Information to work in this country is available from:

Swiss Dental Hygienists Stadthof, Bahnhofstrasse 7B, CH-6210 Sursee Tel: +41 41 926 0790 · Fax: +41 41 926 0799 www.dentalhygienists.ch · info@dentalhygienists.ch

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

Applicant should have had at least 1 year's working experience before applying for employment. A work permit is required and the prospective employer initiates formalities to obtain this.

Special conditions that may apply for hygienists that obtain employment:

None

Contact for Work Permit and/or Visa:

A work permit is required and the prospective employer initiates formalities to obtain this. For Visa information, contact the Swiss 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):

German, French and Italian. It is not necessary to be fluent in these languages, but would be an advantage.

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

No.

Information on the local working environment:

Average full time employment is 42 hours a week with 4 weeks vacation and national holiday entitlement.

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

Removes supra and sub gingival calculus Removal of overhanging margins of restorations Polishing amalgam fillings Dental and periodontal charting Tooth vitality testing Radiography Oral health education

Further information:

It is customary for the prospective employer to help the applicant find living accommodation but is not his/her responsibility to pay the monthly rent. Medical and accident insurance is necessary. Job opportunities are good but speaking one of the languages of Switzerland will enhance the chances of a job offer.

Country Statistics

Total Population 7,060,000 Number of Dental Hygienists, Female / Male 1,146 / Some Number of Dentists 3,868 Number of Dental Hygiene Schools / Students per year 4 / 80 Practicing Dental Hygienists: Full-time / Part-time 60% / 40% Dental Hygienists in private sector / public sector 95% / 5% Number of Dental Hygienists in independent practice 15 Number of Dental Hygienists practicing as Clinicians 10 Number of Dental Hygienists practicing as Educators 40 Hygienists practicing as Administrators and/or Consultants 10

Links to related web sites:

Swiss Dental Hygienists 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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