Is There a High Demand for Dentists in Germany?

Your Friendly Guide to Career Chances, Salary, Regional Needs, and What It All Means for You

That Big Question: Are Dentists in Demand in Germany?

Maybe you’re finishing dental school, thinking about moving abroad, or just looking for new chances in your dental work. You might hear that Germany is a great place for medical workers, but is that true for dentists too? Will you find plenty of job openings, or is it already full? And what about those stories of dental clinics in small German towns sitting empty, just waiting for someone to take over? You’re not the only one asking—these are common questions lots of dental workers and students have.

Let’s break down the facts, skip the confusing words, and give you a simple look at the German dental job market in 2024 and the years after. If you’re a new graduate, an experienced dentist, or thinking about moving to Germany as a dentist from another country, this guide’s for you.

In This Article

What We’ll Cover:

• The Short Answer: Yes, but It Depends
• Reasons Dentists Are Wanted in Germany
• German Dental Job Market Right Now
• How Much Dentists Can Earn
• What Foreign Dentists Need to Work
• The Future for Dental Jobs in Germany
• Problems & Good Sides
• Conclusion: A Good Market for Dentists

The Short Answer: Yes, but It Depends

Simply put, Germany does need dentists—especially in some places and for certain dental jobs. There’s a clear need, but the whole story is a bit tricky. If you’re hoping to work in a busy Berlin dental office, get ready for strong competition. But if you don’t mind living in a quieter town in Bavaria, you might find clinics almost begging you to join.

What To Know:

• Big demand overall, with serious shortages in the countryside and for dental experts
• Cities offer jobs too, but it’s tougher and you might have to wait longer

Keep reading and you’ll see why, and what this means for you.

Reasons Dentists Are Wanted in Germany

Getting Older: The Dentist Side

You may have heard “the gray wave is coming,” and it’s really true in German dentistry. Almost one out of three German dentists is over 50, and a lot will retire in the next ten years. That means thousands of clinics will need new dentists or close down.

Getting Older: The Patient Side

It’s not just dentists. Germany’s people are also getting older, and older adults need more dental work—from dentures to implants to gum care. Dental care for older people, once kind of special, is now something needed by many.

City Life and Empty Villages

Cities like Munich, Berlin, and Hamburg have many dentists compared to the number of people. But if you leave the city or go to eastern states like Brandenburg or Saxony-Anhalt, it changes. Some people travel far and wait weeks for regular checkups, all because not enough new dentists want to move there.

People Care More About Their Teeth

Prevention and looking good are more important now. White teeth and cleanings aren’t just for rich people—they’re normal expectations now. That means more visits and, yes, more need for dental workers.

Specialists Are Needed Most

While every place needs general dentists, there’s an especially big need for specialists—like orthodontists, oral surgeons, and dentists who treat gum problems. If you have extra training, Germany will welcome you even more.

What Dentists Want from Work

Today’s grads don’t all want to buy and run a whole office. More of them want to be hired workers and have regular work hours. Some want part-time work or to join group offices. This change means more types of jobs are opening up.

German Dental Job Market Right Now

So how is it for dentists looking for jobs in Germany?

Jobs: Plenty, If You’re Open to Moving

If you’re willing to think about working in small towns or outside places, there are lots of jobs. In fact, thousands of clinics want new dentists and just can’t find them. These jobs are very safe.

For dentists working for someone else, there is a growing trend of clinics and group offices—offering not just job safety, but often nicer hours and benefits than running your own place.

Taking Over a Practice

Thousands of dentist offices—usually in smaller towns—need someone to take over as the old owners retire. If you want to own a clinic, now’s your chance. You might get an office with patients waiting, and sometimes the government pays a little bonus to help you get started.

Cities: More People, More Dentists

Big cities have two sides. Yes, there are lots of patients and modern clinics. But there’s also more competition for every open job. Here, your experience, German skills, and extra training can really help you stand out.

Where Are Dentists Needed the Most?

