Spanish Phrases for Your Dental Appointment

Many Medellín clinics that court international patients advertise English-speaking coordinators, and some have English-speaking dentists. But the receptionist, the dental assistant, the pharmacy counter and the taxi driver may not. A small set of Spanish phrases, chosen for the moments that actually happen during a dental trip, will make you calmer in the chair and clearer about what you are agreeing to. This guide is organized by stage of the trip, uses the words people in Colombia actually say, and ends with the one rule that matters more than any phrase.

Three things about Spanish in Medellín

• Use "usted." In Medellín people commonly use the formal usted form, even in friendly conversation. Every phrase below uses it, so you can say them to anyone at the clinic without worrying about sounding rude.
• Colombian dental words differ from textbook Spanish. Your dentist is usually an odontólogo or odontóloga, a filling is often a calza or resina, a wisdom tooth is a cordal, and a pharmacy is a droguería.
• Short and clear beats correct grammar. "Me duele aquí" (it hurts here) while pointing works better than a perfect sentence you have to think about with your mouth open.

Before the trip: messages to the clinic

Most first contact happens in writing, so you can use a translation app and check the result. These are the phrases that make your messages precise. Our guide to WhatsApp communication with your clinic covers what to send and when.

At reception

Your first visit usually starts with paperwork. In Colombia your medical record is your historia clínica, and the informed consent document is the consentimiento informado.

Your health history

This is where precision matters most. Write your conditions, medicines and allergies in Spanish on a card or in your phone before you travel, and hand it over rather than trying to remember words under pressure.

If you have more than one condition, or take several medicines, ask the clinic's coordinator to go through the list with you in English as well. Do not let a missing word become a missing piece of your history.

In the chair

Agree on hand signals before treatment starts: for example, raising your left hand to mean "please stop." Then keep these phrases ready for the moments when you can talk.

In Spanish, a numb lip or cheek is dormido, literally "asleep." If you are worried about pain control or sedation, our page on dental tourism with dental anxiety covers the options to discuss beforehand.

Understanding the plan and the bill

Many patients are comfortable with the clinical part but get lost when talking about what was done and what is owed. These are the words that appear on Colombian treatment plans and invoices.

Useful questions: ¿Esto está incluido en el precio? (Is this included in the price?), ¿Cuánto es el saldo? (How much is the balance?), ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? (Can I pay by card?) and ¿Me da la factura, por favor? (Can I have the invoice, please?). The U.S. State Department notes that hospitals in Colombia often require payment up front, sometimes in cash (U.S. State Department, 2025), so confirm payment methods before your appointment. For broader money questions, see our currency and payment tips.

After the appointment and at the droguería

In Colombia a prescription is often called a fórmula, and paracetamol is usually sold as acetaminofén. Take the clinic's written prescription to the droguería and check the dose with the pharmacist; do not substitute a different medicine on your own.

If something goes wrong

Your first call should be to the clinic, using the contact number they give you. If you cannot reach them and the problem is serious, such as heavy bleeding, swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, or a high fever, go to urgencias (the emergency department). Useful phrases: Tuve un procedimiento dental (I had a dental procedure) and Necesito ayuda, por favor (I need help, please). The State Department also notes that hospital staff in Colombia may speak little English (U.S. State Department, 2025), which is one more reason to carry your clinic's details and a summary of your treatment in Spanish.

The rule that matters more than any phrase

Phrases are for comfort and everyday logistics. They are not a substitute for understanding your treatment. Anything you sign, especially the consent form and the treatment plan, should be explained in a language you fully understand. If your Spanish is basic, ask for an English version or a staff member or interpreter to go through it with you, and do not sign until your questions are answered.

The same goes for paperwork. CDC guidance for people treated abroad is to bring back a complete set of records, translated into English where possible (CDC Yellow Book, 2026). Your dentist at home will need to know exactly what materials and procedures were used.

A quick prep checklist

• Save this page and download Spanish for offline use in your translation app.
• Write your conditions, medicines and allergies in Spanish on one card.
• Agree on a stop signal with your dentist before treatment begins.
• Ask for the treatment plan, consent form and invoice in writing, in a language you understand.
• Keep the clinic's phone number and address written down, not only in your phone.

Frequently asked questions