Rank 1: United Arab Emirates
Starting to practice in the UAE is probably the easiest and quickest for Indians. One can start practicing as soon as two months after clearing the respective licence exams (DHA for Dubai; HAAD for Abu Dhabi; MOH for other Emirates). The exam fees are nominal and the work-experience requirement is also low: two years for general practitioners and three years for specialty-based practice. The visa process is quite simple and hassle free. Salaries are lucrative (starting 120,000 AED or ~2,300,000 INR annually) and tax-free. Dentists also enjoy a generous amount of paid leaves. A cosmopolitan culture and a vibrant community of Indians ensures that ones favorite cuisines are accessible. The proximity to India also means that family is never too far.
Rank 2: Australia
Indian dentists can start practicing in Australia as soon as they clear the equivalency exam (including written and practical assessments). Clearing the exam makes one eligible for working in New Zealand as well, under the Trans Tasman mutual recognition. Total exam fees cost ~400,000 INR, and duration of the process is about 15-18 months. Dentists can take the test at several venues in India, including Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, New Delhi, and Pune. One also has to clear the IELTS test as part of the process. Australia offers great starting salaries for dentists (starting 85,000 AUD or 4,150,000 INR annually). English is commonly spoken, and so one does not need to learn a local language. The country also offers free medical care and education up to the 12th grade.
Rank 3: The UK
Indian dentists can practice in the UK after clearing the equivalency exam ORE (conducted by General Dental Council). The exam is conducted in two parts (theory and practical). Total exam fees is ~300,000 INR and the duration of the process is about 18 months. One must also clear the IELTS test as part of the process. Starting salaries in the UK are around 35,000 GBP or 3,100,000 INR annually. Indians’ familiarity with the English language and culture, and a bustling Indian diaspora make it an attractive destination to migrate.
Rank 4: Canada
To practice in Canada, the professional has to clear the five-part exams conducted by the National Dental Examination Board of Canada. One does not need any additional coursework in a local college. However, the professional has to get a permanent residency to get a dental licence. One must also clear the IELTS as part of the process. The examinations take about two years to complete and ~800,000 INR in fees. Passing the equivalency exam in Canada will also make you eligible for practicing in New Zealand with a few additional formalities.
Salaries in Canada start at ~100,000 CAD or 5,330,000 INR annually. Labor laws are strict, and PR holders are eligible for the same rights and privileges as a Canadian citizen. The country provides free education to children and various health benefits. There is also a rapidly growing Indian diaspora in the country. Working in Canada also creates a path for individuals to eventually become Canadian citizens.
Rank 5: New Zealand
Like Australia and Canada, one needs to clear the equivalence exams to practice in New Zealand. The New Zealand Dentist Registration Examinations (NZDREX) has been outsourced to the NDEB of Canada, and constitutes three of the five exams that one needs to clear to practice in Canada. The examination costs about 550,000 INR and takes about 18 months. One must also clear the IELTS as part of the process. Besides this, one must also meet the criteria for fitness of registration in New Zealand.
The starting salary for dentists is ~85,000 NZD or 3,840,000 INR annually. New Zealand offers a great lifestyle for expats, with a range of places to visit.
Rank 6: The United States of America
Despite being the world’s largest economy and home to the world’s best universities, the United States of America is not the most lucrative proposition for Indian dentists. A professional must first clear two theory exams conducted by the National Board for Dental Examination, and TOEFL. The professional can then get admission in the DDS course to study for two more years in the country’s dental schools, before the individual can practice in the country. One needs a minimum of one year to clear the exams and an additional two years for completing DDS. This is an expensive and time-consuming proposition. But the rewards are also proportionate. Salaries in the US start at 117,700 USD or 8,350,000 INR annually.
Ranking Methodology
For ranking the countries we have used the following parameters:
- Time required to clear the respective equivalence requirements and start practicing (considering the professional clears the exam in the first attempt).
- Exam and visa fees, and fees for obtaining an academic degree (if required)
- Starting salaries
Sources: National regulatory bodies of the respective countries; Salary information from payscale.com; Exchange rates from Oanda.com (September 2019)
We did not consider several European countries given the language-related challenges that Indians would face there. However, with some early planning and extra effort in learning a European language, one can look forward to working in a European country.
We’ll keep that discussion for a later date. Till then, let us know what you think in the comments section below.
About the author
Dr. Shilpy Bhandari is a Gurugram-based Periodontist and the founder of Dentistry Insider. She has worked extensively across dental clinics of all sizes — from large corporate chains to small, independent setups.
Have something to say? Get in touch with us here
Read next
STORIES
To the Land Down Under
Dr. Neha Ohri shares her experience of clearing Australia’s equivalence exams and working as a dentist in Australia
The tipping point
Dr Satish Alavandar, MDS (Prosthodontics) shares his experiences from a roller-coaster career—including a failed clinic, a fruitless academic career, life-changing experiences while working in Abu Dhabi, and now a profitable, high-end dental clinic in Chennai.
Back to the roots
Dr. Sukant Shrivastava shares a powerful story of how he spread awareness about dentistry in his ancestral village in Madhya Pradesh and created a market for his skills
Types of income streams for a Dentist
Considering an MBA after BDS
We help you understand whether cracking the common admission test (CAT) is for you, how you should go about it, and how much time you need to invest to get a good percentile.
A letter to fresh graduates
Now that college is over, let’s put on our gloves and get down to business!
To work in a corporate setup or a standalone clinic
As an employee, different types of setups offer different experiences, learning and growth opportunities, and perks. We help you evaluate which one suits you better.
Wish to learn about the way towards europe…specially Austria.
Would be obliged mam.
could you please enlighten us about the european countries. couldn’t find much about it in the internet. thanks.
Is it possible for an endodontist from India to practice in Switzerland