Where else can we practice with our degrees?

[Frank Cavitation]

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I was wondering if anyone knows other countries that recognize american or canadian DDS designations. Thought it would be nice to work overseas for a few months doing similar level of dentistry... not like volunteering in developing
countries though (exos and screaming kids with abscess and malaria, oh my!).
Places like UK and Australia need some kind of equivalency exam, but it appears New Zealand will let us in with just an open book ethics exam. Any other places like that?

 

[Dr.Millisevert]

Places like UK and Australia need some kind of equivalency exam, but it appears New Zealand will let us in with just an open book ethics exam. Any other places like that?

It really depends on what you're looking for. You say you want to practice the same level of dentistry? Do you mean you are looking for the same level of income? ...or are you looking for the same standard of clinical practice. (new facilities, equipment, materials) etc.. all in a 1st world english speaking nation?

The UK is kind of a different animal these days now that they have joined the EU, as they have to go along with the EU regulations and licensure just like everyone else in Europe. So breaking into that area might be more difficult these days.

You might want to check out Hong Kong and Singapore.. as they may be options for you. Both have been in the past British commonwealth countries and most everyone speaks English.. and both countries already have a decent number of north American and British expats already living there. (not to mention low income tax rate).

Now.. Although you will find the same standard of clinical dentistry in both the UK and New Zealand as in North America.. Dentistry in both of these countries falls under public health care funding. As both countries have a nationwide public health service. Which means you don't get paid as much.

Also, UK and New Zealand are both pretty cold and have lots of rural places that although very beautiful, not many young professionals really want to live.

Australia does have a public health service, but it is a bit more tightly regulated unlike Canada, UK, and New Zealand who grant free health care to everyone. And dentistry in Australia is private and seperate from the health service. Soo.. You're usually able to command a much higher income as a dentist in Australia and US as compared with the UK and New Zealand on average.

I hope that helps! Good Luck!

 

[Frank Cavitation]

Thanks for the informative reply! I hadn't thought of Singapore.

Actually I know a few people considering going to HK to practice, but there is a series of written and clinical boards that is apparently quite difficult to get through all in one try. And I wrote earlier that Australia requires similar testing, but further investigation in their dental council page seems to suggest grads from North America can work for up to 3 years in the public health sector without having to write boards (dentistry in the outback? 🙂)

 

[Dr.Millisevert]

Thanks for the informative reply! I hadn't thought of Singapore.

Actually I know a few people considering going to HK to practice, but there is a series of written and clinical boards that is apparently quite difficult to get through all in one try. And I wrote earlier that Australia requires similar testing, but further investigation in their dental council page seems to suggest grads from North America can work for up to 3 years in the public health sector without having to write boards (dentistry in the outback? 🙂)

Yeah, In order to get a real dental license in Australia you have to pass the ADC exam written, oral, clinical... Can be quite an ordeal actually. About the same as having to do the US board exams in the US. If you want more information on this process. Drop down the Australia forum and ask some of the people there.. You should see the ADC exam thread it is usually on top and is one of the biggest ever on studentdoctor.net.

I'm not sure what you'd have to do if you just want to work in a public clinic in an "area of need" in Australia. You won't get paid that much.. that's for sure. Probably be about the same as going to work on a native american reservation or public health type job in the US. But, if you just want the experience of working abroad.. go for it! Again.. like I said, it just depends on what sort of experience you're looking for.