Is dental work in Colombia safe?
Yes — and this is coming from someone who has treated patients from the US, Canada, Europe, and Latin America for over 13 years. Colombia has a rigorous healthcare regulatory system overseen by the Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Salud), and dental specialists are required to hold university degrees and professional licenses.
The real question isn't whether Colombia is safe — it's whether the specific clinic you choose is. That's a different question, and one you should ask before booking anything. Here's what to look for:
✦ International certifications (ITI or university training abroad)
✦ Premium materials: Straumann implants, Ivoclar E-max, 3M
✦ Written guarantee with specific terms — not just a verbal promise
✦ Willingness to provide references from patients in your country
✦ Virtual consultation before you book — if they skip this, be cautious
At Smile Atelier, Dr. Roberto Támara performs every procedure himself. He is an ITI Member (International Team for Implantology), completed advanced training at the University of Bern, Switzerland and FACOP, São Paulo, Brazil, and postgraduate studies in Bogotá, Colombia. He has been treating international patients for over a decade. Every treatment comes with a written guarantee.
How much can you actually save?
The savings are real — and significant. Here's a direct comparison of what patients typically pay in the United States vs. Bogotá with Dr. Roberto Támara:
| Treatment | USA average | Smile Atelier · Bogotá | Your savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single porcelain veneer | $1,200–$2,500 | From $300 | Up to 85% |
| Smile makeover (20 veneers) | $24,000–$50,000 | From $6,000 | Up to 88% |
| Single dental implant | $3,000–$6,000 | From $900 | Up to 85% |
| All-on-4 (full arch) | $20,000–$35,000 | From $8,500 | Up to 75% |
| Zirconia crown | $1,500–$3,000 | From $400 | Up to 87% |
Even after accounting for flights and accommodation, the math works overwhelmingly in your favor for any treatment involving multiple teeth. A round-trip from Miami to Bogotá averages $200–$400. A week in a good hotel near the clinic runs $450–$1,000. For a full smile makeover, you're still saving $15,000–$40,000.
Direct flights to Bogotá
Bogotá's El Dorado International Airport (BOG) has direct connections from major US cities. No layovers, no complications.
Altitude note: Bogotá sits at 2,600 meters (8,500 ft) above sea level. Most visitors adapt within 24–48 hours. We recommend arriving one day before your first appointment to rest. Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol on your first day.
Your treatment timeline
Here's what a typical dental tourism visit to Smile Atelier looks like for veneers. Implant timelines vary — Dr. Roberto Támara will confirm your specific schedule during the virtual consultation.
What to bring — and what to do before you fly
Where to stay near the clinic
Smile Atelier is located in Santa Bárbara, northern Bogotá — one of the safest and most walkable neighborhoods in the city. Here are the areas we recommend:
Santa Bárbara & Usaquén ⭐ Recommended
Walking distance or a 5-minute Uber from the clinic. Quiet, safe, with excellent restaurants, cafés, and shopping. Usaquén has a Sunday antique market if your trip extends into the weekend. Hotels range from $60–$180/night depending on category.
Chicó & Rosales
Upscale residential neighborhoods 10–15 minutes from the clinic. Excellent international restaurants, tree-lined streets, and several international hotel chains. Good option if you want a more urban feel.
We're happy to recommend specific hotels based on your budget during your virtual consultation. We work with several properties that offer preferential rates for Smile Atelier patients. Ask about our accommodation packages when you book your consultation.
10 questions to ask any dental clinic before you book
Ask these to any clinic you're considering — including us. The answers will tell you everything.
Guarantee & aftercare
One of the most common concerns about dental tourism is: what happens after I go home? At Smile Atelier, the relationship doesn't end when you board your flight.
1 year on porcelain veneers · 3 years on dental implants. Covering manufacturing defects, decementation, and color changes attributable to the procedure. You receive a signed document at the end of your treatment.
View full guarantee terms →Post-treatment support is available directly via WhatsApp (+57 323 805 6069), with a response within 24 business hours. Dr. Roberto Támara personally reviews every post-treatment concern sent by international patients. Most issues can be assessed via photos and resolved remotely — or addressed during a future visit to Bogotá.