How to Move to New Zealand as a UK Dentist: Step-by-Step Guide

Thinking about swapping the UK’s grey skies for New Zealand’s stunning landscapes and rewarding dental opportunities? You're not alone! Here's your straightforward guide to making this exciting transition.

1. Visa Options: Start your journey on a Working Holiday, a straight to residency or lots of other options. We started on a working holiday which was perfect for flexibility and getting acquainted with the lifestyle. Transitioning to residency has lots of options if you decide to stay long-term.

2. Dental Council Registration: You'll apply through an online portal resembling the UK's Oriel system. Key documents include your Certificate of Good Standing from the GDC, CPD logs, dental references, and blood tests. Get your identity documents certified by a notary lawyer for faster approval.

3. Practicing Dentistry in NZ: New Zealand offers a similar scope of dental practice to the UK, but with less litigious stress thanks to their unique culture and ACC system, which covers dental treatment complications. This means significantly cheaper indemnity fees and a less pressured environment.

4. Lifestyle and Integration: New Zealand is renowned for its breath taking outdoors, welcoming communities, and excellent work-life balance. Many UK dentists enjoy a friendly local culture with ample social opportunities, making integration straightforward and enjoyable.

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