Dentist Jobs in
the Republic of Ireland
the Republic of Ireland
________________
Explore dentist opportunities across Ireland, and let our team support you and help you to prepare for your next role.
Find your next Dentist role in Ireland
Whether you are already practising in Ireland or planning a move to the country, finding the right role involves more than you think.
The type of practice, working arrangement, patient group and support available can all affect whether an opportunity is right for you.
Registration, right-to-work and your qualifications may also need to be considered before you can begin.
Global Medics has opportunities for dentists across the Republic of Ireland.
Explore Dentist Jobs across Ireland
Dentist opportunities can be found in public dental services, private practices and other clinical settings nationwide. Depending on current availability, roles may include:
General Dentist | Dental Surgeon | Locum Dentist | Orthodontist | Paediatric Dentist | Special Care Dentist | Oral Surgeon | Endodontist | Periodontist | Prosthodontist
Vacancy types and locations change throughout the year. If the right role is not currently listed, you can register your CV and tell us what you are looking for.
What type of dentist role is right for you?
Dentists in Ireland can work across several different settings and arrangements.
The best option will depend on your experience, availability, preferred way of working and longer-term plans.
| Job Type | Description |
|---|---|
Locum Dentist Jobs | Locum work may suit dentists who want flexibility, experience in different settings or more control over when and where they work. |
Salary Dentist Jobs | A salaried opportunity may offer greater continuity with patients and colleagues. These roles can be suitable for dentists planning to establish themselves in a single practice or who prefer to work in one location. |
HSE and Public Dentist Jobs | Public dental opportunities may be available through the Health Service Executive and other publicly funded services. Roles can involve community dentistry, preventive care and treatment for eligible patient groups. |
Private Practice Dentist Jobs | Private practices can offer opportunities across general and specialist dentistry. The working model may be salaried, self-employed or based on an associate agreement. |
What do Dentists need to work in Ireland?
To practise as a dentist in Ireland, you must be registered with the Dental Council of Ireland (IDC). The route that applies to you will depend on where you qualified and whether your qualification falls within a recognised category.
You may also need to provide evidence of English-language competence and arrange professional indemnity insurance.
Dentists moving from outside the EU or the UK may need an employment permit and, depending on their nationality, a visa and immigration registration.
The main areas to consider are:
1. Dental Council registration
2. Recognition of your dental qualification
3. English language evidence, where required
4. Right-to-work in Ireland
5. Professional indemnity
6. Employment or associate agreements
7. Tax and PPSN arrangements
8. Documentation requested by the practice or employer
Always confirm registration requirements directly with the Dental Council of Ireland, and immigration or employment permit requirements with the Irish Government, as requirements can change and individual circumstances may differ.
Dental Council Registration
Registration with the Dental Council must be completed before you begin practising as a dentist in Ireland.
Your application route will generally depend on where and when you completed your qualification. Routes may include:
* Irish dental qualifications
* EU or EEA qualifications
* Eligible UK qualifications
* Qualifications covered by a mutual recognition arrangement
* Assessment or examination routes for other overseas qualifications
The Dental Council recommends allowing approximately three months for registration and advises dentists not to arrange patients before registration has been confirmed.
Moving to Ireland as a Dentist
Working as a dentist in Ireland can offer a change of pace as well as a new career opportunity. You could find yourself working in one of Ireland’s busy cities, joining a practice in a smaller town or building a new life closer to the coast or countryside.
Outside work, there is plenty to enjoy, from live music and local culture to hiking, cycling, and weekend trips exploring somewhere new. Ireland also has great travel transport links to the UK and Europe, making it easier to travel or stay close to family and friends.
How can Global Medics help you
with the recruitment process?
Global Medics can talk you through the recruitment process, discuss available opportunities and help you get the documents employers or practices are likely to ask for.
Registration, immigration and tax matters are handled by the relevant authorities, but we can help you understand what to expect as you prepare for your move.
How Global Medics supports Dentists
A job title rarely tells you everything you need to know about an opportunity.
