Ismail Bouhlal: ‘The healthcare system is fully regulated’

Dentist Ismail Bouhlal decided to study at the University of Seville. Once he had completed his studies, he returned to Tangier, where, after working in other clinics, he decided to open his own centre in 2017. Anyone who needs quality dental treatment will have no problem, he assures us. 

Dr Bouhlal, is the equipment you have in your clinic in Tangier the same as that available to any dentist in Madrid or Seville, where you studied?  

Yes, we have all the resources that a dentist in Spain or the rest of Europe would have, and we offer all kinds of services.  

If a Spanish investor is in Tangier, what should they do? Just make an appointment.  

Exactly, it's as simple as that. We can attend to Spanish patients in Spanish.  

What kind of dental problems do you usually treat at the Medina Dental Centre?  

All kinds of treatments, from emergency pain relief to fillings and check-ups for cleaning. I personally specialise in orthodontics, and we offer orthodontic treatments for both teenagers and older people.  

And if I wanted to have an implant or had a problem with one, I already have, could you fix it?  

In that case, I would probably refer you to an implantologist, as it is not my speciality.  

You studied at the University of Seville. What was your experience like?  

I did my Spanish baccalaureate here in Tangier, at a Spanish school, and as soon as I graduated in 2010, I went to the University of Seville where I studied dentistry and then came back to Tangier. I worked in a couple of clinics for two years and then opened my own practice in 2017.  

How is your dental practice here in Tangier?  

Very well. Adapting to the language and Moroccan patients was a bit of a challenge at first, but now everything is going smoothly.  

Are there certain regulations you must comply with to open a dental clinic or practice?  

Yes, the system is fully regulated. I had to get my Moroccan qualification recognised and obtain a special permit to open my practice.  

Here in Tangier, there are large clinics like in Spain. I'm not going to name names, although there is a lot of advertising. How does this work in Morocco?

Some dentists join and can open large clinics, but there are no franchises, and each clinic must have an owner who is a dentist. Furthermore, as in many other European countries, marketing in dentistry is prohibited.

In your experience, are people reluctant to go to the dentist?

Well, you must be very careful. There are many people with a real phobia, who need to be treated in a special way, but they quickly get used to it and gradually stop being afraid of the dentist. I see many expatriate patients living in Tangier, of all nationalities, and they also feel very comfortable because there is no language barrier and there is a certain level of trust.

What kind of clients do you see? Do you also work with insurance companies?  

We receive patients and clients of all kinds, regardless of their origin or nationality. In the case you mention, I see many patients who are teachers at the Spanish School or officials at the Spanish Consulate who have private insurance such as DKV. We simply fill out the invoice, they scan it and are reimbursed for many of the treatments we carry out.

Is it possible to have public insurance for expatriates and private insurance with insurance companies?  

I simply fill out an invoice, the patients submit it online and they are reimbursed. Most have DKV, but I don't know if it's public insurance.  

Are there local insurance companies with which anyone can take out some kind of insurance?  

Yes, there is private insurance and there is also the mutual insurance system, like the one in France. First you have the treatment, you pay at the clinic, and then you fill out a bill and you are reimbursed a high percentage of the cost of the treatment.  

Doctor, to conclude, what would you say to a Spanish or European entrepreneur who wants to come to Tangier, Tetouan or Al Hoceima to do business or invest? What quality of life will they find? 

Well, if they come to Morocco, they will be surprised by the quality of life here and, of course, if they need quality dental treatment, they will have no problem receiving it.