Alanna Kirschner is a Dental Hygienist Abroad from Canada who has worked in Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and now Jamaica. In this interview, she shares her experiences of working abroad, the adventures and challenges she faced, and how her perspective on life and work has evolved.
This story is part of the International Dental Hygienist Interviews series, created to give dental hygienists a realistic look at what working abroad actually involves — beyond the highlight reel.
Hygienist Snapshot
Name: Alanna Kirschner, RDH
Origin: Manitoba, Canada
Education / Other Roles:
- Started in Dental Hygiene
- Health Coach & Business Owner Locations Abroad: Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Jamaica Years Abroad: Various
Background & Early Career
Where are you originally from?
Manitoba, Canada
Have you always worked in the dental field? If not, what other fields? Any other degrees acquired before turning to hygiene?
Started in Dental Hygiene but have become a Health Coach and a business owner.
Working Abroad
What country did you or do you work abroad in? From which years?
Liechtenstein (The principality of Liechtenstein), Switzerland, and Jamaica.
What inspired you to move abroad?
Tired of winters and actually wanted to quit hygiene.
What did your family say?
They were cool, sad but knew that I am an adventurer.
Were you afraid?
Not until the airplane took off from Toronto — then I first asked myself what I was doing.
What is/was that region known for?
Alps, chocolate, wine, and cheese.
Practice, Team & Clinical Setting
What practice did you work for and in which specialty? Makeup of staff, etc?
General practice; one office also provided orthodontics.
Life Abroad — Social Life & Lifestyle
What is/was your social life like?
Most excellent. Clubbing in different countries, sports, festivals, traveling.
What did you most enjoy? Least enjoy? Why?
Enjoyed the abundant adventure.
Least enjoyed the initial isolation and missing my family and friends.
What were the patients like? Any exceptional experiences? Good or bad?
The patients have always been appreciative of the level of treatment provided.
Professional Growth & Personal Reflection
How did the experience change you as a person? Professionally? Personally?
I became fearless, open to new languages, experiences, and people. I am also not at all materialistic. I could leave everything behind (except my children) and be fine.
Do you still practice hygiene? Why or why not? Any plans to leave hygiene?
Still practice part-time. Would love to retire, but the patients would be unhappy. I would prefer to focus on my business and family, but still commit to seeing these patients.
Do you have any other projects or businesses on the side?
Yes. Manufacturing.
What did you (or will you) do to move on with your life?
Most likely continue to juggle all of my hats.
Do you have any regrets?
None at all. Wished I would have saved more money.
How would you like to be remembered?
As caring, considerate, compassionate, and giving.
Advice for International Dental Hygienists
Any wisdom you would like to pass on to future internationally practicing hygienists?
Take time, slow down, be passionate, and respect the patient.
Thinking about working abroad as a dental hygienist?
Interviews like this one offer a glimpse into what’s possible — but everyone’s path looks different.
If you’re exploring international work and want a clearer starting point, these resources may help:
- Start here: Start Your Career As a Dental Hygienist Abroad A reality-first overview of what working abroad actually involves, including credentials, timelines, and common pitfalls.
- Next: Explore the Practice Without Borders for in-depth and step by step guidance on how to prepare for a move abroad
Featured photo by Pexels
