American Dental Practice in Milan English-Speaking, Expat-Friendly Care

Relocating to a new country means adapting to new systems—including healthcare. Dr. Catherine DeFuria’s American dental practice in Milan offers English-speaking, expat-friendly care for families and individuals. 

From routine exams and preventive treatments to advanced prosthodontics and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. DeFuria combines American-trained expertise with a compassionate, patient-centred approach, ensuring continuity and confidence in your dental care while living abroad.

Since moving from Boston to Milan in 2017, she has been dedicated to helping families feel confident and cared for. In this interview, she shares her personal journey, professional insights, and advice for expat families navigating dental care in Italy.

Can you tell us a bit about your journey from the US to Milan? What inspired the move, and how has it shaped your career as a dental specialist?

In 2017, after graduating and spending an additional year teaching in the post-graduate program at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, I made the move from Boston, Massachusetts to Milan, Italy. I was ready for a change—a new challenge. After 13 years of studying and learning everything Boston had to offer, I knew it was time. If not then, when?

The first few years weren’t easy. I split my time between working in the U.S. and returning to Milan, trying to establish myself. Nothing could have fully prepared me for the challenges ahead, except the grit and perseverance required to navigate Italian bureaucracy. 

As a dentist, the experience transformed me. I was exposed to new techniques and different approaches to dentistry beyond the U.S., which gave me a deeper understanding of the profession as a whole and broadened my perspective and knowledge.

What challenges did you face during the relocation process, professionally or personally? Were there any surprises along the way?

Professionally, I encountered many challenges after relocating to Milan, Italy. The process of converting an American dental degree for recognition by the Italian government was unclear, with little precedent from other dentists. We attended multiple appointments with the Ministero della Salute, each time being asked for different documents. Many required signatures, notarization, and an apostille from Boston, Massachusetts. Various options were explored, ranging from restarting dental school in Italy to completing a series of exams outlined by the Ministero.  The journey brought unexpected obstacles, yet each one was addressed with determination.  Finally after 3 years of compiling documents, university transcripts and degrees the Ministero decided I needed to complete and pass a written and oral exam in Medicina Legale. I successfully completed the task at Università La Sapienza in Rome and started practicing dentistry in Milan. 

Can you tell us about your clinic and the care you offer? What sets your approach apart for international families seeking dental care in Milan?

Our dental practice provides comprehensive care to meet your family’s needs. Services include routine exams and cleanings, periodontal evaluations for healthy gums/gingiva, and restorative treatments such as tooth-colored fillings, veneers, and crowns. We also replace missing teeth with implants, perform root canal therapy for infections, and offer orthodontic solutions—traditional braces or clear aligners—for children and adults. For young patients, we emphasize education on baby teeth and healthy habits to prevent cavities. In addition, we provide cosmetic options, including professional whitening, either in-office or at home, to help you achieve a brighter smile.

Our approach provides comprehensive dental treatment that is transparent and clear from the start.   

As a board-certified prosthodontist, you offer highly specialised treatments. Could you explain what prosthodontics involves, and when someone might need this type of care?

A prosthodontist has completed three additional years of training after dental school.  In addition, a four-part exam is passed to become board-certified.  A person might need to see a prosthodontist because they are dental specialists trained to restore and replace teeth, focusing on both function and aesthetics.  

Someone may be referred to a prosthodontist if they:

• Are missing one or more teeth and need dentures, bridges, or dental implants.
• Have teeth that are badly damaged, worn down, or broken.
• Need complex restorations involving multiple teeth or their entire bite.
• Want to improve the appearance of their smile with veneers, crowns, or other cosmetic options.
• Have problems with their jaw joint (TMJ disorders) or bite alignment.

In fact, prosthodontists are often called the “architects of the smile” because they create personalized treatment plans to restore oral function, comfort, and appearance.

You provide a wide range of services, from routine cleanings to advanced implantology. How do you adapt your care for both adults and children in expat families?   

As an expatat I know very well that there can be challenges each and every day.  These can bring anxiety, self-doubt and be overwhelming to deal with.  I understand that as a patient going to the dentist brings on a different set of obstacles.  All the while you are dealing with these issues in an unfamiliar place with an unfamiliar healthcare system makes it even more difficult.

I am here to bridge the gap and to try to lessen the stresses of those difficulties.  As an American trained specialist, I bring comprehensive treatment with each step explained along the way to keep you in-the-know and to educate you about your oral health.  I feel that it is important to communicate with your doctors and dentists here or across the sea to keep your dental health consistent.  Speaking with your doctors back home about your dental health is a priority of mine.  

I understand that many families relocate often, and maintaining continuity in your oral health is essential. I will provide your complete dental records and gladly communicate with your new dentist to ensure a smooth transition and continuation of your oral health here or anywhere in the world.  

