The closure affects, according to the organization, at least four clinics in the Basque Country, two in Zaragoza and one in A Coruña, leaving numerous users with treatments underway and, in some cases, already paid for. In the Aragonese capital, Vivanta has closed its centers on Paseo Pamplona and Calle María Zambrano, a decision that became known practically overnight to both patients and employees.
FILE A WRITTEN COMPLAINT AND REQUEST YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS
The OCU’s first recommendation is to keep all documents proving the relationship with the clinic and the treatment contracted, such as contracts, invoices, estimates, advertising or brochures. It subsequently advises contacting Vivanta by submitting a written complaint that records the fact that the contracted service has not been completed.
In that complaint, affected patients can demand that the treatment be completed and request all available documentation, including a copy of their medical records. If the center remains closed, the OCU states that the complaint should be sent to the company’s registered office listed on its website or in the Commercial Registry.
Users can also contact Consumer Services to claim compensation for losses caused by the closure, including the interruption of treatment or the possible loss of amounts paid in advance. If they believe they have suffered malpractice, the organization also recommends filing a complaint with the health authorities in Aragon.
WHAT TO DO IF THE TREATMENT WAS FINANCED
One of the situations causing the most concern among those affected involves patients who took out a loan specifically linked to their dental treatment. In these cases, the OCU advises contacting the financial institution’s customer service department in writing to request “its settlement and subsequent cancellation” if the contracted service is ultimately not provided.
According to the organization, if a month passes without a response from the finance company or if the response is unsatisfactory, the consumer can file a complaint with the Bank of Spain. In cases involving harm resulting from possible malpractice, it also advises obtaining a report prepared by a licensed dentist or dental expert to document the condition of the treatment and support a possible legal claim.
Likewise, Vivanta Dental told ARAGÓN DIGITAL this Thursday that “the continuity and completion of 100% of ongoing treatments is guaranteed,” both those financed and those paid for directly by patients. According to the company, affected patients will be able to continue receiving care through Vitaldent “without having to pay again for what they have already contracted.”
WHAT HAPPENS IF VIVANTA ENTERS INSOLVENCY PROCEEDINGS
If the company enters insolvency proceedings, the OCU states that affected patients must contact the insolvency administrator appointed by the relevant court. The organization warns, however, that recovering the amounts claimed may prove difficult because of the position consumers currently occupy in insolvency proceedings.
In cases such as Vivanta’s, the organization is calling for stricter regulation to protect users when a healthcare or aesthetic clinic closes suddenly, as well as more inspections and checks on these establishments. It also considers a change to insolvency procedures “necessary and urgent” so that consumer claims receive greater protection against other creditors.
