Because teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure, it is generally not offered at state hospitals or ADSMs (Oral and Dental Health Centres, state-run dental clinics in Turkey) and is not covered by SGK (Turkish Social Security Institution). Scaling (removal of tartar), on the other hand, is done at these institutions under SGK cover; appointments are made through MHRS (Turkey's central hospital appointment system). Some university dental faculties may offer whitening for a fee.
Is teeth whitening done at state hospitals?
Teeth whitening is generally not offered at state hospitals and ADSMs in Turkey. The main reason is that whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure aimed at changing the colour of the teeth rather than treating a health problem.
Public dental services give priority to treating health problems such as pain, infection, decay and gum disease. So the answer to "is teeth whitening available on the state?" is usually no. Because practice can vary between institutions and over time, it is best to check the current situation with the institution you plan to visit.
- State hospitals: In dental outpatient clinics, priority goes to treatment procedures.
- ADSMs: Public institutions focused on oral and dental health; whitening is generally not among their services.
- University faculties: Some may offer whitening for a fee.
Does SGK cover teeth whitening?
SGK generally does not cover teeth whitening, which is considered cosmetic. This applies to in-office, at-home and combined whitening.
Internal whitening applied to a single dark tooth that has had root canal treatment is also aimed at correcting colour. It would not be right to make a firm generalisation about whether it is covered; in such special cases it is advisable to ask the institution concerned. We explain how internal whitening is done on the whitening a root-canal-treated tooth page.
Which dental procedures are done in the state system?
At state hospitals and ADSMs, scaling is done under SGK cover. Examinations and many basic dental treatments are also offered at these institutions; which treatments are provided and under what conditions may vary by institution.
| Procedure | State hospital / ADSM | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Scaling (removal of tartar) | Done under SGK cover | Appointments are made through MHRS |
| In-office whitening | Generally not offered | Considered a cosmetic procedure |
| At-home whitening | Generally not offered | Considered a cosmetic procedure |
| Whitening at a university faculty | Some faculties may offer it for a fee | Check current information with the faculty |
Details such as how often scaling can be done may vary by institution and current regulations. The institution where you book your appointment will give the most accurate information on this.
How do you book a dental appointment through MHRS?
At state hospitals and ADSMs, dental appointments are booked through MHRS (the Central Physician Appointment System). MHRS can be accessed via its website, mobile app or telephone line.
- Log in to MHRS.
- Select your province and district.
- Choose the dental clinic that suits your needs.
- Pick a suitable institution, dentist and time, and confirm your appointment.
Clinic names and options in the system may be updated from time to time. If you are not sure which clinic to choose, you can ask the institution's information desk.
When booking, it is better to apply for scaling and a general examination rather than saying only that you want whitening. At the examination your gum health, any decay and other treatment needs are assessed. This information will also be useful if you plan whitening later.
Are university dental faculties an option?
Some university dental faculties may offer teeth whitening for a fee. This may not be available at every faculty, and conditions can change over time.
The way faculties work may differ from private clinics; appointment waiting times, whether a preliminary examination is required and which department carries out the procedure vary by faculty. So before applying, we recommend calling the relevant department of the faculty and asking directly whether whitening is offered, how the process works and how it is charged.
Whichever institution you choose, the basic steps before whitening are similar: an examination, cleaning if needed, and then choosing a method. Not skipping these steps matters both for safety and for a predictable result.
How can scaling and whitening be planned?
Tartar and surface stains need to be removed before whitening. For this reason, some people prefer to have scaling done in the state system and plan whitening at a private clinic.
- After cleaning, teeth often look lighter and brighter; sometimes the need for whitening may be reduced.
- Your dentist decides the interval between cleaning and whitening based on the condition of your gums.
- An examination is still needed before whitening; decay, gum problems or exposed root surfaces are reassessed.
You can find details on the order of the two procedures and whether they can be done on the same day on the scaling and whitening page. If you are curious about why tartar forms, see the what is tartar page.
Fees and insurance at a private clinic
At private clinics in Turkey, teeth whitening fees are based on the minimum fee schedule of the TDB (Turkish Dental Association). The exact fee is confirmed once the method and any prior treatment needed have been determined at the examination. Details are on the cost of teeth whitening page.
If you have private health insurance, it depends on your policy. Standard supplementary health insurance generally does not cover dental treatment; dental packages, depending on the policy, may include scaling and sometimes whitening. We cover this on the private health insurance page.
What you need to know before whitening
Wherever you have whitening done, your oral health must be suitable first. At our clinic in Oran, Çankaya, whitening always starts with an examination.
- Decay and leaking fillings are treated first.
- If there is gum inflammation, this problem is resolved first.
- Fillings, crowns and veneers on the front teeth do not whiten; this is discussed beforehand.
- Whitening is generally postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- High-concentration products supplied to dentists are not used under the age of 18.
To compare the methods using objective criteria, see the teeth whitening methods page.
Frequently asked questions
Is teeth whitening done at state hospitals?
Because whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure, it is generally not offered at state hospitals and ADSMs in Turkey. It is advisable to check the current situation with the institution concerned.
Does SGK pay for teeth whitening?
SGK generally does not cover cosmetic teeth whitening. Scaling, however, is done at state hospitals and ADSMs under SGK cover.
Is scaling done in the state system?
Yes, scaling (removal of tartar) is done at state hospitals and ADSMs under SGK cover. You can book an appointment through MHRS.
Is teeth whitening done at university hospitals?
Some university dental faculties may offer whitening for a fee. You need to check with the faculty whether it is available and on what terms.
Can I have scaling in the state system and whitening privately?
Yes, this is possible. However, an examination is still needed before whitening, and your dentist decides the interval between cleaning and whitening based on the condition of your gums.
Does scaling whiten teeth?
Scaling does not change the tooth's own colour. But because it removes tartar and surface stains, teeth often look lighter and brighter.
Related pages
How Is the Cost of Teeth Whitening Determined?Our fees are based on the TDB Minimum Fee Schedule; the exact fee is confirmed once the method that suits you has been decided at your examination.
Does Private Health Insurance Cover Dental Treatment?What you need to know about dental cover in supplementary and private health insurance in Turkey, what dental packages include, whitening, and the difference contracted clinics make.
Scale and Polish in Ankara: Tartar Removal in ÇankayaRemove tartar and protect your gum health with ultrasonic scaling, polishing and air polishing.
Scale and Polish and Whitening: Can They Be Done on the Same Day?The right order for cleaning and whitening, the time in between and choosing a method according to the type of stain.
Teeth Whitening Methods: Which One Suits You?Compare in-office, at-home, combined and internal whitening, pharmacy products and scale and polish side by side using the same criteria.Suitability is decided at an examination. Fill in the form or call us to book an appointment.
Last updated: 2026-11-04 · This page is for general information only and does not replace an examination or diagnosis.