• Biggest need: Bavaria, Brandenburg, Saxony, Thuringia, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, parts of Lower Saxony
• Not enough dentists: The farther from the big city, the bigger the need
• West Germany big cities: Some need, but more competition

How Much Dentists Can Earn in Germany

If you’re planning your job—or your move—you’ll want to know, “Can I live well as a dentist?” Overall, dentists in Germany can earn a good living. Let’s make those numbers easy to understand.

Starting Out

Dentists new to the job or just hired usually earn €60,000 to €90,000 per year (before tax). The real number depends on where you work, your hours, your job, and if it’s a public or private office.

More Experience: Employees vs Owners

Senior dentists or those with extra training can get paid more—think €100,000 or even more, mostly in private clinics.

Dentists who own a clinic can see quite a range, often making €120,000 to €250,000+ per year before taxes and costs. Of course, owners take more risks and have to do more paperwork and spend more money on their clinic.

What Makes a Difference?

• Where you work: City offices might pay more but also cost more to live and have more competition
• Type of office: Solo clinic owners might earn more, but also pay all the bills. Group clinics or hired jobs are safer.
• Specialist or not: Orthodontists, oral surgeons and gum experts often get paid more.
• How many patients and what kind: See more patients and have a good mix of public and private insurance, you might earn more.

True Story

Anna, a dentist in her 40s, moved from Berlin to run a clinic in Saxony-Anhalt. Thanks to help from the government and many people who needed care, her yearly income grew by 35% in three years—and she paid less for living costs.

What Foreign Dentists Need to Work in Germany

Are you thinking about moving to Germany? You’re not the only one. Germany welcomes dentists trained abroad, but there are some steps to do first. Here’s how it usually goes.

Step 1: Getting Your Degree Accepted (“Approbation”)

To work as a dentist on your own, you must get official approval—called “Approbation.” If your degree comes from the EU, the process is usually easy. If not, you might have to prove your training is the same and take some tests.

Step 2: German Language Skills

You need proof you can speak German, usually at a B2 or C1 level (quite good). Some states ask you to pass a test about dental language and talking to patients.

Step 3: Visa and Staying in Germany

Dentists from outside the EU need a work visa or Blue Card. Germany has made this faster, especially where there’s a big need. Medical jobs are very important to them.

Step 4: Learning the Rules

Once you get your papers, you still have to learn about German dental rules and best ways of working—like how to keep things clean, handle private information, and fill out paperwork. Joining the German Dental Association can really help.

Fast Info

There are over 12,000 foreign dentists registered in Germany now. Germany knows it needs help from people from other countries.

The Future for Dental Jobs in Germany (2025 and Later)

So, will this dentist shortage last, or go away soon?

Main Thing: Dentists Still Needed

Even as more students graduate, many older dentists will retire, and people want different work lives, so there’ll still be a gap for years. Some say Germany could need up to 10,000 more dentists by 2030.

Technology: Still Need Dentists

Fancy tools like 3D printers or digital dental lab services make work easier, but can’t replace a real dentist’s hands or decisions. Today’s dentists just need to be good with technology too.

New Ways to Work: Group Clinics and Companies

Now, more clinics work together or hire dentists as a group instead of everyone working alone. These can be easier for people starting out or wanting regular hours and a team.

Government Help

The government helps dentists who go to small towns or places with not enough care. You could get money or other help if you move somewhere like this.

Problems & Good Sides

Let’s talk honestly about the tough parts and the good ones.

Usual Problems

• Lots of paper and rules: Getting a license, paperwork, and learning German systems can be confusing (especially for non-EU dentists).
• Language: You really need good German to talk with patients and coworkers; this is often hardest for foreigners.
• More people going for city jobs: Cities are nice, so jobs are harder to get there. You might have to wait.
• Money to buy a clinic: Buying a practice needs a loan, fixing things up, and starting fees.

