Dr. Alfonso José Doria Bechara

I was in Santa Marta for a friend’s birthday and decided last minute to address a cosmetic concern with one of my teeth. I already suspected it wasn’t “just a gap” — I’ve had TMJ and grinding issues — but this dentist really took the time to explain what was happening. He confirmed that my grinding and bite alignment were contributing factors and explained how an uneven bite can gradually create spacing and wear. I appreciated that he looked at the bigger picture instead of just treating it cosmetically. For now, he conservatively closed the space with resin, keeping everything natural and proportionate. He was honest that fully closing it would have made my teeth look too wide, which I respected. The result looks subtle and balanced. He spoke English, had excellent reviews, and was clearly comfortable treating international patients. If I’m back in the area, I would absolutely return — especially for more comprehensive work. Very positive experience overall.

Alfonso get it done. After a week of heavy pain (which cartegena dentist could not solve) Alfonso took a better look and cleaned the pocket of a tooth what was the cause of my problem. This de test tells upfront what the possibilities are and explains what he is gonna do. Perfect English, clean, and sheep😃. Thank you for everything

Dr. Alfonso is a great dentist with over 32 years of experience. Very nice receptionist and relaxing clean office. Painless fast cleaning for $40 USD (30 min appointment). I highly recommend Dr. Alfonso if you need dental work while in Santa Marta or even planning a special trip for his dental services.

Hard to know how to review this one because I am still quite confused. I had an issue with my wisdom teeth whilst on holiday in Colombia, and had a consultation with Dr Alfonso. He was helpful and polite and had very good English, recommended I have an xray to remove my tooth. Then he told me it was too challenging to remove so I would need to have another xray to remove the top one instead. He then confirmed this was easier and that a surgeon would meet us at the practice. I had queried the plan as I had spoken to a dentist in the UK and sent an xray who told me removing the bottom one was the best approach and only real solution. They didn’t provide much openness to consider this and told me they would be removing the top one anyway. After injecting local anaesthetic, the ‘surgeon’ started aggressively pushing and pulling on the wrong tooth at the top. I was in so much pain I shouted to stop, and then queried what was happening. Dr Alfonso told me they were removing the back wisdom tooth and that I was just confused and they have only been touching this tooth. I was in so much pain and he had worked to convince me so I let them continue and then they pressed on the wrong tooth again, in a very aggressive manner to the point I felt searing pain and a slight cracking sensation. I shouted to stop again and asked for a mirror to see what was happening. They continued to tell me that I was just confused, but when I looked with the mirror they started to pull on the correct tooth at the back gently, which felt entirely different. I was very visibly upset and they continued to just tell me that’s what they had been doing the whole time. I ended up leaving as I felt very manipulated and confused, frightened I was going to end up with multiple damaged teeth at the top. I got some anti-biotics instead. I still feel very confused as to what happened or why this was the case, and despite me trusting them up to this point, something felt very wrong. Having now read a previous review from a tourist in a similar boat who ended up with multiple damaged teeth I’m thankful I left. But it was very distressing! I wouldn’t recommend this place for tooth extraction as a tourist.

Dentist Dr. Alfonso Jose Doria Bechara is a very good, very professional dentist. I needed a cavity to be treated. His work is efficient and he explains the procedure to the patient. The equipment is modern and everything is kept very clean. The staff is friendly and Dr Doria Bechara speaks excellent English. Highly recommended, and remember to visit your dentist every 6 months!