Toni Massey is a Dental Hygienist Abroad who has practiced in Australia and now works in Germany. She shares her experiences navigating international licensure, small-town practice, and unique patient populations while enjoying the adventure of life 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: Toni Massey, BSDH, RDH
Origin: Rialto, California
Education / Other Roles:
- Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, Class of 1999
- RDA before pursuing hygiene
- Former Child Life Aide at Loma Linda University Hospital Locations Abroad: Australia (Alice Springs, Northern Territory), Germany Years Abroad: 2012 – 2017 in Australia; Currently in Germany
Background & Early Career
Where are you originally from?
Rialto, California
Which school did you graduate from and when?
Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, California, 1999
Have you always worked in the dental field? If not, what other fields? Any other degrees acquired before turning to hygiene?
Started as a Child Life Aide working with pediatric oncology patients. Became an RDA for 2 years before pursuing hygiene.
Working Abroad
What country did you or do you work abroad in? From which years?
- Australia, Alice Springs, Northern Territory: 2012 – 2017
- Germany: Current
What inspired you to move abroad?
Her husband accepted a job in Australia. Toni decided to pursue the hygiene route while living there.
What did your family say?
Parents were supportive; recognized her love for travel and saw it as a great experience for the whole family.
Were you afraid?
Prepared via a company briefing packet. Biggest fear: deadly snakes—regularly checked her bed at night!
What is/was that region known for?
- Uluru / Ayers Rock and Aboriginal culture
- Alice Springs small-town lifestyle
Practice, Team & Clinical Setting
What practice did you work for and in which specialty? Makeup of staff, etc?
- Worked first as RDA for the government, then as a hygienist for Alice Springs Dental Surgery (General Dentistry).
- Practice had 3 dentists who had never worked with a full-time RDH before.
- Brought significant financial value to the practice through perio and hygiene services.
Life Abroad — Social Life & Lifestyle
What is/was your social life like?
Small community allowed quick integration. Socialized with American and Australian friends, camping, traveling, parties, and exploring.
What did you most enjoy? Least enjoy? Why?
Most enjoyed: Small-town life, outdoor activities, relaxed atmosphere, seeing kangaroos, family-friendly environment.
Least enjoyed: Distance to major cities; long drives to Adelaide (14 hours).
What were the patients like? Any exceptional experiences? Good or bad?
- Patients were humble and genuine, including wealthy individuals who appeared unassuming.
- Many cases of underdiagnosed or untreated perio. Education and treatment made a significant impact.
- Strong trust between patients, dentists, and herself.
Professional Growth & Personal Reflection
How did the experience change you as a person? Professionally? Personally?
- Gained appreciation for life outside the USA, small-town culture, and self-reliance.
- Professionally challenged by complex perio cases and managing care between specialist visits.
- Personally learned resilience and adaptability; overcame fears of snakes and spiders.
Do you still practice hygiene? Why or why not? Any plans to leave hygiene?
Yes; currently practicing in Germany. No plans to leave hygiene.
Do you have any other projects or businesses on the side?
No
What did you (or will you) do to move on with your life?
Planning retirement location, considering Spain or Idaho.
Do you have any regrets?
Lost both parents recently; wishes she could have spent more time at home.
How would you like to be remembered?
As generous, loving, and friendly to all humans and animals; spreading God’s love.
Advice for International Dental Hygienists
Any wisdom you would like to pass on to future internationally practicing hygienists?
Learn the culture, learn the language, don’t be that American, have fun, and be respectful.
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
