Düsseldorf Dental Academy - Information about the study program

The Düsseldorf Dental Academy offers in cooperation with the Heinrich-Heine-University a specialized dental medical study programme for endodontics.

WIth the first German Master's study programme in endodontics, the Düsseldorf Dental Academy addresses experienced dentists, who want to concentrate on Endidontics in clinical practice and academic research. Minimum two years experience is requrired for this programme, in order to guarantee an experience level that is necessary to work as a basis for threoretical and practical learning content.

Information on administratice topics can be found on a separate page here.

General information

Master's degree course consists of 8 modules. For each module a number of 4 to 16 ECTS credit points will be awarded. A total number of 60 credits can be optained, each credit corresponds to 25 working hours. In summary, the workload amounts to approx. 1500 working hours including the final exam.

The contact time amounts to approx. 50 days. The courses are primary held at Heinrich-Heine-Universität on weekends or in blocks. Practical courses can also be held at another university. Course elements outside of this contact time will be self-study based by clinical patient care, preparatory work for modules and writing of the master thesis.

Objectives of this Masters' programme

The objectives of the Master's degree programm in Endodontology is the application-oriented academic professional training of dentists in the field of endodontology. Overall, the professionalism of the students with regard to both, current scientific standards as well as practical application in the field of endodontology. The students will be trained in the field of endodontology for practice and/or a scientific activity in teaching or research. The achievement of this goal is realised through a more practice-oriented study programme and is continuously systematically developed on the basis of evaluations. The study programme is characterised by both, its practical orientation and its application-oriented research.

Admission requirements

The requirements for the admission to the Master Degree course in Endodontics at Heinrich-Heine university in Düsseldorf are:

University degree in dentistry with a regular period of study of at least 8 semesters (240 credits) and
Licence to practise dental medicine, recognised in Germany or occupation permit
Evidence of post-graduate occupation as a dentist in a practice/at a university for a minimum of 1 year and
Good German language skills (foreign applicants must have proof of language skills according to level C1).

Heinrich-Heine university's board of examiners will send the applicants the written decision about the acceptance or rejection of their application to the study program.

Teilnehmer und Ausstattung

Maximum 28 students will be accepted for admission to the study program offered by Düsseldorf Dental Academy. All participants will have individual working spaces and dental microscopes during the pactical excercises. Additional equipment is also available for all participants.

Graduation

After successful graduation, the title of Master of Science (M.Sc). will be awarded by Heinrich-Heine university, subject to the following requirements:

60 awarded ECTS credits
successful completion and defence of master's thesis

Schedule and Locations

Courses will be held usually on weekends and in blocks. There will be about 36 days of courses in Düsseldorf and about 14 days of courses in Bensheim.

The schedule will be planned for the entire period of courses in advance. This is to facilitate planning together with lecturers and referees and the alignment with organisational conditions.

The detailed schedule can be found on the page of the next current course period. This may be subject to modifications and amendments, of course.

Course hours are regularly daily from 09:00 to 17:00.

Plan of study modules

The course consists of 8 modules in total. You'ff find below the description of the individual modules.

(As at 15\07\2022)

Module I: Applied Basics
ID	Workload	Credits	Semester	Course frequency	Duration
I. 7.22	100 h	4	1st sem.	once in two-year	1 semester
Course structure during contact time		Contact time	Self-Study	Class size
seminars: 40% exercises: 20% lectures: 40%		4h (5 days)	60h	max. 28 students
Learning outcomes / competencies
The students name and define structure and function of dental tissue and pulp, including all components, and their pain mechanisms define illustrations of endodontic structures and their significance are acquainted to all endodontic aspects regarding pain therapy and pharmacology prescribe the appropriate medication for a specific endodontic therapy can describe the course of infections based on microbial spectrums of pathogenic microorganismsof dental pulp and oral cavity differentiate between natural and acquired immunological responses regarding cause, development and impact of endodontic diseases
Content
Structure and function of dental hard tissue and pulp Pain mechanisms of the pulp Anatomy of tooth and pulp Mechanism of action and indication of endodontic pharmaceuticals Microbiological and immunological fundamentals and infection defense Clinical aspects, diagnosis and therapy of craniofacial pain Current and uncommon anaesthetic procedures Toxicology Allergology
Teaching methods
Lectures with course-related exercises, seminars with group work
Participation requirements
none
Type of exam
Multiple choice test at classroom-day Duration: 45-60 minutes Extent: 10-15 questions
Requirements for the allocation of credits
Module exam passed
Module leader
Henrich (Düsseldorf), Foth (Halle)
Further information
Further lecturers: Sanner (Frankfurt) u.a. Literature: Compulsory reading to be announced prior to the beginning of the module Up-to-date bibliography will be put at the participants' disposal prior to the course

