.png)
"Helping dentists discovering their worth"
Discover Dentist Salaries in the Netherlands: A Guide for Foreign Dentists
Are you a dentist considering a career move to the Netherlands? One of the first things you’ll want to know is: what can you expect to earn?
Understanding the salary prospects is essential before making the decision to relocate. In this article, we’ll provide an in-depth look at dentist salaries in the Netherlands, what factors influence these salaries, and how you can start your dental career in this country.
​
​
​What Determines a Dentist’s Salary in the Netherlands?
Several factors influence the salary of a dentist in the Netherlands. Below are some of the key elements that contribute to the amount you can earn:
​
​
1. Experience
​
Experience plays a significant role in determining your salary. Newly graduated dentists can expect a lower starting salary, while experienced professionals with years of practice can command higher earnings. The more experience you gain, the better your chances of negotiating a higher salary or even moving into specialized fields with increased pay (KNMT, 2024).
​
2. Location
​
Where you work within the Netherlands can also impact your earnings. Salaries in large cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or Utrecht might be slightly higher due to the increased cost of living and higher patient demand. In contrast, rural areas may offer slightly lower salaries, but they often come with benefits like a lower cost of living and potentially less competition (KNMT, 2024).
​
3. Specialization
​
General dentists typically earn less than those who specialize. Specialties such as orthodontics, periodontics, or oral surgery often offer higher salaries due to the advanced skills and expertise required. If you’re considering further training, specializing could be a smart career move with long-term financial benefits (KNMT, 2024).
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
What Are the Average Salaries for Dentists in the Netherlands?
​
On average, dentists in the Netherlands earn between €55,000 and €90,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
Starting salaries for general dentists can be around €55,000 per year, while more experienced practitioners can earn upwards of €90,000. For dental specialists, salaries can exceed €120,000 annually, especially in high-demand fields such as orthodontics and oral surgery (Numbeo, 2024).
​
To put it in perspective, these salaries are highly competitive compared to many other European countries, making the Netherlands an attractive destination for foreign dentists looking to advance their careers and enjoy a better quality of life.
​
​
How can I start the proces of becoming a dentist in the Netherlands?
​
Becoming a dentist in the Netherlands is a challenging yet rewarding journey. To work as a healthcare professional in the country, you must be BIG-registered, which requires meeting specific criteria. One of the key requirements for obtaining your BIG registration is reaching a B2+ level in Dutch. Achieving this level of proficiency can be difficult on your own, but there are companies that specialize in guiding you through the entire process.
One of those companies is Care-Force, which offers support to help you succeed in both language acquisition and the BIG registration process.
​
Curious About Your Personal Salary?
While the information we've shared provides a general overview, it's important to remember that every dentist is unique. And believe us, you are often more valuable than you think! Your specific skills and expertise may be highly sought after in the Netherlands.
​
If you’re curious about what you could personally earn as a dentist here, we invite you to fill out the form below. One of our experts will provide you with a personalized salary estimate—absolutely free! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to discover your earning potential in the Dutch dental market!
​
​
​
Want to know what YOU can earn in the Netherlands?
Get free advice from our experts in 48 hours after registrating!
+31 6 23076712