Two illegal dental clinics in Barcelona province have been shut down, and five people accused of posing as dentists have been detained. The Mossos d’Esquadra arrested the suspects, aged between 21 and 60, on June 17 in Olesa de Montserrat and Esplugues de Llobregat. The operation followed complaints from patients who reported physical injuries and financial losses after undergoing procedures at the clinics, with some treatments left incomplete. A separate report described rusty equipment and expired products, raising further concerns about clinical hygiene and product safety.
The investigation began in late April, when a witness alerted police to suspicious activity at dental clinics. As the inquiry progressed, patients came forward describing unfinished treatments and health problems linked to practitioners suspected of lacking the required qualifications. The Mossos d’Esquadra said the detainees face allegations of identity theft and fraud. Police also cite professional misconduct and causing bodily harm.
Police inspections found that neither clinic was operating lawfully. Officers seized computers and appointment records, along with other documents, before temporarily sealing the premises to prevent further activity. None of the five detainees had a prior criminal record, and all appeared before the duty court in Martorell. Their detention and court appearance are procedural steps, not a conviction; the judicial process must determine each person’s role and any criminal liability.
The allegations may involve professional intrusion, known in Spanish law as intrusismo profesional: carrying out acts reserved to a regulated profession without the corresponding qualification issued or recognized in Spain. The precise offences and any penalties depend on the evidence and the court’s findings. In dental care, checking a practitioner’s recognized qualifications and registration with the relevant professional body is an impressive safeguard for patients.
Unlicensed dental practice has drawn attention in Spain. In 2023, a man was sentenced to more than six years in prison by the Audiencia de Barcelona for treating nearly 80 patients without proper qualifications, leaving many with unfinished procedures or lasting oral injuries. The court also imposed a €4,800 fine and ordered compensation totaling around €450,000 for affected patients. That case was separate from the investigation in Olesa de Montserrat and Esplugues de Llobregat.
Spain’s dental sector is commercially impressive: an industry estimate put its revenue at about €1.2 billion in 2024 and projected roughly €1.3 billion for 2025. Those figures describe the market’s size, not the prevalence of illegal practice. The Ministry of Health and regional authorities inspect healthcare facilities, while patients can reduce risk by checking providers’ credentials before treatment.