Module II: Scientific Endodontic Methodology
ID	Workload	Credits	Semester	Course frequency	Duration
II. 7. 22	100 h	4	1st sem.	once in two-year	1 semester
Course structure during contact time		Contact time	Self-Study	Class size
seminars: 50% exercises: 30% lectures: 20%		40h (5 days)	60h	max. 28 students
Learning outcomes / competencies
The students know the aims of evidence-based dentistry make systematic use of electronic literature data bases to solve endodontic problems research a given endodontic subject without assistance analyse the significance of literature regarding specific endodontic problems are able to present the content of an endodontic essay in front of a group are acquainted with the essential statistical parameters of endodontic in vitro and in vivo research
Content
Evidence-based odontology Data base research and literature search Literature analysis Literature review Statistics
Teaching methods
Lectures with course-related exercises, seminars with group work and seminar papers (presentation with a projector)
Participation requirements
none
Type of exam
2 literature research (according to specifications) as presentation Duration: 24-32 hours Extent: literature research each 10-15 slides as ppt/keynote
Requirements for the allocation of credits
Module exam passed
Module leader
Hülsmann (Göttingen), Schäfer (Münster)
Further information
Further lecturers: .05 Statistikteam (Düsseldorf), Gernhardt (Halle) u.a. Literature: Deutsche Zahnärtzliche Zeitschrift - EbM-Splitter Additional compulsory reading to be announced prior to the beginning of the module Hand-out with latest bibliography will be put at the participants' disposal prior to the course

Module III: Interdisciplinary Subjects
ID	Workload	Credits	Semester	Course frequency	Duration
III.7.22	175h	7	1st -2nd sem.	once a two-year	2 semesters
Course structure during contact time		Contact time	Self-Study	Class size
seminars: 40% exercises: 15% lectures: 45%		64 h (8 days)	110h	max. 28 students
Learning outcomes / competencies
The students are able to diagnose anatomical and endodontic variations and to present these with the help of adequate radiological techniques know the indications for and use of modern image-guided techniques (e.g. digital volume tomography), in particular with regard to their use in endodontics can take decisions based on diagnosis and prognosis regarding implantological and parodontological/endodontic therapy alternatives and are able to justify these decisions methodically and professionally develop specific endodontic treatment plans for primary dentition and prostheses classify course of action and medication for restorative therapy after dental trauma know the essential substances of endodontic materials can identify medicaments and materials used in endodontic therapy and their interactions are able to assess a potential general medical incidence during endodontic therapy and how to react describe from a forensic aspect the professionally appropriate explanation and documentation required before and after endodontic therapy implement the effective guidelines into their patient treatment plan according to their significance in endodontic therapy
Content
Radiology of the physiological and pathological endodontium Anatomy of the endodontium Implantology versus endodontology Parodontology and endodontic diseases Traumatology and restorative dentistry Endodontics and primary dentition Endodontic materials science Internal medicine / emergency medicine with regard to endodontic therapy Forensic medicine focussed on endodontic treatment Oral pathology of endodontic diseases
Teaching methods
Lectures with course-related exercises, seminars with group work
Participation requirements
none
Type of exam
1 Multiple choice exam at classroom-day Duration: 45-60 minutes Extent: 15-20 questions
Requirements for the allocation of credits
Module exam passed
Module leader
Schäfer (Münster), Filippi (Basel), Krastl (Würzburg), Weiger (Basel), Shemesh (Amsterdam), Gierthmühlen (Düsseldorf)
Further information
Further lecturers: Paque (Zürich), Reichert (Regensburg), u.a. Literature: Additional compulsory reading to be announced prior to the beginning of the module Hand-out with latest bibliography will be put at the participants' disposal prior to the course

