Germany
Information to work in this country is available from
Please check your local Embassy or consulate about working permits for your home country. Normally you need work permission to become a residency visa. The length of the visa is dependent on your home country.
Procedures and/or documents that are necessary to be able to work in this country
Dental Hygiene is not a fully recognized profession, but, if you are wanting to work in Germany, it is advisable to have your license and Dental Hygiene degree notarized at your local German consulate. Some employers want proof, and sometimes, depending on the location in Germany they may require proof of your degree.
Official licensing body in the country
There is no official licensing board in Germany, the profession of Dental Hygiene is not recognized or regulated.
Special conditions that may apply for hygienists that obtain employment
Currently there is a shortage of health care workers, so finding a job yourself is not hard. So once you have a job, then work permission and residency is a formality.
Contact for Work Permit and/or Visa
Please contact your Germany embassy or consulate, since every country has different regulation about working and residing in Germany.
Is a job offer required before a Work Permit/Visa is issued?
Normally one does need a job before once applies for work permission, again, this rule maybe be different depending on your passport.
Main local and/or official language(s)
German Language skills are necessary, or the will to learn. Some offices allow English, but that is not a guarantee.
Are hygienists qualified overseas required to sit the country's national examination?
There is currently no board exam for overseas or foreign trained Dental Hygienists.
Information on the local working environment
Since there are no regulations concerning Dental Hygiene, many foreign trained Dentists and Periodontists do like working with properly educated Dental Hygienists.
Standard tasks that a hygienist is allowed to undertake in the country
Standard tasks like Periodontal charting, periodontal treatment, recare therapies, fluoride treatments, home care assessments, unfortunately currently Hygienists are not allowed to administer local anesthesia.
Further information
The DDHV cannot not always help a Hygienists find a job, but we can help with some language skills and with networking at our yearly events. Currently there is no education for Dental Hygiene in Germany, there are however, some on the job trained programs, but are only allowed to work in Germany. Many Periodontists do prefer foreign trained Hygienists.
Country Statistics
| Total Population | 82,163,500 |
| Number of Certified Dental Hygienists | About 150 |
| Number of Dentists | 60,000 |
| Number of Dental Hygienists in private sector | About 150 |
| Number of Dental Hygienists practicing as Clinicians | 1 |
| Number of Dental Hygienists practicing as Educators | 1 |
Links to related web sites
Information based on data received by IFDH in:
2017
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.