Employment For Dentist In Thailand?

[xerostar]

This post may belong in another section, but since dentists seem to be active

in giving advice here, I thought it may be a good place to start.

I'm an Australian dentist married to a Thai lady.

I don't speak much Thai as yet although I'm prepared to learn.

I'm considering semi-retiring in Thailand but I'd like to know what prospects

there are, if any, to work part-time or as a locum.

Do I need a work permit or could I work independently in my own practice?

Any advice appreciated.

You can PM me if you like.

[vegas]

There's an Aussie clinic in Bangkok somewhere that specialises in expats. Can't remember the name of it. They used to advertise a lot a few years ago. Maybe it'll come to me.

[taxexile]

i believe that dentistry is on the list of professions not open to foriegners here in thailand.

it might be possible to obtain employment in the dental department of one of the international hospitals here if you have specialist skills or have worked in a hospital environment back home , there are some western medics that work in the hospitals and there are western chiropractors that have clinics here .

i have never heard of a western ( or aussie) dentist owning or working in his own clinic.

it might be possible to work on a volunteer basis with one of the international aid agencies that operate in s.e.asia.

[vegas]

The clinic I referred to was a medical clinic. Don't know if they had a dental division.

[bjsanook]

I've researched it to include contacting the Thai Dental Association.

Here it is: You can practice in Thailand but have to take the exams in Thai. So if you read Thai, no worries.

Then there is a short government stint like a clinic or what we would call public health. Usually two years. Have fun with the health side of that. HIV? What's that, mai kao jai.

They are keeping us foreign dentists out for obvious reasons. But to be honest, we all do the same. Each country makes it very hard to practice in their country unless you pass their requirements.

The other side of it is this: Do you really want to work for what they make? I work in the military and my pay sucks compared to the outside world, but I easily make 3-4 times a month what they make.

Better stay in OZ, save your money and take vacations.

I'm looking at the options to move to OZ and work, how is it there?

BJ

[xerostar]

Thanks for your answers - and bjsanook too for those daunting facts.

Looks like if I do come to LOS to live, then I won't be doing any Dentistry!

Having seen some of the advertised dental fees, I doubt that I'd survive ..

The regulations to enter OZ used to be be much the same - good English, pass the exams and you can come.

However, recently due to the extreme shortage of a whole range of professions and trades, they are now accepting applications from anyone, even with minimal English. The catch is: for medical professions is that you have to work in a country area for a few years.

It's been proven that it is possible to earn more money in country areas though.

bjsanook - you said "us" foreigners .. Where are you from? If you have a degree from any of the "Commonwealth" countries ie. Canada, GB, S. Africa, India etc or USA then entry is much easier and you can work wherever you like.

[bjsanook]

Hi, from the states. Been in the service 21 (11 as a dentist) years now and eligible to retire as soon as my current assignment is up.

I researched the OZ dental website and saw beaucoup openings, many as you said, out in the boonies assignments. What I don't understand is all the tax stuff. Looks like you get hit hard with that.

Have visited Darwin, Townsville, Cairnes, Brisbane and Sydney with the service. I think I liked Brisbane the best as it was not too big, not too small. Although Sydney has more asians which is a big plus as I freely admit to being an asiaphile.

I like the country and the people seemed very nice. Hung out with some airforce types and boy do they party! I guess having a bar on the 3rd floor of the recruiting building helps. But, that get naked and slide across tables wetted down with beer thing seemed a little "off" to me.

We are supposed to visit OZ next year Feb-Apr if our plans don't change. I'll have to try to look into the work situation more if possible.

PM me if you want as our ramblings might not be interesting to other members.

BJ