Certification is normally a prerequisite for the right to practice dentistry. And any reimbursement from your own country for treatment by a foreign dentist may depend on whether you were treated by a certified dentist.
Ask for a price quote
It is a good idea to get a price quote in writing from more than one dentist if you need major dental work. There can be significant differences in price from dentist to dentist for the same procedure. You should also find out whether you qualify for reimbursement from your own country before accepting a dentist’s offer. And remember to bear in mind possible follow-up visits, which can be costly in extra travel activity.
ECC Denmark has compiled information on registration of dentists in Denmark, as well as in the UK, Greece, Norway, Poland, Sweden and Germany.
How to find a certified dentist
Denmark
In Denmark the Danish National Board of Health, www.sst.dk, can tell you whether a dentist is certified.
United Kingdom
In the UK, the following organisation can tell you whether a dentist is certified:
General Dental Council
37 Wimpole Street
London
W1G 8DQ
UK
Tel: +44 020 7887 3800
Fax: +44 020 7224 3294
E-mail: Complaints@gdc-uk.org
Website: www.gdc-uk.org
Greece
In Greece, the regional Dental Association can tell you whether a dentist is certified, as all dentists must be members of the Association. Here are the Dental Associations in the largest regions – most of the websites are in Greek only:
It may also be a good idea to make sure that there is a sign outside the dental clinic stating the name and registration number of the dentist.
Norway
In Norway, you can find a certified dentist by contacting the Norwegian Registration Authority for Health Personnel.
Poland
In Poland, only dentists who have passed the exam have the right to practice. You can therefore assume that all dentists in Poland are certified.
Sweden
In Sweden, the National Board of Health and Welfare issues professional certificates to dentists.
Germany
In Germany, Dentists have to be certified in order to practice.
Certified dentists in other countries
If you choose a dentist in a country that is not included in the above list, it is a good idea to contact e.g. the Ministry of Health in the country where the dentist practices to find out whether he or she is certified. At the Danish Ministry of the Interior and Health website, you will find links to the Ministries of Health in several countries.
You can also find information on a European dentist via the European Dental Association websites. There is no guarantee for the quality of the individual dentists’ work, but they are all members of the Dental Association in the country in question.
Not all Dental Associations in the EU have a search option, however through the World Dental Federation you can contact the national organisations in Europe for more information.
The following pages have a search option:
Swedish organisation for private dentists.
British Dental Association.
KZBV (German Dental Association).
Irish Dental Association.
You may also want to visit World Dental Federation.