Information to work in this country is available from:

Roos de Bie Tel: +31 30 6383714 · Fax: +31 30 6383996 media.marketing@bsl.nl · www.mondhygienisten.nl

Procedures and/or documents that are necessary to be able to work in this country:

Copies of state and national dental hygiene board certification, a résumé listing work experience, additional training and educational background, dental hygiene course outlines and the syllabus should be submitted to the licensing body.

Official licensing body in the country:

Department of Curative Somatic Health Care Postbox 20350, 2500 EJ DEN HAAG, The Netherlands Tel: +31 070 340 73 89

Special conditions that may apply for hygienists that obtain employment:

A licence will be issued when an employer is found and their name and address submitted. The licence is then granted for 1 year. The licence is authorised for one contract of employment. If employers are changed, a new licence must be obtained. If the hygienist successfully completes one year's employment with the same employer a full licence with no restrictions will be granted.

Contact for Work Permit and/or Visa:

In order to live and work in the Netherlands foreigners should possess a resident's permit. This may be obtained by applying to the Ministry of Justice through the Alien's Department of the local police organisation in the Netherlands. European Union members do not need a work permit. Non EU members should apply jointly with the employer to the Employment Office in the Netherlands. More information may be obtained from the Dutch Embassy/Consulate in the country of residence.

Is a job offer required before a Work Permit/Visa is issued?

Yes.

Main local and/or official language(s):

Dutch, Flemish and English. English is widely spoken, but people in some areas speak only Dutch or Flemish.

Are hygienists qualified overseas required to sit the country's national examination?

All qualifications are examined against criteria to equate them with the Dutch training programme. In some instances applicants will be required to undertake a period of study in the Netherlands before sitting the National examination.

Looking for employment?

The Dutch Association of Dental Hygienists cannot help those looking for a job in the Netherlands. The Associations journal "Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Mondhygiene" will take your advertisement. For information please contact: Roos de Bie Tel: +31 30 6383714 · Fax: +31 30 6383996 media.marketing@bsl.nl · www.mondhygienisten.nl

Application procedure for a comparison of foreign degrees with a similar Dutch degree

The Minister for Health, Welfare and Sport is empowered to decide whether a foreign degree in the field of public health care is equal to a similar Dutch degree. An application for such a comparison must be submitted by the foreign degree holder to: Department of Curative Somatic Health Care Postbox 20350, 2500 EJ DEN HAAG, The Netherlands Tel: +31 070 340 73 89 The following documents should be sent in with the application: Certified photocopy of pages of the passport showing personal particulars Certified copy of the original diploma on which the address of the training-institute/hospital is stated A certified translation of the diploma in Dutch, French, German or English, prepared by a sworn translator Certified information about preliminary training A certified photocopy of the training-programme including the items and hours per annum, divided in theory and practice and contend and duration of practical work A curriculum vitae and certified certificates of work-experience Recent statement by the competent authority in the country of origin stating that the person concerned is authorised to practise his/her profession in that country (i.e. has not been suspended). A declaration by the person concerned may, in certain cases, be sufficient Proof of knowledge of the Dutch language If the applicant has sent in all the documents mentioned above the Minister for Health, Welfare and Sport will submit the application to a Committee of experts, which will judge whether the training received abroad is equivalent or virtually equivalent to that in the Netherlands and determine whether there are facts or circumstances which makes it undesirable that the person concerned should practise in the Netherlands. The Committee will make its recommendations to the Minister for Health, Welfare and Sport on the basis whereof the Minister makes a decision: The bearer of the foreign degree has received training that is equivalent to the Dutch training The bearer of the foreign degree has received a training that is not equivalent or virtually equivalent to the Dutch training. The restrictions, which may be imposed on a foreign graduate to practise in the paramedical health field in the Netherlands, may relate to the following: The period of time during which the person concerned may practise under supervision (usually one year) The individuals or groups of individuals whom he/she may treat.

Country Statistics

Total Population 16,000,000 Number of Dental Hygienists, Female / Male 2,000 / 60 Number of Dentists 7,000 Number of Dental Hygiene Schools / Students per year 4 / 210 Number of Dental Hygienists in independent practice 350 Number of Dental Hygienists practicing as Educators 80 Hygienists practicing as Administrators and/or Consultants 6

Links to related web sites:

WHO Oral Health: Country/Area Profile Programme www.mondhygienisten.nl

Information based on data received by IFDH in:

2001

NOTE: The information provided above is for general guidance only. The International Federation of Dental Hygienists advises all hygienists to contact the country's relevant licensing bodies and agencies for current information and regulations. Search the database:

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