Indian dental graduates looking for advanced clinical training or specialization often consider options abroad to supplement or replace the traditional Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) pathway in India.
Germany is one such country with structured dental residency and academic training programs that offer clinical specialization and academic advancement after recognition of a foreign dental degree. Unlike India, Germany does not offer an exact MDS designation, but other regulated specialist pathways and academic programs provide equivalent career progression.
Dr. Rituparna Banerjee shared some knowledge about this opportunity in MedBound Hub, a discussion forum for healthcare professionals. She has detailed the procedures required to complete to apply for the dental residency in Germany.
To work legally as a dentist in Germany or to pursue higher studies including specialized or residency training, foreign dental graduates must obtain a state licence called “Approbation”. This is a legally regulated professional licence authorizing unrestricted practice of dentistry.
Approbation requires:
Recognition of foreign dental qualification by the German dental council of the state you are planning to move to. You have to gather all the certificates and get it translated to German by a state authorised translator before submitting the documents.
Equivalence evaluation comparing your training with German dental qualifications which will be done by the dental council.
German language proficiency minimum B2 level and C1 plus Fachsprachprüfung (FSP exam) - specialist medical German exam to test your medical language knowledge.
If the foreign BDS degree is not fully equivalent to German training, applicants must take a knowledge examination (Kenntnisprüfung - KP exam) - written, oral and practical to demonstrate competency.
Without full Approbation, dentists may be issued a temporary permit (Berufserlaubnis) to practise under supervision for a limited period, but this does not allow independent practice.
German language proficiency is a legal prerequisite for licensure. Applicants must:
Demonstrate general German ability (B2 or C1 level) to interact with patients and colleagues
Pass the Fachsprachprüfung (FSP) - a specialist medical German test for clinical communication in dental settings
Preparation courses and exam preparation services are available to support foreign dentists targeting FSP success.
Once Approbation is obtained, there are two main pathways for Indian dentists to pursue advanced training or specialization in Germany.
Fachzahnarzt refers to a dental specialist qualification in Germany equivalent to MDS in India or dental residencies in western countries. It is considered the closest equivalent to a postgraduate clinical specialization (e.g., Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Periodontology) and is pursued after obtaining full dental licensure.
Duration: Typically 3–5 years full-time, depending on the specialty
Settings: Training occurs in university hospitals, clinics or accredited specialist practices
Salary: Residents receive a professional salary during training (unlike fee-based academic M.Sc. programs)
Documentation: Residents maintain clinical logbooks and complete supervised training
Final Examination: Completing a Fachzahnarztprüfung leads to the official specialist title and autonomous practice privileges.
Common Fachzahnarzt specialties include:
Oral Surgery (Oralchirurgie)
Orthodontics (Kieferorthopädie)
Periodontology (Parodontologie)
Dental Public Health (Öffentliches Gesundheitswesen)
These specialties each follow structured training and exam requirements regulated by state dental chambers.
Dentists already holding specialist training outside Germany can apply for recognition of their specialist qualifications through the relevant state dental association. This process also verifies equivalence and may require additional assessment or testing.
Germany also offers academic Master of Science (M.Sc.) dental programs for Indian dentists who seek advanced skills or research emphasis rather than direct clinical licensure. These programs are often offered by public universities, though they do not automatically confer specialist status.
Approbation and advanced German proficiency are typically prerequisites
Courses usually span 2–3 years full-time
Includes research thesis and advanced clinical methodologies
Suitable for careers in academic research, teaching, or specialized practice, but additional clinical residency may still be required for specialist recognition to practice.
Dentists pursuing licensure and specialization must submit:
Completed Approbation application form to the competent state office
Certified copies of dental degree and academic transcripts
Curriculum vitae and proof of professional experience
Proof of German language certificates (B2 and Fachsprachprüfung results)
Official certificates of good conduct and character
Health fitness documentation
Certified translations of all foreign documents²
Processing for Approbation and equivalence evaluation generally takes 3–6 months if documentation is complete.
International applicants must demonstrate financial means to cover living costs while studying or training in Germany. A blocked account with a minimum amount (e.g., around €11,208 per year) is typically required for visa purposes.
While clinical residencies often provide salaries, academic programs may have minimal semester fees alongside living costs (estimated €800–€1,200 per month). Scholarships and stipends for qualified applicants are available through universities and research institutions.
Evaluate BDS degree for equivalence and begin German language training (B2 → C1 + Fachsprachprüfung).
Apply for Approbation through state authority and complete knowledge exams if required.
Obtain specialist training spot (Fachzahnarzt) in chosen clinical area, typically 3–5 years.
Or enroll in academic M.Sc. programs for advanced research and dental expertise.