What are the key differences you’ve noticed between the American and Italian dental healthcare systems, both as a practitioner and as a patient?

In general American dental healthcare focuses on prevention and starts to educate patients from an early age about their oral health care.  

The American dental healthcare system has 12 dental specialities as Italy has 3 dental specialities.  Therefore the American dental healthcare system is based on a referral process and patients are treated based on specific specialities.  Whereas in Italy patients are more likely to be  treated within the same dental practice by the same practitioner.  

Many expats feel nervous about language barriers when seeking medical or dental care. Do you offer multilingual services, and how do you help patients feel informed and at ease?

Being an expat—and sometimes a patient myself—I know how unsettling it can feel not to fully understand what’s happening. Dentistry can feel like a whole different language! That’s why we use photos and digital scans to show you exactly what’s going on with your teeth. We always take time to answer your questions, because we believe that understanding your oral health is the best step toward preventing problems in the future.

How do you handle dental emergencies, especially for families who are new to Milan and may not know where to turn?

Dental emergencies often happen when you least expect them—and usually at the worst time. We do our best to see patients as quickly as possible to ease worry, reduce stress, and relieve pain.   

For expat families living in Milan, how accessible is dental care? Are your treatments covered by the Italian public healthcare system (SSN), or are they provided privately?

For expat families in Milan, dental care is easy to reach. Our practice is conveniently located in the city center, in Porta Venezia. We’re just a 500-meter walk from the Porta Venezia stop on the red and green Metro lines. You can also arrive by Trenord train (S13, S5, or S6), which stops at Porta Venezia right across the street from us. The #5 and #33 trams stop at Piazza Otto Novembre, with our practice located directly in front.  

Do you work with international insurance providers? What advice would you give expat families navigating dental coverage in Italy?

We do not work directly with international or national healthcare insurance providers. However, we assist patients with the process by supplying the required documentation—such as forms, radiographs, and intraoral photos—requested by insurers, making submissions as simple as possible.

How do you stay up to date with advancements in dentistry? Are there any recent innovations or tools you’re excited to be using in your practice?

Staying current with advancements in dentistry is essential. Technology and materials are constantly evolving, and I regularly attend dental conferences in Italy, across Europe, and in the United States. I also value staying connected with colleagues to share knowledge and learn from one another.

We’ve entered the age of artificial intelligence, and it’s beginning to play a role in dentistry by helping create more accurate and predictable diagnoses and treatments. Since this technology is still in its early stages, it’s important to approach it with caution and critical thinking, keeping its current limitations in mind. Still, I’m excited to see how AI will continue to grow and shape the future of dentistry. 

Finally, what is one piece of advice you’d give to newly arrived expat parents in Milan when it comes to their family’s dental care?

I would recommend the newly arrived family to get established with their dental healthcare with someone they are comfortable with and feel well taken care of.  Therefore no time is lost, a baseline of care is established and preventive care can continue seamlessly.

Find out more about Dr. Catherine DeFuria’s services or schedule a consultation on her website

FAQ – The American Dental Practice in Milan

What services does the American dental practice offer?

Dr. Catherine DeFuria’s clinic provides comprehensive dental care for adults and children, including preventive check-ups, professional cleanings, periodontal care, restorative treatments (such as fillings, veneers, and crowns), and implant dentistry. The practice also offers root canal therapy, orthodontic options like traditional braces and clear aligners, and cosmetic treatments such as in-office and at-home whitening. As a board-certified prosthodontist, Dr. DeFuria also specialises in restoring and replacing teeth to improve both function and aesthetics.

Do you treat children and families?

Yes. The practice welcomes patients of all ages, with a special focus on helping families maintain healthy habits and continuity of care while living abroad. Young patients receive education on baby teeth, hygiene, and cavity prevention, while adults benefit from tailored preventive and restorative care. Dr. DeFuria’s approach is family-friendly, transparent, and empathetic, shaped by her own experience as an expat navigating healthcare in Italy.

How do I book an appointment as an expat?

Expats can easily book an appointment by contacting the clinic directly. Dr. DeFuria and her team provide consultations in English and Italian, ensuring clear communication and comfort throughout the process. The practice also supports expats by sharing dental records and coordinating care with dentists abroad when families relocate.

Is cosmetic dentistry available?

Yes. The American dental practice in Milan offers a range of cosmetic dentistry treatments designed to enhance your smile while preserving oral health. Services include professional whitening, veneers, crowns, and full smile restorations tailored to each patient’s goals. With Dr. DeFuria’s background in prosthodontics, cosmetic procedures are approached with both artistry and precision, ensuring natural, lasting results.

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