Dental assistant (Zahnmedizinische/r Fachangestellte/r)
You assist the dentist, welcome patients and run the practice: a paid 3-year training in a dental practice.
What a dental assistant does
Dental assistants organise the practice, prepare treatment rooms and instruments, assist the dentist during treatment, take X-rays, explain prevention to patients and handle records and billing.
Assist
Prepare instruments, help the dentist during treatment and take X-rays in line with safety rules.
Prevent
Explain prevention, teach patients oral hygiene and help with preventive care.
Organise
Plan appointments, keep records, enter services and liaise with insurers and laboratories.
This occupation is for you if…
- you are careful with instruments and hygiene rules
- you have the dexterity to prepare materials
- you listen well to patients, who are sometimes anxious
- you can keep patient data confidential
Less suitable if…
- you cannot cope with close contact with patients
- you are uncomfortable with blood and dental treatment
- you refuse to provide proof of vaccination
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Chairside assistanceHygiene and sterilisationDental X-raysPrevention and prophylaxisPreparing materialsAppointment managementBilling of treatmentsPersonal qualities
RigourDiscretionEmpathyDexterityTeamworkHow the Ausbildung works
In Germany you learn by working: this is the “dual system”. You are an employee of a company and a student at a vocational school (Berufsschule) at the same time.
The basics
- Hygiene and instruments
- Welcoming patients
- Professional confidentiality
Patient care
- Assisting treatments
- Exam part 1
- X-rays, safety
Consolidation
- Prevention and prophylaxis
- Organisation, billing
- Part 2 of the final exam
Exams and qualification
The final exam (Abschlussprüfung) takes place in two parts. Part 1, in the fourth half-year of training, is written: hygiene and preparing medical devices, receiving and registering patients. Part 2, at the end of training, covers assisting with and documenting treatment, administration, billing and economics. Qualification issued via the competent professional chamber.
What you need to apply
Education level
German level
Physical fitness
Documents to prepare
- CV and cover letter in German
- Translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts
- German B2 level certificate
Advantages and difficulties
Advantages
- Paid training from the first year
- Healthcare work, in direct contact with patients
- Jobs in dental practices, clinics or specialist practices
- Next steps: specialist assistant or studies
Difficulties
- Close contact with patients, infection risk
- Medical certificate and vaccination proof required
- Training pay varies from region to region
- Constant rigour on hygiene and safety
Where it can lead
Qualified dental assistant
Jobs in dental practices, orthodontic or oral surgery practices, or dental clinics.
Specialist assistant (ZMF, ZMV)
Move up to dental specialist assistant or dental administration assistant.
Studying dentistry
With a baccalaureate, studying dentistry is one possible route after the training.
Other trainings: Health and well-being
Not quite convinced by this occupation? Here are related trainings in the same field.
We are by your side from day one until you arrive in Germany
Four steps to move forward, all run by our own structures.
Take the test online or at the office
The eligibility test is done online on our website, or by visiting our Douala office directly.
Take the testTalk to our team
Germany: +49 (0) 7033 694 18 80
Cameroon: +237 622 20 81 64
DZK, our language centre
Deutschzentrum KAGEDEV (DZK) is our own language centre in Douala. Outside Douala: partner language centres, call us to find the nearest one.
AZUFA is always us
AZUFA is our platform: it connects you with German companies that recruit apprentices and follows your application through to the training contract.
Go to AZUFAFrom German A1 to the first day of training in Germany
Each step is run by one of our structures. You keep the same contact from start to finish.
- 1
Check my eligibility
The test is done online on our website or at our Douala office.
Run by Campus Germany
- 2
Talk to an advisor
Review your profile, your wishes and the chosen occupation.
- 3
Learn German, from A1 to B2
Courses adapted to your starting level, up to the required B2 level. In Douala at our own language centre; elsewhere, with our partner centres.
Run by DZK
- 4
Prepare the application file
CV and cover letter in German, translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts, B2 level certificate.
- 5
Find the company and sign the training contract
We connect you with German companies that recruit apprentices, and follow your application through to the contract.
Run by AZUFA
- 6
Prepare the visa and paperwork
Support to gather the documents and complete the administrative steps.
- 7
Prepare your departure and settling in
Travel, housing and first steps in Germany: we prepare you before you leave.
Run by KAGEDEV e.V.
- 8
First day of training in Germany
You arrive prepared and supported, with a team that has known you since day one.
Stay informed
Join our channels to receive new offers, session dates and advice. These are announcement channels: no private conversations.
Our structures for this occupation
Our platform for recruiting apprentices and skilled staff from Africa: matching with German companies through to the training contract.
Our own German language centre, in Douala. Outside Douala: partner centres.
Training offers for this occupation
No offer is open here at the moment. Browse apprenticeship offers on AZUFA, or receive an e-mail as soon as a partner company recruits.
See offers on AZUFA →Take this sheet with you
A 5-page document to read offline or show your family: the occupation, the training, the pay and the whole pathway, from German A1 to the first day of training.
Download the brochure (PDF)You may be wondering…
What German level is required?
How long does the training last?
Am I paid during the training?
Where can I take the eligibility test?
Where can I learn German?
What health documents must I provide?
What does part 1 of the exam mean?
Ready to find out whether this occupation is for you?
Take the test online or come and see us at the office. We are by your side from day one until you arrive in Germany.