MDT

The MDT program is designed for dentists and dental technicians (Bachelor or “Zahntechnikermeister”) who want to acquire highly advanced qualifications in the field of dental technology. 

Within the program, students gain a deep understanding of assessment procedures, planning and scientific evaluation of complex treatments requiring dental restorations. The program focuses on the synergy potentials of different treatment regimes as well as digital optimization of existing therapy options, emphasizing scientific aspects.  

After successful completion of the program, the graduates will receive the academic title of “Master of Science (MSc.) in Dental Technology”.

Work Experience

University graduates need at least three years of professional experience as a dentist or as a dental technician (Bachelor) to be considered for admission.
“Zahntechnikermeister” (or equivalent abroad) needs at least four years of professional experience as a dental technician.

Academic qualification/Degree and Licence

Successful applicants to the MDT hold

• a university diploma (Bachelor) – dentists additionally a license to work as a dentist
• a certificate of qualifying as a “Zahntechnikermeister” or equivalent abroad

Language requirements

The MDT requires applicants whose native language is not English and who have not received a degree from a university in which all instruction is in English have to submit one of the following language certificates (or equivalent) along with the application:

• TOEFL iBT (minimum score: 87)
• IELTS (minimum score: 6.5)
• Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency (CPE)
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
• Or equivalent

Applicants fill out the MDT online application and submit the required supporting documents via the MDT website. Once you have submitted your online application, you will receive the following e-mail communications:

• Immediate acknowledgment of the receipt of your application
• A follow-up email verifying items already received and items still outstanding and info about a possible personal telephone interview.
• IMPORTANT: “Zahntechnikermeister” and equivalent qualification degrees abroad have to complete a separate written and oral examination to determine suitability for the course.

The following items are required with your application:

• University Diploma for university graduates or certificate for the “Zahtechnikermeister” examination  or equivalent *
• For dentists, the Licence entitling you to practice dentistry in your country*
• Proof of a minimum of 3 years relevant professional work experience for university graduates and a minimum of 4 years relevant professional work experience for “Zahntechnikermeister” (or equivalent degree)
• Proof of english language skills
• Letter of motivation
• Curriculum vitae
• recommendation letters (from a mentor, professor or employer)
• Passport photo
• where applicable: evidence of guest studies or participation in advanced training at a university 

*if applicable: with an official translation in English or German

After reviewing your application documents, we will invite qualified candidates to participate in a personal interview. The purpose of the interview is to gain a better understanding of your personality, professional experience, expectations and motivations.

We will notify you via email and arrange an interview via telephone or skype.

Professionally qualified applicants have to pass an aptitude examination to join the master’s program in dental technology.

The application for admission to the aptitude examination must be submitted by the 01st of February for enrolment in the summer semester of the same year and by the 01st of august for enrolment in the winter semester of the same year. 

In the aptitude examination the applicants must demonstrate a level of knowledge corresponding to that of a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Technology or in the same discipline required for the master’s course in Dental Technology. The aptitude examination consists of a written part and an oral element and is held in English. 

The Master in Dental Technology starts in April 2019 and has a duration of 36 months.

Following obligatory modules will be covered: 

• Dental Technology – Manufacturing, Digital Applications, Materials, Science
• Material Science
• Digital Design and Planning
• Case Documentation
• Dental Technology – Patient Treatment Procedures for Dental Technicians
• Hygiene and Regulations
• Patient Handling
• Scientific Methods I
• Process Management within a Therapeutic Team
• Anatomy, Physiology and Oral Diseases
• Dental Technology – CAD/CAM Procedures
• Scientific Methods II
• Complex Workflows for Immediate Restorations on Implants
• Quality Management
• Offering Consulting Services for Clinicians
• Economic Lab Management
• Manufacturing of Dental Restorations
• Master Thesis

Throughout the program you have to give proof of what you have learned by delivering written exams, project work, presentations and demonstrating your practical skills. A theory-based master thesis (literature review or clinical study) as well as some 10 dental restoration cases have to be completed by each student – the deadline for submission is the end of the third academic year. After completion of the program your graduation documents will be conferred during a festive graduation ceremony.

Module Descriptions

This module teaches the current state of knowledge in the field of dental technology and its latest development within the healthcare system. Furthermore, the first module focuses on the role of the dental technician in a therapeutic team and the interaction of therapeutic approaches and materials. 

