0

Dental assistant (bol)

You're eager to get your teeth into this training course!

With a radiant smile and beautiful teeth. That's how people leave the dental office. Thanks in part to you as a dental assistant.  

What does a dental assistant do?

A dentist can't do their job properly without your help as a dental assistant. You play a vital role in a patient's experience at the dental practice. You greet patients with a smile and reassure them when they're nervous about treatment. This way, you ensure that every patient leaves the dental chair feeling comfortable.

You effortlessly assist the dentist, ensuring the treatment runs smoothly. During the treatment, you'll hand over the appropriate instrument at the right time. You'll also perform certain tasks yourself, such as taking x-rays and removing tartar. After the treatment, you'll clean everything, tidy up, and update the patient file. Ready for the next patient!

Dental assistant training

The dental assistant profession is incredibly diverse, and the training is no exception. During the program, you'll learn not only the technical aspects of the profession, such as the use of instruments and the procedures to be performed, but also essential skills like collaboration and communication. This is crucial, as you'll be working not only with colleagues but also, and especially, with patients.

Internship

Even before your internship begins, you'll receive theoretical and practical training and practice in simulations. This way, you'll quickly learn the ropes. If you achieve good results, you'll complete a nine-week internship at the end of your first year. In the second year, you'll complete a ten-week internship, and in the third year, you'll complete a twenty-week internship. You'll have one follow-up day per week so we can continue to provide you with proper guidance.

The salary of a dental assistant

You have an important position. Therefore you can count on a higher average starting salary as a dental assistant than with other vocational (MBO) positions. Ultimately, if you want to earn more or enjoy a more challenging job, as a dental assistant you have the opportunity to train as a preventive assistant or dental hygienist and thus advance your career.

Areas of interest

More information.

What are you becoming?

With a vocational (MBO) dental assistant diploma, you'll work in a dental practice or dental center. You can also pursue a higher professional education (HBO) program, for example, in oral hygiene. Ultimately, with your vocational (MBO) diploma, you can progress through HBO to a university-level dental program (Dentistry), if you so choose.

What does your education look like?

The first year of the dental assistant program is spent primarily at school. You'll receive theoretical and practical instruction and practice in simulations. Starting in week 31, you'll complete a nine-week internship with a weekly refresher day.

In the second year, from week 21 onwards, you will do a ten-week internship with a return day each week.

In the third year, from week 1 of the course, you will do a twenty-week internship with a return day each week.

Education and Examination Regulations (OER)

The Education and Examination Regulations (OER) of a course specify what you will be doing in which period, how much time is spent on this and an overview of the exams that will be taken. Find the OER for your course here.

Search by your Crebo number (see the box on the right of this page) to view the OER for the current academic year. This will give you a general idea of what's expected of you when you start the program. The OER for the upcoming academic year will be available in July.

Statutory tuition fees

The statutory tuition fee for the 2026-2027 school year is €1.511. Check DUO.nl for possible student financing.

Other costs

For an estimate of the additional costs for this course, please see mbowebshop.nlEvery year, by July 1st, all school fees for the following academic year are announced there. To actually order, you must log in with your Summa account.

Laptop

For many courses, students cannot do without a laptop. See the overview whether this applies to your course and download the correct specifications.

Elective courses

During your studies, you choose one or more electives to specialize or broaden your knowledge. For example, in entrepreneurship, management, programming, or a language. You'll receive more information about the electives available during your program. Each elective concludes with an exam. Read more about elective courses.

Study in figures

Study in figures provides clear information about this program and its job prospects. Want to learn more about these figures? Then check out this explanation.

What prior education do you need?

For the vocational training (level 3) and middle management training (level 4) you must meet one of the following conditions:

  • You have a diploma in pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO) with a pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO) track, a theoretical pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO) track, or a mixed pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO) track.
  • You have an (older) diploma from lbo, vbo, mavo or mavo-vbo.
  • You have a basic vocational training diploma (level 2) or a diploma from another vocational training course (level 3).
  • You have proof that you successfully completed the first three years of pre-university or senior general secondary education (havo) or pre-university education (vwo). Or you have another diploma or certificate recognized by the government.

Getting to know the school and course

You will be invited for a personal interview or introductory meeting where you will get to know the school and we will see if this course is a good fit for you.

Can I contact a teacher or student?

Teachers know what's going on at school. Feel free to ask your questions to our teacher using the contact information below:

WhatsApp
Trainers Franka Troost

E-mail
Trainers Franka Troost

Instagram
Dental Assistant Training, DM to: @summatandartsassistent

It is also possible to attend a walk-along day, tour, or open house. You can find all activities in our calendar.

