Tone Galaasen
Attorney at Law, The Norwegian Dental Association
Norwegian authorization without language evaluation
Both written and spoken language proficiency is required of all dentists who practice in Norway, although dentists educated in another EEA-country are not required to prove Norwegian language proficiency when applying for authorization in Norway.
The Ministry of Health and Care Services reasons that it is up to the employer to check the proficiency of an applicant for a professional health care position. It's important however, to notice that also self-employed dentists in private practice must have sufficient Norwegian language skills to fulfill the requirements of the law. All dental practitioners should be acquainted with possible consequences of inadequate language skills.
The Health Personnel Act §4 - Reliability/Safety
Health professionals have a personal and independent responsibility for reliable and safe practice. They are obliged to execute their work according to the requirements for the safe, reliable, and considerate help which can be expected according to their qualifications, the nature of the work, and the given situation in general.
The consequence of insufficient language skills can be the loss of authorisation as a dentist, when it leads to irresponsible activities. The Norwegian Board of Health Personnel states that There is a fundamental requirement for health personnel exercising their profession in Norway that they should have sufficient knowledge of the Norwegian language. Knowledge is particularly important in communication with patients, and in order for the documentation to be understood by anyone other than the complainant.... This overall requirement for prudent a
