Dental specialists ensure that everything runs smoothly in practice: they manage patient data and assist the dentist. This requires organizational talent and stamina.
Bochum (dpa / tmn) - More than 100 years have passed since the assistants in dental surgeries were called "receptionist's miss". Today they are called Dental Specialists (ZFA) and are entrusted with a whole range of tasks that ensure that everything runs smoothly in a practice.
"Around 70 percent of the work is medical," explains Sylvia Gabel, Head of Department for Dental Specialists in the Association of Medical Professions.
Regular dual training takes three years. There is no statutory access restriction if compulsory schooling is fulfilled. However, the association recommends a good secondary school leaving certificate. "A good certificate is important," says Gabel, who is a dental specialist herself. Above all, the assessments of social behavior should be positive.
In addition, good grades in German and knowledge of English are necessary because communication is one of the central points of the profession. In a dental practice, the specialist is the first person the patient comes into contact with.
Training with health insurance companies or in the dental clinic
But it is not just the dentist who can work with specialists who are still largely women. Almost 100 percent of the new apprenticeship contracts were signed by women in 2018, too, as data from the BIBB show. You will also find jobs in orthodontic, oral and maxillofacial practices as well as dental clinics, in public health, in the dental industry, with health insurance companies, insurance companies and in accounting centers.
The training is wide-ranging, says Gabel. The content includes, for example, hygiene and the basics of prophylaxis. The trainees must also be familiar with the fields of X-ray and radiation protection. In addition, it provides assistance in emergencies and incidents, medicines and instruments. In order to know later what is important so that everything runs smoothly in practice, the prospective ZFA deal with work organization, documentation, service billing or data protection.
Practices looking for young people
The practices therefore need well-organized young people who keep a cool head even in stressful situations and who are physically able to assist the doctor. Because working "on the chair", as the dentists say, can be exhausting.
Empathy and a good understanding task are important when selecting applicants. "In addition, there is good communication skills and good spoken and written German," said Gabel.
However, there are not enough applicants, as the association and various doctors complain. A dentist from Munich reports that, especially in expensive cities, it is extremely difficult to find young people - even if the remuneration is higher than the average or there are extras to the training contract, such as a room for the duration of the training.
Between 600 and 870 euros in the first year
In the chamber areas with tariff connection, this applies to Saarland, Hesse, Westphalia Lippe and Hamburg, trainees get 870 euros in the first year, 910 euros in the second and 970 euros in the third. Because the remuneration can vary depending on the federal state and practice, the Federal Employment Agency provides guidance values between 600 and 870 euros gross per month in the first year of training and between 750 and 980 euros in the last year.
The career path for dental assistants does not have to end after training. Some people play with the idea of studying dentistry themselves and initially doing an apprenticeship.
ZFA can also train to become a dental prophylactic assistant or dental hygienist. In the business area, qualification as a specialist in health and social affairs, a specialist in dental practice management or a practice manager is ideal.
Job description at the employment agency
BIBB: Data sheet for training
Association of medical professions
