There is a difference between reading about international recruitment in theory and understanding what it is actually like — for the practice, and for the person making a new life in a new country.
In May 2026, the respected German dental journal Zahnärztliche Mitteilungen published a detailed feature on Alexandra Ponweera and the experiences of practices that have trained Vietnamese dental assistants through Advising Professionals. The picture that emerges is nuanced, honest, and ultimately very positive.
Practices: “Motivated, Disciplined, a Real Gain”
Every practice owner interviewed described their Vietnamese apprentices as exceptionally motivated and hardworking. Dr. Stefan Zähringer from Malmsheim, who now has four Vietnamese ZFA trainees at various stages of their apprenticeships, described them as a gain for his practice — both professionally and personally.
His first trainee, Nhat Le, is now approaching her final exams and has chosen to remain at the practice after qualifying. She is already considering further training as a dental hygienist, and has even spoken about potentially studying dentistry in the future.
Carlos M. Mendez in Königsbronn noted his apprentice had quickly built a social network, integrated into the team, and was progressing strongly in both school and practice. “She is diligent and hardworking. A real gain for our practice,” he said.
Dr. Luana Stogl in Karlsruhe, who is about to welcome two new Vietnamese trainees in May 2026, summed it up simply: “We are all already looking forward to it and see the whole thing very positively.”
Apprentices: “I Feel Genuinely Valued”
The apprentices’ own voices are equally important. Ly Nguyen (20), working in Königsbronn, described the early challenges of language — not just grammar, but learning the rhythm of everyday speech and colloquial expressions used by colleagues. But she also described something more than professional progress: “I feel genuinely valued and warmly welcomed.”
Nhat Le (23), nearing the end of her training in Malmsheim, spoke of her ambitions clearly: further training, and perhaps even a dental degree. “I have very good grades and I am happy to be able to stay in the practice, where I feel very comfortable.”
Thi Hong Ngo (36), also in Malmsheim, acknowledged the challenges of adapting to a new climate, daily rhythm, and language — but described the support of her colleagues and employer as essential: “I have great luck to work with a friendly doctor and kind colleagues who always help me.”
The Challenges: Honest and Manageable
The most consistent practical challenge cited was housing. With rents rising, finding accommodation under €500 per month — affordable on a training allowance — requires effort. Advising Professionals actively supports this process, often beginning with a shared flat as an interim solution.
Homesickness is real, and it would be dishonest to minimise it. But the response from practices has been genuinely human. One practice owner described searching for Vietnamese restaurants nearby and inviting the apprentice to dinner; another described connecting their trainee with a local Vietnamese community. Small acts of inclusion make an enormous difference.
Why It Works
The common thread across every positive outcome is preparation and support — not just at the start, but sustained throughout the apprenticeship. When the language foundation is solid, when the candidate has been carefully selected, and when both sides receive ongoing guidance, the result is a long-term working relationship that benefits everyone.
This is the model at the heart of Advising Professionals.
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