Training and education

We train at least one dental assistant (ZFA) every year at the Clinic for Operative Dentistry, Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry. The training period is usually three years. Shortening is possible due to very good grades at vocational school and a good intermediate examination. The training takes place as a “DUAL SYSTEM” = learning location RWTH Aachen University Hospital plus attendance at the vocational school.

Job description

Dental assistants (formerly dental assistants) are the dentist's right hand and the point of contact for patients. This is a future-oriented, technical and, with its organizational focus, modern health profession that is versatile and varied.

Requirements

Applicants should have a good secondary school leaving certificate (10b or better) for training at the University Hospital RWTH Aachen; training is open to both men and women.

Dental assistants carry out varied and interesting tasks and their requirements profile includes:

• Organizational skills
• Manual dexterity
• Reliability and discretion
• Helpfulness
• Sense of order
• Patience
• Prudence and adaptability
• Ability to concentrate
• Sociability

Fields of activity

Dental assistants work in the healthcare sector in a wide range of activities in dental clinics. They are employed in office work, in treatment rooms, in the laboratory and in materials management. During the three-year training course, all the knowledge and skills are taught to enable them to carry out the tasks in the practice largely independently. These consist of:

• Patient care before, during and after the treatment
• Assistance in the treatment room
• Communication
• Practice hygiene
• Administrative activities
• Procurement of materials
• Medical technology
• Assistance in prophylaxis
• X-ray protection (possible from the age of 18)
• Safety and health protection in the workplace
• Quality management