Module IV: Pre-Clinical Exercises
ID	Workload	Credits	Semester	Course frequency	Duration
IV.7.22	200 h	8	1st -2nd sem.	once a two-year	2 semesters
Course structure during contact time		Contact time	Self-Study	Class size
seminars: 30% exercises: 60% lectures: 10%		144 h (18 days)	56 h	max. 28 students
Learning outcomes / competencies
The students analyse the endodontic tooth anatomy based on radiographs plan access and preparation based on tooth type and individual anatomy place a rubber dam on models in a phantom head create a straight access to the existing canal systems use different NiTi systems without assistance are acquainted with the geometry and assembly of NiTi instruments and their clinical relevance are aware of the essential canal disinfection techniques decide on the adequate disinfection for an endodontic treatment, based on the individual case use mineral trioxide aggregate according to indication reliably and completely remove filling material from the root canal system are in the position to carry out retreatment after prior initial endodontic treatment remove cemented posts and fractured instruments from the canal system use different root canal filling methods without assistance carry out clinical endodontic treatment indirectly via a mirror with the aid of a dental microscope know the essential citations / research results for aforementioned working steps define indication and prognosis of post-endodontic therapeutic measures, based on the corresponding findings
Content
Use of an operating microscope Access to the canal system Manual instrumentation using three techniques Mechanical instrumentation with a minimum of six NiTi systems Disinfection of the canal system with irrigation solutions and application of medicinal substances Root canal fillings with three fundamentally different techniques Retreatment of teeth having undergone prior endodontic treatment Removal of fragments Sealing of perforations Restorative dentistry and post-endodontic therapy
Teaching methods
Lectures with course-related exercises, seminars with group work and seminar papers (presentation with a projector)
Participation requirements
none
Type of exam
Full root canal treatment at phantom head Duration: 6 hours Extent: 2 human teeth with trepanation to filling with adhesive seal
Requirements for the allocation of credits
Module exam passed
Module leader
Sonntag (Düsseldorf), Peters (Brisbane), Zehnder (Zürich), v.d. Sluis (Groningen)
Further information
Further lecturers: Appel (Bonn), Setzer (Philadelphia), Walsch (München), u.a. Literature: Additional compulsory reading to be announced prior to the beginning of the module Hand-out with latest bibliography will be put at the participants' disposal prior to the course

Module V: Clinical Endodontics
ID	Workload	Credits	Semester	Course frequency	Duration
VI.7.22	300 h	12	2nd-3rd sem.	once a two-year	2 semesters
Course structure during contact time		Contact time	Self-Study	Class size
seminars: 20% treatment: 90% lectures: 5%		48 h (6 days)	252 h	max. 28 students
Learning outcomes / competencies
The students will carry out exhaustive examinations focussing on an endodontic disease establish both diagnosis and differential diagnosis based on their endodontic findings plan further endodontic therapeutic measures as well as interdisciplinary therapy alternatives eliminate (if possible) the cause for the endodontic disease build up the tooth again (if necessary) with a tight sealing completely access the canal system using a coaxial light and optical magnification thoroughly disinfect and enlarge the canal system seal the canal system with filling material and an adhesive build-up build a provisional dental prosthesis, if necessary, prior to subsequent prosthetic treatment establish a prognosis for the treated tooth document in detail the treatment, according to the international endodontic standards create therapy presentations ranging from diagnostic findings to epicrisis evaluate their endodontic treatment measures, taking into account the up-to-date scientific literature
Content
Diagnosis of the endodontium Diagnosis of the endodontic disease Treatment strategy Access to the canal system Manual and mechanical preparation Disinfection of the canal system Root canal fillings Post-endodontic therapy Prognosis Quality assurance Case presentations
Teaching methods
Clinical patient care with course-related lectures and seminars
Participation requirements
none
Type of exam
Type of exam: 2 case presentations (written in the format of an article), 1 clinical treatment (under supervision), filing 120 cases, according to spec. requirements Duration: 24-32 Stunden Extent: case presentation as ppt/keynote with 10-15 slides each; written elaboration of 6-10 DIN A4 text pages, format 'Zeitschrift Endodontie' Filing of 10 out of 120 cases (acc to specific requirements) Duration: 180 hours Extent: 120 case filings
Requirements for the allocation of credits
Module exam passed
Module leader
Bürklein (Münster), Bitter (Berlin)
Further information
Further lecturers: Beikler (Hamburg), Schloss (Nürnberg) Literature: Additonal compulsory reading to be announced prior to the beginning of the module Hand-out with latest bibliography will be put at the participants' disposal prior to the course

