How to Work and Immigrate to Italy as a Dentist?

Italy, famed for its rich culture, wonderful cuisine, and stunning scenery, has been a tempting destination for immigrants worldwide. Suppose you’re a dentist considering practicing your profession in this lovely Mediterranean country. In that case, this article will help you immigrate to Italy as a dentist by explaining the process completely.

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Can Foreign Dentists Work in Italy?

Can I Be a Dentist in Italy? Yes, dentists from other countries are welcome to apply for work in Italy, provided they meet the country’s standards. These include proof of language competency, registration with the dental council, and the ability to work in Italy legally.

Can an American Dentist Practice in Italy?

Yes, an American dentist can work in Italy. However, they must fulfill specified conditions and receive the required licenses and permits, such as having their credentials recognized, showing proof of Italian language competency, and meeting regulatory and licensing criteria in Italy.

How to Immigrate to Italy as a Dentist?

To immigrate to Italy as a dentist, you must go through several steps and meet specific requirements. Here’s a general guide to help you get started:

Step 1. Educational Requirements

A dental degree from a reputable university in your own country is required.

If you want to practice dentistry in Italy, the Italian Ministry of Education (Ministero dell’Istruzione, dell’Università e della Ricerca – MIUR) may ask to see a certified translation of your dental degree and transcripts. For instance, a dental degree received in the United States must have been conferred by a school recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

Step 2. Language Proficiency

You should take an Italian language test, such as the CILS (Certificazione di Italiano como Lingua Straniera), to demonstrate your level of competence in the language. Possessing strong linguistic skills is crucial for interacting successfully with patients and coworkers. For instance, taking Italian classes at a language institute can help you become ready for the CILS. If you do well on the test, it will look great on your application.

Step 3. Recognition of Qualifications

To start getting your credentials recognized, you should contact the Italian Ministry of Health (Ministero della Salute) or the local health authority (Azienda Sanitaria Locale – ASL) in the area where you plan to operate. A curriculum vitae, cover letter, and copies of relevant academic and professional credentials may be requested. You may need to take and pass an examination to prove your competence. If required, it would likely be determined by the Italian Ministry of Health or the local health authority (ASL) based on your qualifications and circumstances.

Step 4. Work Visa

Find a dental practice or hospital in Italy that will hire you. Your future employer may be able to help you get an Italian work visa. Send your work visa application to the Italian consulate or embassy closest to you. A valid passport, visa application form, employment contract, lodging, and financial guarantee letter may be required.

Step 5. Residence Permit

You have eight days from your arrival in Italy to apply for a residence permit at the local Questura or immigration office. Your passport, visa, employment offer letter, housing letter, and bank statements may all be requested to prove your financial and housing stability.

Step 6. Registration with the Dental Council

Registration with the local dental council, the “Ordine dei Medici Chirurghi e degli Odontoiatri,” is required before one can legally practice dentistry in Italy. You may need additional paperwork, such as certifications, for this procedure.

Step 7. Housing

Where you want to work in Italy will significantly impact your housing options. Alternatively, you could ask for financial aid from your company or colleagues. When applying for a residence permit, you must present proof of residence.

Step 8. Professional Insurance

Professional liability insurance (assicurazione per la responsabilità professionale) is mandatory for dentists in Italy. You’ll have to have insurance, and the premiums will vary based on factors like your profession and where you live.

Italian Dental Council

“Ordine dei Medici Chirurghi e degli Odontoiatri” translates to “Order of Surgeons and Dentists” in Italian. The Italian Dental and Oral Surgery Board is the governing organization for the dental and surgical professions in the country. The council’s job is to ensure all Italian dentists are up to snuff regarding education, ethics, and the law.

To immigrate to Italy as a dentist and legally work as an oral surgeon or dental hygienist in a certain region, one must first register with the appropriate regional Dental Council. It is imperative to contact the local Dental Council in the region where you intend to practice for specific information on the registration process, as each regional council may have its procedures and requirements for registration.

What are the Steps to Register with the Dental Council?

To immigrate to Italy as a dentist, you must register with the Dental Council (Ordine dei Medici Chirurghi e degli Odontoiatri) in Italy as a foreign-trained dentist. You’ll typically need to follow these steps:

Step 1. Qualification Recognition

If you want to practice dentistry in Italy, you must show that your education and experience qualify you to do so. This procedure will determine if your credentials are equal to those earned in Italy in dentistry.

Step 2. Language Proficiency

Prove that you are fluent in Italian by taking and passing a test in Italian. Having good lines of communication with patients and coworkers is crucial.

