Welcome to our International Dental Hygienist Interviews series, where we share real stories from dental hygienists working across the globe. Discover their journeys, challenges, and insights to help guide your own international dental career.
Looking to explore working abroad as a dental hygienist? Start here: Dental Hygienists Abroad
Explore Interviews by Region
Jump to Region
👉🏾 Africa
👉🏾 Americas
👉🏾 Asia
👉🏾 Europe
🌍 AFRICA
Raquel Cofield – Accra, Ghana
“Watching my daughter follow her dreams gave me the courage to follow my own.”
🌎 AMERICAS
Coming soon!
🌏 ASIA
Dubai – Rachael England, RCSEd, MPH
Rachael has worked in three different countries and has her own non-profit dental organization in Kenya: Maasai Molar.
Dubai, UAE – Demika Levy, RDH
Demika worked in private settings and public health before moving to Dubai. Learn about how she is managing is such a transient environment.
Singapore– Shaylynn Skene, MPH, LDH, BSDH
Despite both chairside and teaching experience, working abroad has become her passion. Learn what it’s like to work as a hygienist in S.E. Asia.
🌍 EUROPE
Germany – Cindy M. Canada-Flores, RDH, RDA
Get to know this hygienist who loves the history and nature that her life in Germany opened up to her.
Germany – Sarah Twiford, RDH, BSDH
This hygienist didn’t stop until she fulfilled her dream of working in Europe.
Australia and Germany – Toni Massey, BSDH, RDH
A hygienist who conquered the Australian outback.
Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Jamaica – Alanna Kirschner, RDH
Get to know this hygienist who has practiced both in the mountains and at the beach.
Italy – Stefanie Gaspard, CRDH, BHSc, CMBM
“You won’t regret this opportunity if it comes your way, so grab it if it does!”
Germany – Charlotte Hughes, RDH, BSDH
Charlotte worked in Germany at American Dental Practice under Dr. Tam Hager, DMD in Kaiserslautern, from 2015 until 2020. Here she is pictured with a beloved patient-turned-friend. Charlotte is a graduate of Mississippi Delta Community College, class of 2008.
Germany – Casey L. Thornton, BS, RDH
Casey worked in Germany for two memorable years, 2017-2019. She has also traveled to over 30 countries! Casey used to work with hygienists to help them find work overseas, but her passion now is maternity photography! Her company is RDH International.
Germany – Rebecca Kruck, RDH (Late)
Rebecca worked in Germany in Cologne and Pforzheim from 1996 until she retired in 2019. We lost our dear colleague in 2023 and dedicate this to the memory of her accomplishments and wonderful influence.
Switzerland and Germany – Angela Scott, RDH
I worked in Switzerland starting in the early 2002, and later in Germany. My experiences led me to create a platform that advocates for prevention of dental disease.
Germany – Carmen Lanoway, BSDH, RDH
Carmen has been a traveling hygienist since 1995. She also is the current delegate for the Germany Dental Hygiene Association for the International Federation and the European Dental Hygiene Federation.
Switzerland – Bernita Bush Gissler, BSDH
Her journey as a dental hygienist abroad started in the 1980s and introduced her to another passion. This dental hygiene influencer helped developed the curriculum of the dental hygiene school at the University of Bern in the 1980s. She also taught at the University of Bern dental school in the 1990s. She’s still in Switzerland!
Switzerland – The Fabulous Six
These hygienists are the pioneers of international dental hygiene. They went to Switzerland as young, recent-grads to help establish the profession of dental hygiene in the 1960s. They all returned to the US enriched and ready to do some pretty awesome things in the years to come.
Why Follow These Stories?
Each interview highlights unique experiences, cultural insights, and professional tips from hygienists practicing abroad. Whether you’re considering moving overseas or simply curious about international dental careers, these stories provide practical advice and inspiration.
Tips for Aspiring International Dental Hygienists
- Research licensing requirements for the country you want to work in.
- Be prepared for cultural and workplace differences.
- Build a support network of expat professionals and local colleagues.
Connect With the Series
Bookmark this page and check back regularly for new interviews. Our International Dental Hygienist Interviews continues to grow as more hygienists share their stories from around the world.
Stay updated with the latest news, research, and trends in dental hygiene on our News Page.
Planning Your Next Step
Start with the Dental Hygienist Abroad Checklist to see whether working abroad aligns with your background and goals.