Module VI: Course-related Clinical Training
ID	Workload	Credits	Semester	Course frequency	Duration
V.7.22	100 h	4	3rd sem.	once a two-year	1 semester
Course structure during contact time		Contact time	Self-Study	Class size
seminars: 30% exercises: 60% lectures: 10%		24 h (3 days)	76 h	max. 28 students
Learning outcomes / competencies
The students will structure the endodontist's assistance during use of the OPM in order to optimise the efficiency of four-handed dentistry take endodontic surgical measures in vitro carry out post-endodontic in vitro therapy measures document systematically the endodontic therapeutic measures taken structure and document their individual practical experience for a co-ordinated endodontic treatment implement measures to guarantee quality assurance in their work process
Content
endodontic surgical interventions microsurgical interventions documentation of endodontic therapy quality management practice organization in respect of systematic endodontic therapy quality assurance for endodontic therapy
Teaching methods
Lectures with course-related exercises; seminars with group work and seminar papers (presentation with a projector)
Participation requirements
none
Type of exam
written report about quality management of endodontic therapy in practice Duration: 24-32 hours Extent: max 20 DIN A4 pages including illustrations
Requirements for the allocation of credits
Module exam passed
Module leader
Dr. Rapsch (Rheine), Schloss (Nürnberg)
Further information
Further lecturers: none Literature: Additional compulsory reading to be announced prior to the beginning of the module Hand-out with latest bibliography will be put at the participants' disposal prior to the course

Module VII: Research Project
ID	Workload	Credits	Semester	Course frequency	Duration
VII.7.22	100 h	5	3rd sem.	once a two-year	2 semesters
Course structure during contact time		Contact time	Self-Study	Class size
seminars: 70% exercises: 20% lectures: 10%		32 h (4 days)	68 h	max. 28 students
Learning outcomes / competencies
The participants will work out and answer an endodontic question without assistance analyse all current specific information and research literature related to their research project develop a professional examination record modify the project, if necessary, according to statistical specifications establish a professional written examination record appraise their examination taking into account international research findings comply to the protocol while carrying out their examination
Content
Working out the answer to an endodontic question Literature analysis according to the endodontic question Development of a professional examination record Statistical preliminary assessment of the research project, in cooperation with a statistician Critical evaluation of the limits of the corresponding research project Examination procedure
Teaching methods
Lectures with course-related exercises, seminars with group work and papers (presentation with a projector)
Participation requirements
none
Type of exam
Manuscript for the research project Duration: 40-60 hours Extent: 8-10 DIN A4 pages
Requirements for the allocation of credits
module exam passed
Module leader
Hülsmann (Göttingen), Schäfer (Münster), Sonntag (Düsseldorf)
Further information
Further lecturers: statistics team (Düsseldorf) Literature: Additional compulsory reading to be announced prior to the beginning of the module Hand-out with latest bibliography will be put at the participants' disposal prior to the course

Module VIII: Master Degree Thesis
ID	Workload	Credits	Semester	Course frequency	Duration
VIII. 7.22	400 h	16	4th sem.	once a two-year	1 semester
Course structure during contact time		Contact time	Self-Study	Class size
seminars: 0% lectures: 0%		none	400 h	max. 28 students
Learning outcomes / competencies
The students will research all relevant scientific literature related to the endodontic subject of the master thesis analyse all specific information and research literature and prepare an overview of citations relevant for the master thesis describe their approach and method in detail formulate and summarise their findings create explanatory graphic charts and diagrams according to the subject's requirements evaluate in written the pros and contras of their course of action Exam: The students are able to answer specific questions in a manner befitting their professional experience, expertise and acquired endodontic competence summarise their approach and method as well as the findings of their degree thesis in a professional manner are aware of the specific strengths and weaknesses of their master thesis
Content
Literature research Literature overview Formulation of the methodology applied Visual illustration of examination results Assessment of examination results Evaluation of approach
Teaching methods
none
Participation requirements
Admission to the Master Degree course of Endodontics Acquirement of a minimum of 30 credits Successful completion of all course-related exams
Type of exam
written Masterthesis, oral examination Duration: max. 400 hours Extent: 25 - 30 DIN A4 pages including cover page, but without list of references
Requirements for the allocation of credits
Module exam passed, admission to master thesis
Module leader
Hülsmann (Zürich), Schäfer (Münster), Sonntag (Düsseldorf)
Further information
Exam: Written master's thesis, which is assessed by 2 assessors Literature: Persuant to the subject of the master thesis

The current exam an study regulations

can be downloaded here: