Need a Dentist in Cuenca? This University Clinic Offers Quality Care at a Fraction of the Price
Chip Moreno
Good Dental Care Doesn't Have to Cost a Fortune
If you've been putting off dental work because Cuenca's private dental clinics feel expensive — or because you're still figuring out the healthcare system here — there's an option worth knowing about.
The Universidad Politécnica Salesiana (UPS) runs a dental clinic that's open to the general public, offering a full range of services at prices well below private practice rates. It's been flying under the radar for most expats, but the services are legit.
What They Offer
This isn't just cleanings and basic fillings. The clinic provides:
- Anterior and posterior restorations (fillings)
- Fixed and removable prosthetics — including chrome-cobalt prosthetics and full uni/bi-maxillary prosthetics
- Endodontics (root canals)
- Oral surgery — simple extractions and biopsies
- Periodontics — treatment of gingivitis and periodontitis
- Full dental imaging — periapical radiographs, panoramic X-rays, cephalic radiographs, and CT scans
That's a pretty comprehensive menu, especially for a teaching clinic.
Who's Doing the Work?
Treatments are performed by advanced dental students in the final stages of their odontology program, and — this is the important part — all work is done under the direct and permanent supervision of faculty instructors and specialists.
Think of it like a teaching hospital model: you get careful, supervised work from students who are motivated to do excellent work because their grade depends on it, overseen by experienced professionals who make sure everything meets clinical standards.
The university describes the clinic's mission as providing "comprehensive, quality, accessible dental care with human warmth, in facilities equipped with cutting-edge technology."
The Practical Details
Here's everything you need to book an appointment:
Address: Calle Vieja 12-30 and Calle de las Carretas, Cuenca
Hours:
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday, Thursday | 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
How to book:
- WhatsApp: 098 875 2041
- Phone: 07 413 5250, ext. 1507
- Email: clinicaodontologicacaups@gmail.com
- Walk-ins: You can also visit in person
Tips for Expats
- Bring your cédula (or passport if you don't have one yet). Like most medical facilities in Ecuador, they'll need ID.
- Expect the process to be slower than a private clinic. Teaching environments take more time per procedure — that's actually a good thing for quality, but plan accordingly.
- Spanish will help. The students and staff may not speak English, so bring a Spanish-speaking friend or your translation app if you're not conversational yet.
- Ask about pricing upfront. Specific prices aren't published, but they're described as "accessible" — which in Cuenca usually means significantly less than private clinics.
If you've been paying $100+ for procedures at private clinics, this is worth checking out.
Source: El Mercurio
