Cosmetic dentists in Germany : Accreditation and qualifications

There are over 83,000 dentists in Germany, all registered with their local dental chamber or Zahnärztekammern. There are seventeen local chambers, which are overseen by the national federation or Bundeszahnärztekammer (BZÄK).

Dentists must study for 5 years to qualify for a State Examination Certificate in Dentistry (Zeugnis über die zahnärztliche Staatsprüfung), followed by at least two years of approved supervised practice before they are allowed to set up on their own. There is also an obligation to undergo continuing education.

German dentists may specialise in one of four fields, gaining a formal qualification as shown:

• Oral Surgery - 'Fachzahnärztliche Anerkennung für Kieferorthopädie' (certificate of orthodontist)
• Orthodontics- 'Fachzahnärztliche Anerkennung für Oralchirurgie/Mundchirurgie' (certificate of oral surgery)
• Periodontology - 'Fachzahnärztliche Anerkennung für Parodontologie' (certificate of periodontology)
• Dental Public Health -“Zahnarzt für Öffentliches Gesundheitswesen”

Specialist training takes four years and is undertaken at University clinics or recognised training practices, with the exception of dental public health, which is studied in the field.