Dental technician (Zahntechniker/in)
You make custom crowns, bridges and dentures, by hand and digitally: a paid 42-month training in a dental laboratory.
What a dental technician does
They make fixed dental restorations such as crowns, bridges and implants, as well as removable partial and full dentures. They also make orthodontic appliances and repair dentures.
Model
Make models from dental impressions, using manual and digital techniques.
Make
Produce crowns, bridges, partial and full dentures using different materials.
Repair
Clean and repair dentures and appliances that correct the position of teeth or jaws.
This occupation is for you if…
- you have great dexterity and good hand-eye coordination
- you are meticulous and spot the smallest deviations
- you have a good sense of space and shape
- you are interested in biology, physics and materials
Less suitable if…
- you cannot cope with grinding dust and fumes
- you want work without millimetre precision
- you want a job without machines or hand tools
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Models from impressionsCrowns and bridgesPartial and full denturesOrthodontic appliancesDenture repairDigital processesQuality controlPersonal qualities
DexterityMeticulousnessSpatial sensePatienceObservationHow 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
- Models and work documents
- Simple partial dentures
- Materials, tools, safety
Technique
- Full dentures
- Hand-modelled crowns
- Exam part 1
Fixed restorations
- Crowns and bridges
- Orthodontic appliances
- Optical and digital methods
Finalising
- Preparing guided implants
- Quality control, organisation
- Part 2 of the final exam
Exams and qualification
The Gesellenprüfung (journeyman's exam) has two parts. Part 1, in the fourth half-year, covers temporary partial dentures, splints, hand-modelled crowns and dental workpieces: it counts for 30%. Part 2, at the end of training, counts for 70%: orders, production planning, economics. Qualification: the Gesellenbrief, through the HWK.
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
- Precise work, by hand and digitally
- Gesellenbrief recognised across Germany
- Meister, studies or your own laboratory
Difficulties
- Grinding dust and chemical fumes
- Meticulous work, little room for error
- Training pay varies from region to region
- Longer training than most: 42 months
Where it can lead
Qualified dental technician
Jobs in dental laboratories, dental practice laboratories or dental clinics.
Additional training
Extend your skills, for example in computer-aided design.
Meister, studies or own lab
Take the Meister, study dentistry with a baccalaureate or open your own laboratory.
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?
Why does the training last 42 months?
What is a “Gesellenbrief”?
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.