Top 10 countries to practice dentistry

December 21, 2015

There are a number of countries throughout the world that really care about dental health, and offer better compensation. These areas around the globe are willing to pay more for experts, and many young dentist consider these locations when thinking about where to work. Often these countries pay very well in overall salaries, and are also great areas for other medical professionals.

So if you are a dentist looking for a big city, rural location, or proximity to the beach—opportunities in these countries might be worth a look.

Top 10 Countries for Practicing Dentists

The following results are based and ranked on the average annual salary earned by dentists in the country. The top countries to consider working as a dentist include:

10. Ireland

The average annual salary for dentists in this area is $65,600. Though qualified, many UK dentist opt to go to Ireland because of higher salaries. This is because dentists in the area are allowed to include private fees in addition to their general service fees.

9. Sweden

The average annual salary for dentists here is $70,300. But though the salaries are good, there is one barrier for many dental professionals. To practice in Sweden you would need to learn the complex language. Most dentist in this country are organized under “Tandlakarforbundet,” which also publishes the Swedish Dental Journal.

8. Japan

The average annual salary for dentists in Japan is $71,500. Due to the massive success of dentists in this country, there is also an excess of dentists. To be successful in Japan you would want to find a specific niche or cater to a certain type of community.

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7. Australia

The average annual salary for dentists here is $73,600. In Australia dentists are one of, if not the top earners in medicine. They surpass almost every other medical professional. Both the Australian Dental Council and Dental Board of Australia oversee dentistry in the country. To practice there you must obtain licensing and registration from the Dental Board of Australia. However, they do not grant registration to a foreign graduate until you pass the ADC exams or complete two years of schooling and obtain an education from a locally accredited dental school.

6. New Zealand

The average annual salary for dentists in this country is $73,700. Here the dentists with the most experience usually earn the highest salaries. Dentistry in this country is overseen by the Dental Council and any dental specialization is also overseen by the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.

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5. Canada

The average annual salary for dentists here is $81,800. Dentists of this country are well compensated for their treatments and services because of public healthcare, depending on location. Some provinces provide free care to children and the elderly. Though dentistry was slow to start in this country, compared to other countries in Europe, today Canada has over 16,000 practicing dentists.

4. Norway

The average annual salary for dentists is $93,100. There is a high demand for dental work in this country, which accounts for the high salaries for dentists. Dental treatments for children are free, covered by the national health service. However, this is one of the countries where the high taxes and cost of living could factor into the decision making process.

3. Switzerland

The average annual salary for dentists is $96,800. This country really cares about oral and dental health. Thus, pay for dentists is relatively high, as is the case with most jobs in Switzerland.

2. United States

The average annual salary for dentists is $146,340. Dental therapists, like dental health aids and dental hygienists, are not allowed to practice independently. As a result, the U.S. provides excellent, but often over-priced treatment and fails to provide affordable services for lower social classes. As you might imagine, dentists in the United States encounter a variety of circumstances. Some states, with difficult policies and high cost of living, are not as friendly to dentists as others.

1. Spain

The average annual salary for dentists is $176,000. This is a significant difference when compared to other countries. No wonder more and more dental professionals are making the move to Spain. Not only does the salary almost double that of Switzerland, but the country has relatively low tax and lower cost of living. When it comes to money, this is obviously the best country to practice dentistry in.

These are the top countries dentists consider for their prospective careers. But the median annual pay should not be the only consideration. Dentists should also look at the cost of living expenses, the local culture and prospective patients, as well as the quotient of dentists in the area. Then they can make the best decision on where to practice. 

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