I have been a Dental Hygienist for 7 years in North Carolina, USA. I have over 10 years dental experience. I am single with no dependents and started studying German 6 months ago. I already speak some Spanish.
I have a brother, sis-in-law, and a new nephew who live outside Zurich. I would like any information anyone has about getting a job and more importantly- a visa! I have heard that sometimes people haven't been able to get a visa after finding a job. Any information is greatly appreciated. How long is the process? Can I immediately re-apply if a visa doesn't go through? How do I find out which Dentists will hire Americans? Does anyone know of any Dentists hiring or Dental Hygienists wanting to move back home?

Hi Zacandjaysaunt,

I assume you are a US citizen with no rights to Swiss, Liechtensteiner or EU nationality in my post.

What level in German on the Common European Framework would you estimate your German to be? Does your course include understanding Swiss spoken dialect? (A standard condition here is understanding of both High and Swiss German particularly when dealing with the public). Think in terms of the next exam you could pass.

Take a look at www.goethe.de Home > Learning German > Our learning system > Course levels

Have you checked the register of Swiss based ADA.org practitioners as potential employers?

Work Permits are summarised on www.ch.ch Home > Private > Work > Employees > Foreign employees –... and yes employment contracts are usually subject to grant of a permit. Have you thought how you will market yourself as unique compared to the local residents and EU nationals from 25 other countries that have precedence over US citizens in permits under the law?

What research have you already conducted by yourself? Hint: for this site at least some of your questions are covered.

Good luck!

Hello,

So you're looking for a dental hygiene job in Switzerland?

We can help! Please visit us at www.dentlynx.com for more information

Thanks
Angela

I checked out the website you gave, and I noticed all the job postings for D.H.'s in Switzerland require french and/or german. Are there any job possibilities for english-speaking dental hygienists? ( I do have swiss citizenship so that may help).
Thanks!!

Probably around the same amount as for German speaking dental hygienists in Canada...??

Dear American DH,

Are you seeking a full-time or part-time job? Location (city flexibility)?
Job available in a progressive, dental practice---if you are interested, please respond.

If you are open and willing to learn German to communicate with patients---often, the dental health care employees are able to speak English and are used to having English-speaking DHs in the practice.

Swiss Dental Hygienist

At a rough guess the OP is still in North Carolina. Check dates and read the whole thread before posting please.

I suggest you get in contact with member Susan57

She's a very nice American lady who runs her own DH practice in Zurich. Healthy Smile
She mentioned recently that she's on the lookout for the right people to help her expand.

Good luck!

Zacandjaysaunt

Last Activity: 22.01.2008 20:32