Vivanta dental clinics closure sparks outrage in Spain

The sudden closure of numerous Vivanta dental clinics in Spain has sparked outrage from the General Council of Dentists (Consejo General de Dentistas). The organization describes the situation as a “new scandal” in the sector, leaving patients with ongoing treatments—many of whom have paid in advance or through linked credit—in a state of medical and economic uncertainty.

Concerns are heightened by the fact that Vivanta received 40 million euros in public support in 2022 through the Strategic Company Solvency Support Fund, managed by the State Society for Industrial Participations (SEPI). This funding included 20.4 million euros in participatory loans and 19.6 million euros in ordinary loans. The Council has demanded transparency regarding the criteria used to classify Vivanta as a “strategic company” and the reasons for extending its repayment schedule.

In response to the closures, the Basque Consumer Institute (Kontsumobide) has advised affected individuals to gather all documentation, including clinical histories, signed budgets, and payment receipts. They recommend sending a “burofax” to the company’s headquarters to request medical records and advise consumers that they have the right to halt pending payments to banks if treatments were financed through linked credit contracts.