Your future as a dentist in the Netherlands

To work independently as a dentist in the Netherlands, you need Dutch at B2+ level. For your registration at the BIG (register for Professions in Individual Healthcare), this means passing a language exam specifically for healthcare professionals.

That may seem challenging, but guiding foreign dentists through this process is what we do best. At BGB Academy you learn Dutch in a program designed especially for dentists, with our own Dentistry Dutch book and online learning platform.

The course takes 20 weeks, and is divided into four blocks. The first two can be followed online from home, with live classes and fellow students. The final two blocks take place on location in the Netherlands, giving you the chance to connect with your classmates and fully immerse yourself in the language.

After completing the BGB Academy in Westerbork, there are still a few important steps before you can fully begin your new life and career in the Netherlands. With years of experience guiding dentists through this transition, BGB makes sure your start is smooth and worry-free.

During the course itself, you will already follow the Theoretical Foundations of Dutch Dentistry together with one of our dentist advisors. This means that by the time you complete the Academy, you are not only prepared linguistically, but also familiar with the Dutch dental system, protocols, and way of working in practice.

In the days right after the course, we take care of the essentials: opening your bank account, registering you with the municipality, arranging work clothing, and, if needed, transport to your clinic. If you did not pass the language exam in Westerbork, this week can also be used for extra classes and a re-exam at our office in Leiden.

After this, your internship week in the clinic begins. During this stage, you will get to know your team, experience daily practice in the Netherlands, and further prepare for your first working day as a dentist. We provide accommodation during this internship and help you find permanent housing once you commit to a clinic. In most cases, the clinic where you intern is also where you will continue working, although adjustments are possible if it is not the right match.

Once you have settled into your clinic and new hometown, your career as a Dutch dentist truly begins!

A job in a Dutch dental clinic is the core of our program. While you are learning Dutch, we already start matching you with a clinic that fits your professional skills and personal goals. Our BGB account managers guide you through every step of this process.

During the course, you will meet your future clinic in an online or in-person meeting. If the first meeting goes well, you begin with a one-week internship to confirm the mutual match. From there, your career as a dentist in the Netherlands truly begins.

When you work with BGB, our support never stops. We ensure continued employment, provide regular evaluations to support your development, and help you grow further in your career. Just as important, you become part of our international BGB community with events, masterclasses, and colleagues who share the same journey.

Even after you start working in a Dutch dental clinic, you remain part of the BGB community. We regularly check in to see how you are doing, both personally and professionally, and make sure you feel supported.

Within our community you will find colleagues on the same journey, BGB events and masterclasses, and opportunities to follow additional courses or specialize further. Whatever your ambitions are, you do not have to pursue them alone.

Over the years we have built a strong network of clinics, course providers, and dental organizations. With this network, and with the knowledge and motivation of our team, we help you grow your career and feel at home in Dutch dentistry.

If you’re a foreign dentist seeking a new adventure abroad, you may be exploring various countries as potential destinations. With a shortage of dentists across several European countries, each with its own unique advantages, the decision of which country is best suited for you ultimately rests in your hands. While we’re not completely objective in this matter, we firmly believe that the Netherlands presents abundant opportunities for foreign dentists looking to embark on a new career abroad.

The Netherlands offers numerous advantages for both working as a dentist and living as a dentist in Holland. In terms of your professional life, you can anticipate excellent working conditions, a satisfactory salary, and ample opportunities for professional development. Regarding your personal life, the Netherlands boasts a favorable tax climate for expatriates, a healthy work-life balance, and a robust social security system. It comes as no surprise that the Netherlands has been ranked as the top destination for quality of life, considering factors such as cost of living, crime rates, healthcare, commute times, and environmental pollution.

Regardless of your reasons for seeking a new country to call home, the Netherlands offers a wide range of benefits to suit your needs.