Boost Your Dental Career: Discover Why the Netherlands is the Perfect Destination

Are you a dentist considering an international career move? The Netherlands is one of the best destinations for dental professionals seeking professional growth, financial stability, and an excellent quality of life. In this blog, we will explore why working as a dentist in the Netherlands is a great opportunity and how it can positively impact your career and personal life.

1. Competitive Salaries and Financial Benefits

One of the most compelling reasons to work as a dentist in the Netherlands is the attractive salary. The country offers competitive earnings, with experienced dentists making well above the European average. Salaries range from €60,000 to €120,000 per year, depending on experience, specialization, and work setting. For comparison, dentists in Spain or Portugal may earn significantly less, making the Netherlands a lucrative choice. Additionally, the Netherlands offers a 30% tax ruling for highly skilled migrants, meaning a large portion of your income can be tax-free for up to five years.

The average revenue per patient in Dutch dental practices is between €220 – €250, contributing to an annual spending of €3.2 billion on dental care in the country (ABN AMRO, 2024). In comparison, the average revenue per patient in Spain is €60-€100, and in Portugal, it is €50-€90, highlighting the financial advantages of working as a dentist in the Netherlands.

2. High Demand for Dentists

The Netherlands has a shortage of dentists, especially in rural areas, leading to a strong demand for qualified professionals. This ensures excellent job security and numerous employment opportunities in both private and public dental clinics. With an aging population and increasing oral healthcare awareness, the need for dental professionals continues to grow.

Currently, 19.3% of Dutch dentists are aged 60 or older, and one in five dentists is expected to retire in the next seven years. This creates a growing need for new dental professionals. Additionally, only 274 new dentists enter the workforce annually, which is not enough to meet the demand (ABN AMRO, 2024).

3. Advanced Dental Healthcare System

The Dutch healthcare system is one of the most advanced in the world, with state-of-the-art dental technology and modern treatment facilities. Dentists in the Netherlands benefit from:

Cutting-edge equipment and high hygiene standards
Digitalized patient records and innovative treatment planning
Continuous professional development to stay up to date with the latest advancements

4. Work-Life Balance and Flexible Working Hours

One of the standout benefits of working in the Netherlands is the healthy work-life balance. Unlike many other countries where dentists work long and stressful hours, Dutch dental professionals enjoy flexible working schedules, typically around 36–40 hours per week. Dr. López, a Spanish dentist who relocated to the Netherlands, shares: "Moving here has allowed me to have a great career while still enjoying time with my family and personal life."

Additionally, 79% of the Dutch population visits the dentist annually, with patients going for check-ups approximately once every eight months. This steady patient flow allows for a predictable workload and income.

5. Support for Foreign Professionals

At Care-Force, we understand that moving to a new country comes with many practical challenges. That’s why we provide extensive support for foreign dentists who want to relocate to the Netherlands. Our support includes:

Language courses to improve your Dutch to B2+ (which is required)
Assistance with professional registration (BIG registration is required to practice as a dentist)
Relocation support, including help with finding housing, opening a bank account, and setting up local services

These services ensure that your transition to the Netherlands is as smooth as possible.

6. Excellent Quality of Life

Living in the Netherlands means enjoying a high standard of living with access to great healthcare, education, and public services. Some of the lifestyle benefits include:

Well-connected transportation (biking culture, excellent public transport)
A multicultural and diverse society
Safe and family-friendly environment
Opportunities for cultural and outdoor activities

7. Strong Professional Network and Career Growth

The Netherlands offers dentists a chance to grow in their profession. You can choose to specialize in areas like orthodontics, periodontology, or implantology with access to well-regarded training institutions. Additionally, there are professional organizations such as the KNMT (Royal Dutch Dental Association) and ANT (Association of Dutch Dentists) that provide networking opportunities and career support.

Furthermore, 13% of dental practices in the Netherlands are part of a larger chain, offering structured career paths and potential for growth. Many dentists also choose to start their own practice around the age of 30, benefiting from an established healthcare infrastructure. Care-Force is part of such a larger chain, with over 60 dental clinics across the Netherlands, providing our candidates with numerous opportunities for career advancement and mobility within the country.

Conclusion: A Bright Future Awaits in the Netherlands

If you're looking for a country that values professional excellence, offers financial stability, and supports a high quality of life, the Netherlands is the place for you. With strong demand, advanced dental care systems, and a work culture that prioritizes balance, working as a dentist in the Netherlands is a rewarding career move.

Are you ready to take the next step? Book a consultation with us today to explore how you can start your journey toward a successful dental career in the Netherlands!