The abrupt closure of the four Lahsen Dental clinics in Madrid, Alcorcón, and Torrejón de Ardoz has left dozens of patients with paid treatments that remain incomplete. Antonio, a 73-year-old local resident, lost 14,000 euros and all his teeth.
Antonio, a 73-year-old retiree, paid 14,000 euros for a complete treatment at Lahsen Dental. They extracted all his teeth, and since then, he has not heard anything from the clinic. "I have been left without teeth and without 14,000 euros," he laments. His case is just the tip of the iceberg of a scam affecting hundreds of patients in the Community of Madrid.
The Lahsen Dental chain has closed its four locations in the region: two in the capital (on Canarias and Ponferrada streets), one in Alcorcón, and another in Torrejón de Ardoz. The latter opened just two months ago. Patients, many of whom paid more than 10,000 euros, have been left without treatment and without the possibility of contacting the company.
Patients abandoned and without medical records
The affected platform, which has already gathered in front of the clinic on Avenida de Las Retamas in Alcorcón, claims that the main problem is the loss of medical records. Without them, it is almost impossible to continue treatment at another centre. "There are over 20,000 types of implants on the market. The dentist who continues needs to know exactly which ones have been placed," explains an owner of an affected dental laboratory.
Patients fear they will not be able to recover their X-rays, moulds, and prescriptions. The situation is particularly serious for those who already had implants placed and need follow-up. "It's like a patient losing the record of a surgery," adds the supplier.
Millions in debts to suppliers and laboratories
The closure has not only harmed patients. The chain owes its suppliers and dental laboratories amounts ranging from 20,000 to 75,000 euros. Some collaborators claim that the financial problems have been ongoing for a long time. "I stopped working with them two years ago because they weren't paying," one of them states. Despite each centre being able to bill over 100,000 euros monthly, the structure has collapsed suddenly.
The affected individuals suspect that the company may be trying to evade responsibilities. Posters announcing a supposed "process of change of ownership and personnel" under the commercial name Dentalike have appeared in the clinics' windows. The affected platform has already reported possible financial irregularities to the Tax Agency.
Police investigation and criminal complaints
The National Police has already begun receiving criminal complaints and is investigating possible responsibilities regarding these events. Patients hope that the authorities can locate those responsible and recover part of the lost money. In the meantime, many face the uncertainty of not knowing if they will be able to complete their treatments.
For the residents of the Community of Madrid, this case serves as a warning about the risks of paying in advance for costly medical treatments. Authorities recommend always checking the solvency of clinics and demanding detailed invoices. Antonio, meanwhile, continues to wait for a solution: "I just want my money back or for them to put my teeth in. I can't even eat properly."
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