Introducing New Approaches in Teaching and Practice
Following the introduction of the new Dental Licensing Regulations (zahnärztliche Approbationsordnung, ZApprO), dental education at German universities is undergoing fundamental change. One central element is the introduction of interdisciplinary cross-sectional areas in dentistry (Querschnittsbereiche in der Zahnmedizin, QBZ). The ZApprO dental licensing regulations require dental faculties to align training and examinations more closely with overarching competencies. The aim is to better prepare future dentists for the complex challenges of modern patient care. Professor Dr. Jan-Frederik Güth, Dean of Studies for Dentistry (Prosthodontics), emphasizes: “The cross-sectional areas strengthen our students’ ability to recognize connections and think interdisciplinarily. They represent a crucial step towards patient-centered care of the future.” Following the start of ZApprO’s implementation phase, all six cross-sectional areas – regulated up to the eighth semester – have been integrated into Goethe University’s curriculum thanks to joint teaching concepts developed by lecturers from various disciplines, together with representatives of the student dental group. A special focus is placed on alignment with the National Competence-Based Learning Objectives Catalog for Dentistry (Nationaler Kompetenzbasierter Lernzielkatalog der Zahnmedizin, NKLZ). Jan Steinmetzer (Head of the Study Dean’s Office) and Ruben Kollewe (Dentistry Program Coordinator) explain: “We are in the midst of a dynamic process. While collaboration between disciplines is challenging, it also brings new energy and innovation into teaching.”
Impressions from teaching and study experts
Dr. Helga Haueisen1, lecturer in Pain Medicine, sees particular progress in QBZ3: “Systematic training in pain assessment greatly sensitizes our students – something from which patients will directly benefit.” PD Dr. Silvia Brandt2 reports similar gains in geriatric dentistry: “Through special training in dealing with older patients, students develop a deeper understanding of the specific needs of this growing patient group.” Students’ response to the new concept has also been positive: “Connecting content from different areas helps me enormously to see the bigger picture. Emergency medicine, in particular, provides a sense of security for everyday practice.” Another student said: “At first it was unfamiliar, but now I see the added value. I especially enjoy the case discussions and practical exercises – it makes perfect sense.”
The introduction of cross-sectional areas marks a cultural shift in dental education. It means that after ten semesters, in the third section of the state dental examination, nine cross-sectional areas are centrally tested. In Frankfurt, this transformation is actively shaped: teachers and students work together to foster a new generation of dentists – well prepared for the demands of increasingly complex patient care. Professor Dr. Susanne Gerhardt-Szep, MME, Coordinator of Curriculum Development in Dentistry1, summarizes: “The path is ambitious, but necessary. We are investing today in the quality of tomorrow’s dentistry. Many thanks to all contributors!”
Overview of the Six Cross-Sectional Areas:
QBZ1: Emergency Medicine (44, 45)*:
Knowledge and practical skills for initial management of medical emergencies in dental practice. Module developers: PD. Dr. J. Sterz, MME3 & Dr. A. Begić4, Prof. W. Eberhardt5, PD. Dr. A. Flinspach6, Prof. P. Parvini4, PD. Dr. F. Raimann6, Prof. M. Rüsseler3, J. Schauwienold3, Prof. Dr. F. Schwarz4 and representatives of the Student Dental Association
QBZ2: Oral Medicine and Systemic Aspects (50)*:
Focus on systemic diseases with oral manifestations and their relevance to dentistry. Module developers: Prof. Dr. F. Schwarz4 & Prof. Dr. P. Eickholz7, Prof. W. Eberhardt5, Prof. S. Kopp8, Prof. R. Sader9, Dr. Dr. G. Schüttfort10 and the Student Dental Association
QBZ3: Pain Medicine (51)*:
Pain assessment, diagnostics, and treatment. Module developers: Dr. S. Görl2 & Dr. H. Haueisen1, Dr. A. Begić4, Prof. S. Kopp8, Prof. H. Mühl5, Dr. M. Zimmermann6, Prof. Dr. Dr. M. Daubländer (external advisor and former president of the European Federation for the Advancement of Anesthesia in Dentistry) and the Student Dental Association
QBZ4: Scientific Work (52)*:
Biostatistics, introduction to scientific methodology, critical reading of studies, and evidence-based dentistry. Module developers: Prof. Dr. E. Herrmann11 & Prof. Dr. T. Weberschock12, Prof. Dr. B. Dannewitz7, dentist S. Eslami8, Dr. M. Giraki1, PD. Dr. T. Graf2, PD. Dr. A. Ramanauskaite4 and the Student Dental Association
QBZ5: Clinical Materials Science (53)*:
Application of modern dental materials and manufacturing techniques (CAD/CAM) and understanding their clinical significance. Module developers: Prof. Dr. J.-F. Güth2, Dr. S. Heitkamp1, S. Mischliwski (Goethe Dental School), Prof. Dr. P. Parvini and Dr. C. Raabe4 and the Student Dental Association
QBZ6: Medicine and Dentistry of Aging and the Elderly (54)*:
Care for older patients, considering geriatric aspects and age-related diseases. Module developers: PD. Dr. S. Brandt2& Dr. L. Baumann1, Dr. M. Herzog7, Prof. Dr. Kopp8, Dr. M. Philipp13, Dr. Dr. G. Schüttfort10, PD. Dr. Dr. P. Thönissen9, Prof. I. Nitschke (external advisor to the Clinic of General, Special Care and Geriatric Dentistry at Zurich University and the Division of Prosthodontics and Dental Materials at University Hospital Leipzig) and the Student Dental Association
1Restorative Dentistry, 2Prosthodontics, 3Medical Education and Clinical Simulation, Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, 4Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Implantology, 5Pharmacology and Toxicology, 6Anesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Management, 7Periodontology, 8Orthodontics, 9Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Facial Surgery, 10Internal Medicine, 11Biostatistics and Mathematical Modeling, 12Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, and Institute of Evidence-Based General Practice, 13General Practice, *https://www.uni-frankfurt.de/125724708/2022_09_27_Zahnmedizin.pdf
(Course sequence numbers)
