Portugal Dental Care Market Analysis

Portugal Dental Care Market Executive Summary

Portugal's dental care market is at around $107.6 Mn in 2022 and is projected to reach $xx Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period. (2022-2030). Portugal is a member of the European Union and the eurozone, and its economy depends significantly on international trade. The service sector is the most important in the Portuguese economy, accounting for over 75% of the GDP. Manufacturing, construction, and mining are also key contributors to the economy, accounting for approximately 20% of GDP. Agriculture accounts for only a modest portion of GDP. Portugal has a high GDP per capita and a good standard of living, but the country has suffered in recent years with rising unemployment and public debt. From 2008 to 2014, the country was in an economic crisis and had to execute an austerity program to get out of it. Portugal has now recovered and reduced its public debt and budget deficit, but the unemployment rate remains high. Tourism is also a significant industry in the Portuguese economy, attracting millions of visitors each year who are drawn to the country's beaches, cultural assets, and historical landmarks.

The Portuguese healthcare system is comprised of three coexisting systems: the National Health Service (NHS, or Servico Nacional de Saude, SNS), special social health insurance schemes (health subsystems) that are occupation-based schemes used in the public sector, and certain professions such as police, military, and banking, and voluntary private health insurance in Portugal. The SNS is managed by the Portuguese Ministry of Health (Ministério de Sade). Likewise, it is free and open to all inhabitants, including foreigners in Portugal. However, in recent years, many services have been charged for. The system includes both basic and secondary healthcare services. The SNS covers the entire mainland of Portugal; the Azores and Madeira have their own healthcare systems. This is managed centrally, while it is delivered by five regional health administrations (North, Central, Lisbon and Tagus Valley, Alentejo, and Algarve). Dental treatment is not provided on the SNS unless you are classified as a vulnerable group unable to pay, which includes children, the elderly, and the disabled. Most dental procedures, such as crowns and bridges, are covered by private health insurance in Portugal. If you qualify for free or subsidized treatment, you must bring your “carto de utente” (healthcare card) with you when you visit your dentist.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Portugal has a growing tourism industry and attracts millions of visitors each year, many of whom may require dental services. This creates an opportunity for dental corporations to expand their services to cater to tourists. Located in the heart of Europe and its reputation as a tourist destination makes it an attractive destination for foreign investment in the dental industry. The population in Portugal's ages and awareness of oral health has increased, and there is a growing demand for dental services in the country. This increase in demand is also driven by the fact that many services are not covered by national healthcare insurance, and people are willing to pay for dental services out of pocket.  Dental clinics benefit from the favourable policies that are set in place by the government. Portugal's economy has been recovering since the crisis of 2008 to 2014, and the country has been able to reduce its public debt and budget deficit there is a huge influx of talent from EU states and overseas to contribute to the dominant service industry. With a growing economy, more people have disposable income to spend on dental care.

Market Restraints

The overall economic conditions in Portugal may affect the ability of dental clinics to expand, as a weak economy led to a decrease in consumer spending on non-essential items such as dental care. Government regulations and policies may also limit the growth of dental clinics in Portugal. For example, strict regulations on the opening and operation of healthcare facilities may make it difficult for new clinics to open. There may be a high level of competition among dental clinics in Portugal, which makes it difficult for new clinics to establish themselves in the market. Dental clinics may face financial constraints that limit their ability to grow, such as lack of funding or access to credit. The lack of qualified dentists in Portugal limits the growth of dental clinics, as it be difficult to find enough experienced professionals to staff new clinics.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• Clínicas Dentárias Branquinho,
• Dental Avenue
• Dental Concept
• Dental Plus
• Dentalmed
• Sorriso Dental
• Smile Concept Dental Clinic

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

The regulatory body in Portugal for dental services is the Ordem dos Médicos Dentistas (OMD). The OMD is responsible for the regulation and oversight of the dental profession in Portugal. Their roles include setting standards for dental education and training, issuing and renewing licenses for dental practitioners, enforcing ethical guidelines, and investigating complaints and disciplinary actions against dentists. They also work to promote the improvement of the dental profession and to protect the rights of patients.

Reimbursement Scenario

Healthcare in Portugal is funded through general taxation as well as contributions paid by working residents to the Portuguese social security system. Those who are unemployed, have dependent family members or are retired, on the other hand, are exempt from making contributions. Portugal now spends approximately 8.9% of its GDP on healthcare, ranking it 12th among EU/EFTA nations. In Portugal, health insurance is provided by your employer-based contributions to the Social Security Institute, also known as the Instituto do Solidariedade e da Segurança Social. Dental coverage is provided by companies such as Allianz Care, AXA - Global Healthcare, and Cigna Global Private health insurance. In fact, it is gaining popularity among the local Portuguese community as well; between 10 and 20% of residents in Portugal use private health care. Some services, including dentistry and eye care, are only partially covered by the SNS leaving some residents to seek out private providers.