Korea
Information to work in this country is available from
Minister of Health and Welfare
13, Doum 4-ro, Sejong, (30113) Korea
Tel: +82 129
Procedures and/or documents that are necessary to be able to work in this country
First, you must have your dental hygiene degree from abroad recognized through the Korea Health Personnel Licensing Examination Institute, and then obtain a dental hygienist license issued by the Minister of Health and Welfare. If you are not a Korean national, you must acquire a work-related visa.
Official licensing body in the country
Minister of Health and Welfare
13, Doum 4-ro, Sejong, (30113) Korea
Tel: +82 129
Special conditions that may apply for hygienists that obtain employment
In Korea, special conditions for hygienists include Korean Language proficiency, recognition of foreign qualifications, and compliance with visa requirements.
Contact for Work Permit and/or Visa
Contact the Korean 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)
Korean.
Are hygienists qualified overseas required to sit the country's national examination?
Yes.
Information on the local working environment
Working time is 40 hours in a week. Dental Hygienists work in hospitals, health centers, educational institutes and dispensaries.
Standard tasks that a hygienist is allowed to undertake in the country
- Removal of supra and sub deposits such as calculus
- Fluoride application
- Temporary filling
- Temporary setting
- Removal of deposits such as cements
- Dental impression taking
- Setting and removal orthodontic arch wire materials
- Intraoral radiography
- Prevention of oral diseases Oral hygiene
Further information
Country Statistics
| Total Population | 51,751,065 |
| Number of Dental Hygienists | 102,023 |
| Number of Dentists | 34,706 |
| Number of Dental Hygiene Schools / Students per year | 87 / About 5,000 |
| Practicing Dental Hygienists: Full-time | 49,292 |
| Number of Dental Hygienists in private sector / public sector | 48,167 / 1,125 |
| Number of Dental Hygienists practicing as Clinicians | 48,167 |
| Number of Dental Hygienists practicing as Educators | 481 |
Links to related web sites
- WHO Oral Health: Country/Area Profile Programme
Information based on data received by IFDH in:
2013
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.