If you’ve graduated as a dentist and have a few years clinical experience under your belt, you might be thinking of making the move to Europe to work. But Europe is a big place. There’s so much to consider – language requirements, working culture, cost of living, standard of education for family members? If you’re going to make the move, you want to make sure you know where is the best place to go - for you as a dentist, and for the whole family. So how do you decide where’s the best place to practise as a dentist? And how does working as a dentist in Ireland compare to other EU states?

Dentistry is a popular career choice for a variety of reasons. Typically you can earn a good income, and there's potential to make even more money by opening your own practice. And if you do that, you can set your own hours and create a work environment that suits you. Dentistry is also a secure job - there's a steady demand for dentists the world over. In Ireland in particular, there is a recruitment crisis and clinics cannot source enough dentists to treat the general population adequately. 

There are many reasons to consider working as a dental professional in Ireland. You can earn a good standard of living in Ireland’s booming economy. Ireland’s stable political system and low crime rate means it’s a very attractive prospect for families.  And one of the biggest draws is that Ireland’s first language is English. Outside of the UK, Ireland is the main English speaking country in Europe. So if you’re coming from abroad and you already have English as a second language, then you’re already a step ahead on progressing towards a fulfilling career as a dentist in Ireland.

Ireland is in the grip of a serious dentist shortage. The Irish Dental Association conducted a survey last year that revealed that one in six patients are waiting over three months for a routine appointment with their denti...

If you’ve trained as a dentist, you’ll already have invested a  lot of time and money in an excellent career path. However, if you feel like opportunities to progress in your native country are not as forthcoming, or you’re not doing as well professionally and financially as you’d hoped, then consider a move to Ireland. In Ireland, even if you’re a foreigner, working in dentistry can offer many opportunities for professional development, job satisfaction, and personal growth. With a robust healthcare system, good standard of living, and friendly people, Ireland is a great place to further your dental career. And the great news for EU dentists is that your dental qualifications are recognised in Ireland. If you’ve qualified in the UK, UAE, Canada or rest of the world, you can still become a dentist in Ireland — but there are exams you’ll need to sit, and a little more paperwork to fill in.

Coming to Ireland from abroad, there are many benefits to working as a dentist in Ireland. You can look forward to strong job prospects with a competitive salary, access to cutting-edge facilities, and an organised professional network. And of course, Ireland’s economy is booming right now. Yet it is still possible to achieve a good work-life balance. Ireland has a lot to offer an ambitious dental professional who wants to pursue a fulfilling career abroad. If this is you, read on.