Application
You submit an application for a license to practice as a dentist to the competent authority. The competent authority will check whether your training is equivalent to German training and whether all other requirements have been met. Approval can only be granted if your training from a third country is equivalent to German training.
Examination of equivalence
The competent authority will compare your professional qualification from abroad with the German professional qualification as a dentist. The competent authority will check whether your professional qualification is equivalent. The professional qualification is equivalent if there are no significant differences between your foreign professional qualification and the German professional qualification.
Possible results of the examination
If your professional qualification is equivalent, your foreign professional qualification will be recognized. The authority can confirm the result in writing. You must still meet the other requirements and provide proof of your language skills. You will then be granted a license to practice as a dentist.
If the competent authority identifies significant differences, you can compensate for the differences through your professional practice and other knowledge and skills (lifelong learning). You must provide evidence of your professional experience. Knowledge and skills must be certified by an authority in your country of origin.
However, this knowledge may not be sufficient. You will then not be able to compensate for the major differences. Your foreign professional qualification will then not be recognized.
The competent authority will inform you in writing of the significant differences and why you cannot compensate for the significant differences through your professional experience. The decision of the competent authority will also state the level of your training and the level required in Germany. You will then not be allowed to work as a dentist. However, the competent authority will offer you the opportunity to take a knowledge test. If you successfully pass the knowledge test (and meet all other requirements), you will receive your license to practice.
Knowledge test
If your professional qualification is not equivalent and you cannot compensate for the differences, you can take a knowledge test. The knowledge test is based on the final examination as a dentist in Germany. The content and exact procedure of the examination are regulated by law. If you pass the knowledge test, you will be granted a license to practice as a dentist. You must also meet the other requirements and provide proof of your language skills.
