Dentistry Jobs Abroad

Wherever there are people, there is a need for a good, qualified dentist. First decide if you want city or country when searching for international dentistry jobs, and then check what the local requirements are for practicing. Some countries might align more closely with your home country while others may require extra testing or observed clinical hours. With a little research you’ll be able to find the perfect fit for your desired path. 

Australia. For those of you who only speak English but still want the thrill of living abroad, try your hand at dentistry in a major city or charming small town of Australia. It’s one of the higher-paying jobs in Australia and you’ll experience a high standard of living with diverse and metropolitan ways to spend your free time.

China can prove a bit more of a challenge, both culturally and clinically. You likely won’t be allowed to work in a local hospital without citizenship, but even in the Western expat clinics where English is spoken, it’s critical to know at least a bit of the language. The way Chinese perform takes a bit of getting used to as well— they have more of a “if you’re not in unbearable pain, ignore it until you are” mentality that places more emphasis on treatment than prevention.  

That being said, China is at the forefront of the modern world and offers a way of life unparalleled anywhere else. It’s fast, it’s exciting, and provides a unique look into the past while stilling pushing forward in major cities like Shanghai. If you can practice dentistry in China, you can do it anywhere!

Italy. Working abroad in dentistry in Italy is a dream come true for most, and dentistry is no exception. There are hundreds if not thousands of English-speaking expats in any given city, and with all the delicious food and soothing gelato, clients will be in need of a good dentist!

Helping people, being creative, leading a team, and working with your hands are all prerequisites for a successful career in dentistry. Add a desire to explore and make a real difference in a community that’s lacking and you’re set for a career in dentistry abroad. 

While often thought of as a “lone practitioner,” working abroad as a dentist is actually an important part of a compact team. The hygienist, assistant, and lab technician work closely behind the scenes, and a positive relationship with their patient is critical in providing the best care. Travel and living in a foreign country strengthen your people skills and open you up to communicating with diverse and interesting people. You’ll need to rely on others to help you set up your life, and this can lay the groundwork for becoming a great team player.

You’ll also be exposed to different problems brought on by different diets and lifestyles, and you’ll learn different perspectives in treating them. With all the information, you can pick what you find works best for you and be the best dentist you can be.

A job abroad in dentistry is a hands-on way to help people feel good and make communities healthier places. Many dentists trained in the 1960s and 70s are retiring, so there’s a demand to meet the growing population’s needs. You can work in a private practice or with a non-profit, or work as a researcher studying the problems and solutions of various international regions. 

Typical post-school job opportunities at home are limited to opening your own practice, or working for another until you get your feet on the ground. This is a very rewarding path that offers flexibility and the opportunity to feel like you’re steering your own ship. Why not steer it right across the ocean, and get your feet wet in foreign waters? International practices will give you the same dental experience, with the added bonus of cross-cultural communication skills and the potential to learn a foreign language. You’ll also get an insight into how other cultures meet the problems of modern dentistry, and be able to bring home valuable insider information when and if you return home.

In some countries, opportunities for adults and children to access good dental care are extremely limited. Many aren’t exposed to effective oral hygiene education either, which only compounds existing or inevitable problems. Luckily there are a growing number of non-profit programs that mobilize international dentists to come and share their expertise, either through teaching, practicing, or often a combination of both. It helps to know the local language in these cases, but translators are typically available for those who need them.

Dental research is another path many walk down when traveling overseas. Setting out into the world to learn different approaches, techniques, and even problems themselves, you can bring home unique perspectives that can have a significant impact on the field of dentistry. Researchers are always looking to find and develop the most advanced techniques and technologies and to apply these cutting-edge scientific findings to advance the profession. Be a part of the group that pushes dentistry forward, and there’s no telling how many lives you can improve.

There’s no sugar-coating it— dentistry can be extremely demanding. The fatigue that comes from a day of physical labor can usually be cured with a good night’s sleep; the fatigue from mental and physical stress of working on such delicate features as the mouth can accumulate into carpal tunnel, back problems, and others. This can be extra stressful if you don’t have your typical support system from back home to rely on, and with your lifestyle and diet being different than normal. Take extra care to rest and keep your body strong to be able to perform everything that is required of you.

Each day will certainly present its own unique set of challenges, but with it comes rewarding joys. You’ll see tangible results of a smile make radiant, but you’ll also be rewarded with the intangible knowledge that you’ll have changed someone’s life. Sometimes you’ll be helping a person be able to eat again, other times you’ll be relieving excruciating and incessant pain. 

It takes patient and determined people to achieve success when doing dentistry work abroad; the best dentists see this path as their true calling and work constantly to improve themselves and their abilities. With this comes great fulfilment that makes all the hard work worth it.

The joy of changing a person’s life by creating a beautiful, healthy smile is a reward that can’t be measured. Performing dentistry abroad will expand your influence and affect you in ways that will stay with you for life. Get started today, and find your job abroad in dentistry!