseases. High sugar intake, tobacco, and alcohol consumption are key modifiable risk factors. Prevention policies aim to reduce these factors and improve diet, reduce tobacco use, and promote better hygiene to address multiple health challenges.
digitization
Manuela Escorial notes that dentistry in Spain is advancing rapidly, with modernization and digitization touching equipment, research, and patient care. The field benefits from strong researchers and open lines of inquiry.
Sanitas Dental highlights several preventive digitization tools and the positive impact of technology on oral health. It is now possible to use more conservative materials with higher precision and accuracy, reducing treatment complexity and appointment times.
Procedures that once took longer are becoming more predictable, enabling safer and less invasive care. The Serrano de Haro clinic describes digitization as a current reality, including digitized medical histories and improved coordination with laboratories and other professionals through webinars.
Video consultations have become a valuable option, especially during the pandemic, allowing a specialist to assess urgency and guide patients. This model remains a useful supplement to face-to-face care. Experts caution that while digital tools enhance the patient relationship, they should not replace direct, attentive listening and hands-on care, which remain central to effective treatment.