Explore Interviews by Region
🌍 AFRICA
Raquel Cofield - Accra, Ghana
"Watching my daughter follow her dreams gave me the courage to follow my own."
🌏 ASIA
Rachael England, RCSEd, MPH—Dubai
Rachael has worked in three different countries and has her own non-profit dental organization in Kenya: Maasai Molar.
Demika Levy, RDH—Dubai
Demika worked in private settings and public health before moving to Dubai. Learn about how she is managing is such a transient environment.
Shaylynn Skene, MPH, LDH, BSDH—Singapore
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
Cindy M. Canada-Flores, RDH, RDA—Germany
Get to know this hygienist who loves the history and nature that her life in Germany opened up to her.
Sarah Twiford, RDH, BSDH—Germany
This hygienist didn't stop until she fulfilled her dream of working in Europe.
Toni Massey, BSDH, RDH—Australia and Germany
A hygienist who conquered the Australian outback.
Alanna Kirschner, RDH—Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Jamaica
Get to know this hygienist who has practiced both in the mountains and at the beach.
Stefanie Gaspard, CRDH, BHSc, CMBM—Italy
“You won’t regret this opportunity if it comes your way, so grab it if it does!”
Charlotte Hughes, RDH, BSDH—Germany
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.
Casey L. Thornton, BS, RDH—Germany -
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.
Rebecca Kruck, RDH (Late)—Germany
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.
Angela Scott, RDH—Switzerland and Germany
Dental Hygienist and founder of Dental Hygienists Abroad
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.
Carmen Lanoway, BSDH, RDH—Germany
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.
Bernita Bush Gissler, BSDH—Switzerland
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!
The Fabulous Six—Switzerland
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.
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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.
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The Country Evaluation Checklist helps you compare what actually matters — scope, licensing pathways, language requirements, and quality of life — before you commit to a direction.