Rachael England is a Dental Hygienist Abroad who has worked in three different countries and founded her own non-profit dental organization in Kenya, Maasai Molar. In this interview, she shares her international career journey, the challenges she faced, and the personal and professional growth that came from living and working abroad.
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: Rachael England RCSEd, MPH
Origin: United Kingdom
Education / Other Roles:
- Dental Assistant and Hygienist
- MPH, Public Health
- Founder of Maasai Molar Locations Abroad: United Arab Emirates (Dubai), Switzerland (Geneva), UK (London) Years Abroad: 2013 – present
Background & Early Career
Where are you originally from?
United Kingdom
Have you always worked in the dental field? If not, what other fields? Any other degrees acquired before turning to hygiene?
Worked in dentistry since leaving school at 16. First as a dental assistant, then joined the RAF at 18, trained as a Dental Hygienist at 23, and finished serving at 28. MPH acquired later.
Working Abroad
What country did you or do you work abroad in? From which years?
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates: 2013 – 2018
- London, UK (research contract): 6 months
- Geneva, Switzerland: February 2019 – present
What inspired you to move abroad?
After leaving the RAF, she struggled to settle into civilian dental clinics. When the UAE position came up, she saw it as an opportunity to embrace change and adventure.
What did your family say?
Very supportive; saw it as a chance for a holiday or two.
Were you afraid?
Yes, apprehensive when leaving for the airport, unsure what to expect. Supportive clinic staff eased the transition by helping with licensing and immigration. Moving to Geneva was easier, though finding an apartment was the hardest part.
What is/was that region known for?
- UAE: Rich cultural history, key port on the Silk Route, many UNESCO heritage sites, expat-heavy community, modern hotels and glitz.
- Switzerland: Spectacular mountains, amazing food, center for NGOs like WHO and UN.
Practice, Team & Clinical Setting
What practice did you work for and in which specialty? Makeup of staff, etc?
- Large polyclinic initially, then smaller private practice.
- Worked across the same specialties as back home.
- Current role: Public Health and Education Manager at FDI – The World Dental Federation, overseeing global oral health projects, research, policy development, and the Dental Practice Committee.
Life Abroad — Social Life & Lifestyle
What is/was your social life like?
Takes ~6 months to settle and find “your people.” UAE was work hard/play hard; Geneva is more relaxed.
What did you most enjoy? Least enjoy? Why?
Enjoyed experiencing new cultures, traveling, and trying global cuisines.
Least enjoyed making new friends as an introvert; challenging to put herself out there until settling in.
What were the patients like? Any exceptional experiences? Good or bad?
Patients are globally similar: some good, some anxious or fearful. Enjoyed interacting with diverse populations and hearing their stories.
Professional Growth & Personal Reflection
How did the experience change you as a person? Professionally? Personally?
Grew personally and professionally. Gained resilience, independence, and cultural awareness; developed deep appreciation for different people, cultures, faiths, and languages.
Do you still practice hygiene? Why or why not? Any plans to leave hygiene?
No; now focused on global dental public health projects impacting populations rather than individual patients.
Do you have any other projects or businesses on the side?
Founded Maasai Molar in 2018, a charity providing oral healthcare in Kenya. Trains Community Oral Health Workers and leads volunteer teams. www.maasaimolar.org
What did you (or will you) do to move on with your life?
Plans to start a Doctorate in Public Health and continue her work at FDI in global dental public health.
Do you have any regrets?
None. Moving overseas was one of the best decisions of her life.
How would you like to be remembered?
As a strong woman dedicated to ensuring access to oral healthcare for all.
Advice for International Dental Hygienists
Any wisdom you would like to pass on to future internationally practicing hygienists?
Take the time to know your international colleagues, learn about local cultures, try to learn the language, and most importantly… just go!
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 Starter Guide for in-depth and step by step guidance on how to prepare for a move abroad
