Information to work in this country is available from:

Cristina Garcia Santolaya, HIDES Conde de Vallellano N8-1 Cdcha, Madrid 23039, Spain

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

The Ministry of the Interior and Employment need to validate your Diploma of Dental Hygiene.

Special conditions that may apply for hygienists that obtain employment:

Direct supervision by a dentist required.

Contact for Work Permit and/or Visa:

None required for hygienists from within the EU. For others: Ministry of Work and Social Security Nuevos Ministerios, Paseo de la Castellana, Madrid, Spain More information may be obtained from the Spanish 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):

Spanish. It is necessary to be fluent in this language.

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

No.

Information on the local working environment:

90% of hygienists work in private practice. The average working day is 8-10 hours for 5 days per week.

Standard tasks that hygienists are allowed to undertake in the country:

Removal of supra and sub gingival calculus Undertake oral examinations Take impressions Place and fit orthodontic bands Polish fillings Place pit and fissure sealants

Further information:

Job opportunities are few and dentistry is mainly private.

Country Statistics

Total Population 39,000,000 Dental Hygienists, Female / Male 99% / 1% Number of Dentists 24,000 Number of Dental Hygiene Schools / Students per year 25 / 375 Practicing Dental Hygienists: Full-time / Part-time 70% / 20% Dental Hygienists in private sector / public sector 80% / 10% Number of Dental Hygienists in independent practice 5% Number of Dental Hygienists practicing as Clinicians 90% Number of Dental Hygienists practicing as Educators 0.5% Hygienists practicing as Administrators and/or Consultants 5%

Links to related web sites:

WHO Oral Health: Country/Area Profile Programme

Information based on data received by IFDH in:

2002

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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