en de

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:

  1. University degree in dentistry with a regular period of study of at least 8 semesters (240 credits) and
  2. Licence to practise dental medicine, recognised in Germany or occupation permit
  3. Evidence of post-graduate occupation as a dentist in a practice/at a university for a minimum of 1 year and
  4. 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:

  1. 60 awarded ECTS credits
  2. 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: