Sarah Twiford is a Dental Hygienist Abroad who has been living and working in Germany since 2018. In this interview, she shares how a post-graduation trip through Europe turned into a long-term move abroad — including the realities of finding work, navigating visas, and building a life far from home.
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: Sarah Twiford, RDH, BSDH
Origin: Bellingham, Washington, United States
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
- Active Oregon Dental Hygiene License Location Abroad: Germany Years Abroad: June 2018–Present
Background & Early Career
Where are you originally from?
Bellingham, Washington. Went to hygiene school in Oregon and currently hold an active Oregon license.
Have you always worked in the dental field? If not, what other fields? Any other degrees acquired before turning to hygiene?
Yes, hygiene was my first long-term full time job. Before, I was a bartender, office assistant, nanny and grocery store worker — that kind of stuff.
Working Abroad in Germany
What country do you work abroad in? From which years?
Germany — June 2018 to current.
Why She Moved Abroad
What inspired you to move abroad?
I went on a “euro trip” after graduating hygiene school in 2016 where I was here alone for about a month. I saw a lot, but was unhappy that I couldn’t see more and that my trip was not long enough.
In my eyes the only way I would be happy would be if I made the move so I could travel more. Before that, I never lived abroad or was able to study abroad, which was always something I wanted to do.
Did you make the move alone or did you bring family or pets?
Alone.
What did your family and friends say?
They all said that I was crazy. I don’t think anyone believed that I would actually do it. They were all supportive, but also a bit confused why I would leave my family, friends, and job to go to a place where I knew no one.
Were you afraid?
Who wouldn’t be? I was moving to a city where I didn’t know anyone, had never visited, and didn’t speak the language.
Finding Work & Moving Logistics
How did you find the practice you work for?
I tried to contact anyone that may help and write back. I sent a lot of unanswered emails to a lot of random people.
I ended up finding my specific office because I was going through old posts in a dental hygiene group on Facebook and someone mentioned that there is a dental office that hires American dental hygienists in Wiesbaden, Germany.
There is a U.S. military base in Wiesbaden, so there is a need for a private dental office to serve the military community. I ended up talking with them off and on for a couple of months — to a year — before they said they needed a hygienist starting that summer.
Briefly describe your experience moving, obtaining a visa or permit, and housing
Moving was easy. I packed two suitcases and a backpack and came over on a tourist visa. The actual process of getting a work permit was a huge headache.
I am a fairly calm, easygoing person, but it was very stressful to get the visa. I had a few issues with my work contract and the German immigration office, so it took about four months to process everything and get the sticker in my passport.
If I could do it all over again, I would have contacted the German consulate while living in the States and tried to get the work visa before making the move.
Life in Germany — Region & Lifestyle
What is this region known for?
Wiesbaden, Germany is known for the world’s largest cuckoo clock and thermal springs and spas, among other things.
Overall, Wiesbaden is probably not my first choice for a German city to live in, but it is a beautiful city between the Rheingau wine region and Frankfurt.
I am able to take a 20-minute train into a small wine village and walk around the vineyards or a 40-minute train into Frankfurt’s city center.
Practice, Team & Clinical Setting
What practice do you work for and in which specialty?
I work for a general dental practice. We have 3 dentists, 1 orthodontist, 3 hygienists, and about 15 assistants and receptionists — not all working at the same time, of course.
Life in Germany — Social Life & Community
What is your social life like? What do you most enjoy? Least enjoy?
Social life in Germany is great. I was lucky to find a pretty diverse group of friends early on when I moved here. I have a pretty international group of friends from all over Europe, North America, and Germany.
My favorite thing is that there are so many different festivals in the summer and fall (in non-COVID times). I also love being able to go for a walk along the Rhein River and stopping at different wine stands along the way.
Frankfurt, Germany — Photo by Mathias Konrath on Unsplash
What were the patients like?
I only see Americans, so they are the same as back home — but there is more patient turnover because people move more due to being associated with the military.
Professional Growth & Personal Reflection
How did the experience change you as a person?
Personally, I think anytime you step out of your comfort zone, you grow as a person. I am more open to meeting new people. I have also learned to accept that things may not go as planned the first few times — and that is okay.
Do you still practice hygiene? Any plans to leave hygiene?
Yes, I am still practicing. I do have plans to leave hygiene.
I think, like most people, I had a mini quarter-life crisis this spring when things were shut down due to the pandemic. I thought a lot about my professional career. I often grow tired of the repetitive duties of a hygienist and would like a new challenge.
Ideally, I would like a job where I have the option to work from home — but we will see.
Do you have any other projects or businesses on the side?
Not yet.
Do you have any regrets?
Most days, no.
Advice for International Dental Hygienists
Any wisdom you would like to pass on to future internationally practicing hygienists?
As cheesy as it is — just do it. If you don’t like it, you can always move back.
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