Big Pluses

• Safe jobs: Dentists open to work in small towns or as specialists are much needed, and jobs are safe.
• Many ways to work: Be hired, own a clinic, work in a group, or join teaching or research.
• Good money: The right clinic at the right place can pay really well.
• Good health system: People value dental care in Germany.
• Support for those from other places: There are networks and new rules helping foreign dentists start work.

Regional Demand: Where Are Dentists Most Needed?

You’ll spot a trend: the farther from the big city, the bigger the need for dentists. Eastern German states and the countryside have too few dentists, people have to wait a long time, and clinics need new owners fast.

Why care? If you’re open to living outside the city, you could get:

• Quicker way to own a clinic
• Lower living and office costs
• Close ties with your patients
• Local help (like money or free upgrades for your office)

Actual Story:

A clinic in a small town in Lower Saxony stayed empty over two years after the dentist retired. The local council advertised the spot, and after a younger dentist took over, they not only fixed local needs—they built a booming office with help from modern zirconia dental lab work and digital systems.

What This Means for You: New Grads, Specialists, Owners, and Dentists from Abroad

If You’re Just Starting Out

Congrats! Germany needs you, but come with an open mind: try different places, offices, or keep learning new things.

If You’re a Specialist

You have a real plus. It’s super hard to find good orthodontists, oral surgeons, and dentists for kids or gums.

If You Want to Own a Clinic

Many old dentists are retiring now. With a smart plan, you can take over a working office, often with help from the town or state.

For Dentists from Other Countries

Germany welcomes you, but language and paperwork will take real effort. There are groups and classes to help.

Facts and Numbers: Demand & Supply in Germany

How to Start Your Dental Career in Germany

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide:

Do Your Homework

• Check where dentists are needed—look at government or dental group websites for jobs.
• Start learning German now. Aim for B2 or C1, and learn dental words.
• Talk to possible employers or recruiters who focus on dental jobs.

Professional Steps

• If your degree is from another country, get your papers ready and learn about the Approbation process.
• Check for money help or bonus offers if you want to run a clinic in a small town.
• Think about getting extra training in high-need fields. The job is changing—try things like 3D dentistry or work with a 3d dental lab.

When to Ask for Help

• If the paperwork and rules seem hard, ask the German Dental Association or your nearest dental group office.
• Many areas run programs to help new or foreign dentists get started.

Who’s a Good Fit? Should You Work as a Dentist in Germany?

Germany’s dental jobs are best for people who:

• Are open to living outside the city or in places with fewer dentists
• Want safe jobs and get to know their patients
• Like learning, whether it’s about new tech or running a clinic
• Want a job that’s a bit tough, but a big chance as well
• For dentists from another country: Will put in the work for language and learning about life in Germany

Can everyone get a job? Not everyone can start right away in their favorite city, but if you are flexible and get more training, you’ll find good options.

A Quick Recap: What To Do Next

Let’s wrap up what really matters for you—and why there’s lots to be hopeful for.

Key Points:

• Yes, dentists are very much wanted in Germany—especially in rural areas and if you have extra training.
• Lots of jobs if you are ready to learn and try new places.
• Cities have jobs too, but lots of people want them, so skill and extra training help.
• Many dentist clinics need someone to take over as old owners retire, especially in towns with fewer people.
• Dentists from other countries can work here if they get their paperwork and German tested.
• Dentistry here is safe, pays well, and makes a difference to people’s lives.

Want to get started?

If you already work in dental care or are thinking about it, this is a good time to begin. Contact dental groups, study German, read up about the job market, and don’t be shy about finding advice or a mentor. If you want to learn about new tools—like labs offering dental ceramics or digital systems—go explore.

Most of all:

Don’t let red tape or where you live stop you. Dentistry in Germany has lots of chances. People need your skills, and you can build a great job here.

Questions?

Still have questions—like about getting your degree approved, living in a small town, or becoming a dental expert? Ask your local German dental group or find a pro network. They’ll help you get the info and support you need.

Your smile—and your future patients’ smiles—are worth it.