Step 3. Documentation

Gather the required documentation, which may include:

Proof of recognized qualifications.
Italian language proficiency certificate.
Proof of identity and residence.
Passport-sized photos.
Any other documents requested by the specific Dental Council.

Step 4. Application Submission

If you want to immigrate to Italy as a dentist, you need to apply for registration with the Dental Council in the area where you want to work. The council can require a personal appearance or adherence to strict submission standards, so plan accordingly.

Step 5. Payment of Fees

To immigrate to Italy as a dentist and register with the Dental Council, appropriate fees and dues must be paid. The fees may change from one council to the next and from one geographical area to another.

Step 6. Review and Approval

The Dental Council will review your application and supporting materials. They might take a close look at your background and experience.

Step 7. Notification of Approval

The Dental Council will get back to you once your application has been accepted. You will soon receive your registration paperwork, allowing you to practice dentistry in Italy legally.

Step 8. Ongoing Membership

Pay any annual dues to the Dental Council that may be imposed and continue following their codes of conduct to keep your membership in good standing.

Do Dentists Make Good Money in Italy?

The average annual pay for a dentist in Italy is roughly 117,440 EUR, with salaries ranging from around 53,320 EUR to around 190,500 EUR.

Annual Salary

Lowest: 53,320 EUR
Average: 117,440 EUR
Highest: 190,500 EUR

Monthly Salary

Lowest: 4,443 EUR
Average: 9,786 EUR
Highest: 15,875 EUR

Experience

0 – 2 Years Experience. With less than two years of experience, an Italian dentist can expect to make around 60,460 EUR annually.
2 – 5 Years Experience. The average income for a dentist with two to five years of experience is 83,140 EUR.
5 – 10 Years Experience. The average income for a Dentist with between five and 10 years of experience is 123,400 EUR.
10 – 15 Years Experience. If you have more than 10 years of experience, you can expect to earn an average of 151,800 EUR a year.
15 – 20 Years Experience. The average salary for a dentist with 15–20 years of experience is 161,600 EUR.
20+ Years Experience. With more than 20 years of experience, a dentist may earn an average compensation of 176,800 EUR per year.

Orthodontist Salary in Italy

Orthodontists in Italy typically earn around 11,200 EUR per year. The lowest salary is 5,150 Euros and the highest is 17,800 Euros.

Can an American Dental Hygienist Work in Italy?

A dental hygienist from the U.S. may work in Italy. Still, to do so, they must meet several specific requirements, including obtaining recognition and proficiency in the Italian language and complying with Italian regulations.

How to Find Dentist Jobs in Italy?

To immigrate to Italy as a dentist, you can use various ways:

You can search for dentist jobs in Italy on sites such as Indeed.it, Glassdoor.it, and LinkedIn.
For dental job listings and resources, visit the Ordine dei Medici Chirurghi e degli Odontoiatri website.
To find job postings for dentists in Italy, visit ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) sites.
Dental job placement agencies like “Studio Dentistico Lavoro” are good options.
Learn about job opportunities by attending dental conferences, such as those held by the Italian Dental Association (Associazione Italiana di Odontoidria Conservativa).
The University of Milan Dentistry Department can assist you with job placement by providing career services.
You can find dental job listings in Italian newspapers and classified ads websites, such as Subito.it.
Obtain job listings from dental publications like “Dentistry Today Italia.”
You can find job postings for Italian dentists in dental professional forums or Facebook groups.
Your resume and cover letter should be sent directly to dental practices in Italy.
Public healthcare positions can be found on the Italian government’s job portal, such as the “Portale del Lavoro Pubblico.”
Job leads can be found through alumni networks from Italian dental schools, such as the University of Rome “La Sapienza” School of Dentistry.
Take part in dental job fairs or recruitment events in Italy, such as the “Fiera del Dentale” in Rimini.
To find freelance dental opportunities in Italy, try Upwork.it or Freelancer.it.
Dental job listings in Italy can be found on websites such as DentistaJobs.it.

Dentistry in Italy after BDS

A BDS degree earned abroad will typically qualify you to practice dentistry in Italy if you meet these requirements:

Have your BDS degree recognized in Italy.
Prove proficiency in Italian.
Register with the local dental council.
Obtain a work visa and residence permit.
Secure professional liability insurance.
Comply with Italian regulations and engage in ongoing professional development.

Immigrate to Italy as a Dentist: Let’s Recap

Dentists in Italy have the opportunity to expand their professional skills while experiencing a unique blend of cultural enrichment and professional growth. You can practice dentistry in one of the most captivating countries in Europe by following the steps outlined in this guide.