What are you becoming?

With a vocational (MBO) dental assistant diploma, you'll work in a dental practice or dental center. You can also pursue a higher professional education (HBO) program, for example, in oral hygiene. Ultimately, with your vocational (MBO) diploma, you can progress through HBO to a university-level dental program (Dentistry), if you so choose.

What does your education look like?

The first year of the dental assistant program is spent primarily at school. You'll receive theoretical and practical instruction and practice in simulations. Starting in week 31, you'll complete a nine-week internship with a weekly refresher day.

In the second year, from week 21 onwards, you will do a ten-week internship with a return day each week.

In the third year, from week 1 of the course, you will do a twenty-week internship with a return day each week.

Education and Examination Regulations (OER)

The Education and Examination Regulations (OER) of a course specify what you will be doing in which period, how much time is spent on this and an overview of the exams that will be taken. Find the OER for your course here.

Search by your Crebo number (see the box on the right of this page) to view the OER for the current academic year. This will give you a general idea of what's expected of you when you start the program. The OER for the upcoming academic year will be available in July.

Statutory tuition fees

The statutory tuition fee for the 2026-2027 school year is €1.511. Check DUO.nl for possible student financing.

Other costs

For an estimate of the additional costs for this course, please see mbowebshop.nlEvery year, by July 1st, all school fees for the following academic year are announced there. To actually order, you must log in with your Summa account.

Laptop

For many courses, students cannot do without a laptop. See the overview whether this applies to your course and download the correct specifications.

Elective courses

During your studies, you choose one or more electives to specialize or broaden your knowledge. For example, in entrepreneurship, management, programming, or a language. You'll receive more information about the electives available during your program. Each elective concludes with an exam. Read more about elective courses.

Study in figures

Study in figures provides clear information about this program and its job prospects. Want to learn more about these figures? Then check out this explanation.

What prior education do you need?

For the vocational training (level 3) and middle management training (level 4) you must meet one of the following conditions:

  • You have a diploma in pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO) with a pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO) track, a theoretical pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO) track, or a mixed pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO) track.
  • You have an (older) diploma from lbo, vbo, mavo or mavo-vbo.
  • You have a basic vocational training diploma (level 2) or a diploma from another vocational training course (level 3).
  • You have proof that you successfully completed the first three years of pre-university or senior general secondary education (havo) or pre-university education (vwo). Or you have another diploma or certificate recognized by the government.

Getting to know the school and course

You will be invited for a personal interview or introductory meeting where you will get to know the school and we will see if this course is a good fit for you.

Can I contact a teacher or student?

Teachers know what's going on at school. Feel free to ask your questions to our teacher using the contact information below:

WhatsApp
Trainers Franka Troost

E-mail
Trainers Franka Troost

Instagram
Dental Assistant Training, DM to: @summatandartsassistent

It is also possible to attend a walk-along day, tour, or open house. You can find all activities in our calendar.

Industry news

A dental assistant does more than just hold an extractor
A dental assistant does more than just hold an extractor
18 August 2025
My mother is a dental assistant, and I knew at four years old that I wanted to be one too. Whenever I had a dental appointment, I was always allowed to "help out."
care & welfare
Read more
It wasn't my choice to come to the Netherlands
It wasn't my choice to come to the Netherlands
July 04, 2025
The transition to the Netherlands was difficult for 19-year-old Nhi. She learned Dutch at school, from Dutch films and music, and through her job at a Chinese restaurant.
care & welfare
Read more
After completing secondary school, Denise opted for the Dental Assistant course
After completing secondary school, Denise opted for the Dental Assistant course
July 04, 2025
After completing secondary school, Denise consciously chose the level 4 Dental Assistant course instead of the higher professional education course in Oral Health Care.
care & welfare
Read more
Summa testimonial dental assistant

A dental assistant does more than just hold an extractor

Denise Sweegers

Student training Dental Assistant

Something else?

Also take a look at these courses.

to compare
Summa Dental Assistant training bbl
Dental assistant (work-based learning)
care & welfare
Course
bbl • 2-3 years
View this course
to compare
Summa Medical Assistant training full-time
Medical Assistant (bol)
care & welfare
Course
ball • 3 years
View this course
to compare
Summa Pharmacy Assistant training full-time
Pharmacy assistant (bol)
care & welfare
Course
ball • 2-3 years
View this course
Compare 0 educations

Need help with your study choice?
We are ready for you!

Are you hesitating between courses or do you not know at all which direction you want to go? Then take the study choice test and talk to our study choice coaches. We are happy to help you on your way.

Footer study choice coach Micha