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Vocational training in Germany (Ausbildung)

Dental technician (Zahntechniker/in)

Zahntechniker / Zahntechnikerin

You make custom crowns, bridges and dentures, by hand and digitally: a paid 42-month training in a dental laboratory.

Check my eligibility →I already have B2

LevelBaccalaureaterequired

Duration3.5 years42 months

GermanB2required level

Pay during training€810 to €1,100gross / month, during the training

The occupation in 30 seconds

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.

Is this occupation for you?Advantages and difficulties

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

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

Day to day

A typical day and the key skills

A typical daySkills and qualities

08:00

Briefing and ordersThe trainer presents the day's orders sent by the dental practices.

08:30

Making modelsYou pour and prepare a plaster model from a patient's dental impression.

10:30

Modelling a crownYou model a crown in wax, respecting the shape and function of the tooth.

13:00

Working on a dentureYou fit, grind and polish a partial denture, wearing a mask and gloves.

15:00

Digital work and checksYou work on a digital model and check the fit of the pieces you have made.

16:30

Cleaning and qualityYou clean the workstation, check the quality of the pieces and prepare them for dispatch.

Technical skills

Models from impressionsCrowns and bridgesPartial and full denturesOrthodontic appliancesDenture repairDigital processesQuality control

Personal qualities

DexterityMeticulousnessSpatial sensePatienceObservation

The training

How the Ausbildung works, year by year

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.

3 to 4 days a week at the company

1–2 days school

Year 1

The basics

≈ €810gross / month

Models and work documents
Simple partial dentures
Materials, tools, safety

Year 2

Technique

≈ €930gross / month

Full dentures
Hand-modelled crowns
Exam part 1

Year 3

Fixed restorations

≈ €1,040gross / month

Crowns and bridges
Orthodontic appliances
Optical and digital methods

Year 4 (6 months)

Finalising

≈ €1,100gross / month

Preparing guided implants
Quality control, organisation
Part 2 of the final exam

Gross monthly pay during the training. Source: ausbildung.de, recommandation de la Zahntechniker-Innung de Düsseldorf (non contraignante, pas de convention collective nationale dans ce métier). These are averages: they vary by region, sector and collective agreement.

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.

Requirements and prospects

Applying, then moving on

What you need to apply

Education levelBaccalaureate level is required.

German levelThe required level is B2. Good technical vocabulary for the trade is a real plus.

Physical fitnessIn the workshop you work with grinding dust and sometimes chemical fumes; in the laboratory, under artificial light. You wear protection such as gloves and a mask.

Documents to prepare

CV and cover letter in German
Translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts
German B2 level certificate

Where it can lead

Straight awayQualified dental technicianJobs in dental laboratories, dental practice laboratories or dental clinics.

With experienceAdditional trainingExtend your skills, for example in computer-aided design.

Longer termMeister, studies or own labTake the Meister, study dentistry with a baccalaureate or open your own laboratory.

Already B2? Take action

Already have German level B2 and looking for a training contract?

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Create your candidate profile, state your German level and the “Dental technician (Zahntechniker/in)” occupation: companies recruiting apprentices can find you, and we follow your application step by step.

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Your pathway with Campus Germany

We are by your side from day one until you arrive in Germany

Four steps to move forward, all run by our own structures.

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Take the test

Online on our website, or directly at our Douala office.

Talk to an advisor

Talk to our team

Call us, an advisor will answer.

Germany+49 (0) 7033 694 18 80 Cameroon+237 622 20 81 64

Need assistance

Prepare your German

DZK, our language centre

Our own language centre, in Douala. Elsewhere: partner centres, call us.

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AZUFA is always us

Our platform connects you with German companies recruiting apprentices.

From German A1 to the first day of training in Germany

A pathway in a loopEach step is run by one of our structures. You keep the same contact from start to finish.

1
Check my eligibility
Campus Germany
2
Talk to an advisor
Campus Germany
3
Learn German, from A1 to B2
DZK
Douala: DZK centre. Elsewhere: partners
4
Prepare the application file
Campus Germany
5
Find the company and sign the training contract
AZUFA
It is always us
6
Prepare the visa and paperwork
Campus Germany
7
Prepare your departure and settling in
KAGEDEV e.V.
8
First day of training in Germany
AZUFA
It is always us

See the detail of the 8 steps

1. Check my eligibility (Campus Germany)
The test is done online on our website or at our Douala office.
2. Talk to an advisor (Campus Germany)
Review your profile, your wishes and the chosen occupation.
3. Learn German, from A1 to B2 (DZK)
Courses adapted to your starting level, up to the required B2 level. In Douala at our own language centre; elsewhere, with our partner centres.
4. Prepare the application file (Campus Germany)
CV and cover letter in German, translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts, B2 level certificate.
5. Find the company and sign the training contract (AZUFA)
We connect you with German companies that recruit apprentices, and follow your application through to the contract.
6. Prepare the visa and paperwork (Campus Germany)
Support to gather the documents and complete the administrative steps.
7. Prepare your departure and settling in (KAGEDEV e.V.)
Travel, housing and first steps in Germany: we prepare you before you leave.
8. First day of training in Germany (AZUFA)
You arrive prepared and supported, with a team that has known you since day one.

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.
Run by Campus Germany
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 · Douala: DZK centre. Elsewhere: partners
4
Prepare the application file
CV and cover letter in German, translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts, B2 level certificate.
Run by Campus Germany
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 · It is always us
6
Prepare the visa and paperwork
Support to gather the documents and complete the administrative steps.
Run by Campus Germany
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.
Run by AZUFA · It is always us

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Our structures for this occupation

AZUFAOur platform for recruiting apprentices and skilled staff from Africa: matching with German companies through to the training contract.

Deutschzentrum KAGEDEV (DZK)Our own German language centre, in Douala. Outside Douala: partner centres.

Occupation brochure

Take this sheet with you

Two documents to read offline or show your family: the 5-page brochure (occupation, training, pay, pathway) and the one-page flyer with the essentials.

Occupation brochure

Occupation brochurePDF, 5 pagesDownload the brochure

Flyer

FlyerPDF, 1 A4 pageDownload the flyer

Frequently asked questions

You may be wondering…

What German level is required?

Level B2 is required. You do not need perfect German, but you must be able to follow lessons and understand safety instructions.

How long does the training last?

42 months, i.e. 3.5 years.

Am I paid during the training?

Yes. You receive a monthly pay throughout the training, and it generally increases each year.

Where can I take the eligibility test?

Online on our website, or directly at our Douala office.

Where can I learn German?

In Douala, at our language centre DZK. Elsewhere, at our partner language centres: call us to find the nearest one.

Why does the training last 42 months?

The training regulation sets a duration of three and a half years for this occupation. The exam has two parts, and the first takes place in the fourth half-year.

What is a “Gesellenbrief”?

It is the qualification obtained at the end of a crafts training. It certifies that you are a skilled worker in the trade.

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Ready to find out whether this training 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.

Check my eligibility →Need assistance Write on WhatsApp

Germany+49 (0) 7033 694 18 80Cameroon+237 622 20 81 64

Douala office : Rond-point Maetur Bonamoussadi – Nice Cream building (4th floor), opposite the COGENI hardware store, Douala, Cameroon

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