Our team will speak with you about your clinical background, registration status, preferred location and the type of working arrangement you would consider. Where relevant, we can also explain what information a practice or employer has requested and what to expect during the recruitment process.
We can help you with:
* Exploring current dentist opportunities
* Understanding the role and working arrangement
* Preparing your CV for relevant vacancies
* Organising interviews
* Clarifying requested compliance documents
* Discussing relocation considerations
* Staying informed about suitable future roles
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Can an overseas-qualified dentist work in Ireland?
Yes, but the correct registration route depends on where you qualified and whether your qualification is recognised by the Dental Council of Ireland. Some applicants can use a recognised qualification route, while others may need an assessment or examination. Registration must be confirmed before you begin practising.
Do dentists need to register with the Dental Council of Ireland?
Yes. Dentists must be registered with the Dental Council before practising in Ireland. Global Medics can explain the recruitment documentation normally requested, but only the Dental Council can confirm registration eligibility.
How long does Dental Council registration take?
The Dental Council recommends allowing approximately three months. Processing time can vary depending on the application route and whether all required documents have been supplied.
Can dentists with UK qualifications work in Ireland?
Yes, depending on the qualification and when it was completed.
Certain UK dental qualifications completed entirely before 31 December 2028 are currently covered by an extended recognition arrangement.
As requirements can vary, we recommend checking the latest Dental Council guidance to understand which registration route applies to you.
Do I need IELTS or OET to register as a dentist in Ireland?
Some applicants may need to provide evidence of English language competence. The Dental Council accepts specific qualification, practice and testing routes, including eligible OET and Academic IELTS results. The evidence required depends on your circumstances.
Do non-EU dentists need to take an examination?
Dentists whose qualifications do not fall within a recognised registration or assessment route may need to complete the Dental Council Examination. Candidates should check the current examination requirements, schedule and fees directly with the Dental Council.
Do dentists need an employment permit to work in Ireland?
Irish, UK, EU, EEA citizens generally have different permission requirements from those of other overseas candidates. Dentists from outside these areas may require an employment permit and, depending on nationality, an entry visa. Eligibility depends on the role and the candidate’s circumstances.
What is the difference between a locum and a salaried dentist role?
Locum roles are usually temporary and may offer greater flexibility. Salary roles normally provide more continuity within one practice or service. However, contract terms differ, so dentists should compare hours, pay, leave, professional expenses, employment status and the expected duration of the role.
Are dentists in Ireland employed or self-employed?
It can be either.
Dentists working in public services are generally employed, while many associate dentists in private practices work on a self-employed basis.
Before accepting a role, check how the position is structured and what this means for your tax arrangements. If you are unsure, it is worth getting advice from a qualified tax or accounting professional.
Are dentist jobs available outside Dublin?
Yes.
Dentist roles are available across Ireland, including in regional and rural areas.
Opportunities vary by location, so being flexible about where you work can give you more options when looking for your next role.
Can newly qualified dentists find work in Ireland?
Opportunities depend on Dental Council registration, the role's requirements, and the level of support available within the practice or service. Newly qualified dentists should be open about their experience and ask what supervision, induction and clinical support will be provided.
Is locum dentistry right for me?
Locum roles tend to offer high flexibility, a variety of experiences, and control over when and where you work, but can mean less job security and variable income.
Is salary dentistry right for me?
Salaried positions provide greater stability, continuity with colleagues and patients, and often include benefits such as annual leave, but may involve less flexibility.
What is it like to work as a dentist in the public sector?
Public sector (HSE) jobs usually offer structured hours, standardised conditions and pension options, but can be more competitive and have set pay scales.
What is it like to work in private practice?
Private practice roles may allow for higher earning potential and diverse settings, with pay often linked to performance, but can involve managing more aspects of practice administration.
If you haven’t found
the right Dentist Job...
Don’t panic! You do not need to have every detail decided before speaking with us.
You can just send us your CV and our dental recruitment team will contact you to discuss your experience, registration status, and the types of opportunities that are perfect for you.
