Two changes are moving in the same direction. In Rhineland-Palatinate, dentists whose degree was obtained outside the EU must, since 1 May 2026, provide proof of radiation protection through certified continuing education before Approbation is granted — meaning the course has to be completed and documented as part of the application file rather than afterwards.
Separately, the Federal Environment Ministry issued a rewritten radiation-protection Fachkunde directive for medical and dental personnel by circular on 30 June 2026, which state authorities must apply from 1 January 2027 at the latest. It replaces the 2005 directive and repeals five earlier circulars, and specifies for each application area — including dental X-ray diagnostics — the suitable prior training, the practical experience required, and the course content. Foreign radiation-protection training is assessed against these rules.
