Dentists go through their own recognition procedure under the Zahnheilkundegesetz (German Dentistry Act), also at the Regierungspräsidium Stuttgart (regional licensing authority). The process is similar to that for human medicine.
Application for Approbation (German licence)at the Regierungspräsidium Stuttgart, Dentistry Abroad, with certificates, curriculum, proof of professional experience, police clearance certificate, Certificate of Good Standing, medical certificate.
Equivalence.EU/EEA/Switzerland: recognition for listed qualifications. Non-EU countries: comparison with German dental training; in case of material differences a Kenntnisprüfung (knowledge exam: dental patient case, oral examination).
Language.General German B2 plus the Fachsprachprüfung (language exam) at the Landeszahnärztekammer Baden-Württemberg (state dental chamber).
Berufserlaubnis(temporary professional permit) as a limited interim solution is also possible here, under supervision in a practice or hospital.
Everyday practice in Germany
Employed dentists usually work in practices or dental MVZ (medical care centres); salary is often a fixed salary plus revenue share. Nationwide average in 2025 according to a salary study: around 65 k fixed salary, around 91 k with revenue share.
A preparatory and assistant period is important for a later statutory health insurance licence (Kassenzulassung); we explain this in conversation.
Taking over a practice is realistic in the region: many owners are looking for a successor.
Details on duration and exam format vary; current status at rp.baden-wuerttemberg.de (Dentistry Abroad). As of October 2026, without guarantee.