Portugal
Information to work in this country is available from
APHO – Portuguese Dental Hygienist Association
www.apho.pt
Procedures and/or documents that are necessary to be able to work in this country
The request need to be sent to the Official licensing body listed below.
Candidates from EU
• Copy of identification ID card/Passport;
• Copy of diploma or certificate in original language and Portuguese translation;
• Study plan, with credit hours and respective programmatic contents;
• Payment of all process expenses
• Fulfill the requirement available here
Official licensing body in the country
Ministério da Saúde – Administração Central dos Sistemas de Saúde
E-mail: geral@acss.min-saude.pt
Internet: www.acss.min-saude.pt
Special conditions that may apply for hygienists that obtain employment
NONE
Is a job offer required before a Work Permit/Visa is issued?
NO
Main local and/or official language(s)
Portuguese
Are hygienists qualified overseas required to sit the country's national examination?
Information on the local working environment
Hygienists in Portugal mainly work in private practices or at the National Health Service. Most Hygienists work in both at private sector and in NHS.
Standard tasks that a hygienist is allowed to undertake in the country
As a clinician assess and diagnose the health needs, plan, implement and evaluate the oral treatment at individual level with special focus in preventive measures and promotion of healthy lifestyles.
Plan, implement and evaluate oral health programs at community level at several settings: Health Centers, Schools, kindergartens, Maternity hospitals, Institutions for special patients, Institutions for the elderly, general and oncology hospitals and occupational health.
Paln, implement and evaluate oral health programs at community level at several settings:
- Health Centers, Schools, kindergartens, Maternity hospitals, Institutions for special patients, Institutions for the elderly, general and oncology hospitals and occupational health.
Further information
Country Statistics
| Total Population | Aprox. 10,000,000 |
| Number of Dental Hygienists, (estimated) Female / Male | 800, 90% Female |
| Number of Dentists | 13,000 |
| Number of Dental Hygiene Schools / Students per year | 2 / 55 |
| Number of Dental Hygienists in private sector / public sector | 135 |
| Number of Dental Hygienists practicing as Clinicians | Around 95% |
| Number of Dental Hygienists practicing as Educators | 17 |
| Number of Dental Hygienists in other practice setting | Less than 10 |
Information based on data received by IFDH in:
2025
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.