The module focuses on the scientific description and examination of the materials used in dentistry. Special attention will be paid to the area of an objective evaluation of clinical reaction, potentials and limitations of examinations of new materials. 

In this module software products are critically discussed regarding their quality and their efficiency for doing a complete/ correct transfer of a digitally planned treatment.

Application of these software products is trained in workshops, including creating a virtual patient from varying data sets (e.g. CT, DVT, MRI, optical 3D surface scan). Further potentials as well as a risk-benefit analysis for digital planning on virtual patients will be taught. 

This module focuses on how to document clinical cases and will provide students with information on the significance of documentation, especially before and after fitting medical restorations. Case documentation will be trained on an application basis for various documentation methods (protocol, dental photography and video recording in 2D and 3D). The objective is the documentation and evaluation of patient cases with integrated dentally produced restorations in line with current scientific standards.

You will learn how to perform non-invasive treatment steps on patients, such as functional and esthetic trying for dental restorations, adjusting the occlusion, determining the vertical and horizontal jaw relationship, implant abutment assembly and disassembly, determining the color and soft tissue, the fitting of a face bow, conventional as well as digital tooth/ jaw impression. Training will be performed on phantom heads.

To perform non-invasive treatment steps on patients upon completion of the master’s program, you must obtain legal clarification and approval on a country-by-country basis in your home country. 

In this module all hygienic standards for the implementation of dental therapy steps on the patients will be taught. You will develop the competence to independently identify and implement country-specific norms and laws for required hygienic standards and measures in your working environment.  

This module addresses the relationship between the dental technician and the patient, as this relationship is characterized by information asymmetries. You will get to know communication tools and will reflect on the significance of patient communication for the sustainable success of dental treatment. 

This module allows you to become familiar with the philosophy of science and the rules of good scientific conduct. You will also learn about scientific writing, basic statistics as well as literature research, critical reflection of existing literature and its objective evaluation. 

This module focuses on a structured and efficient communication set for the therapeutic team which is highly relevant for the implementation of a complex multidisciplinary therapy. You will identify your own responsibilities and those of other therapists in the therapeutic team. Competencies in the field of professional project and personnel management will be acquired especially in the set-up and controlling of responsibility and communication structures, in the risk-benefit analysis and conflict management.

For applying non-invasive therapeutic steps you need to know details about the masticatory organs, facial structure and orally manifested diseases. This is taught in theory and practice (human specimen).

This module focuses on a completely digital workflow up to the chairside production of dental restorations. You will learn about the possibilities and limitations of CAD/ CAM systems, being particularly concerned with the limitations in choosing dental materials. For efficiency increase, you will learn to apply a structured risk-benefit analysis from case to case, allowing you to compare and evaluate digital and conventional options. 

Scientific Methods II is based on the contents taught in Scientific Methods I. You will be introduced to advanced statistics and clinical study design. Furthermore, you learn how to identify and deal with errors in scientific publications.

In this module you will learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of immediate restorations on implants and its indication scope. Furthermore, you learn to produce the abutments and restorations already before the implant insertion based on the virtual patient

To work economically, attention needs to be paid to the requirements of a good and efficiently functioning dental business. This includes the identification of core processes, methods of quality management, definition of quality parameters of externally purchased goods/ services as well as the final quality assurance of the patient-specific dental restoration. You will therefore learn how to successfully implement efficient administrative and personnel structures and how to actively prevent risks for your business.

This module focuses on identifying and assessing potential further business opportunities in the consulting field. You will be taught how to consult and by that how to present and communicate customized content to your new future clients.

This module deals with improving the profitability of your dental business and how to include newly developed business models. For this reason, content from the areas of marketing and sales, process management and leadership will be taught. 

Within this module you have to independently construct a total of 10 dental restorations in your home country, having your tutor on your side who is supporting you every step of the way through our eLearning platform. The production of your restoration has to be documented according to the standards taught in the module Case Documentation. The module has to be completed by the end of your third academic year. 

Using the research skills gained in the Scientific Writing Modules, each student is required to conduct independent scientific research and submit a master thesis by the end of the second academic year. You are free to choose your own research objective within the field of dental technology, e.g. a literature review or a clinical trial. Students with exceptional master theses will be encouraged and supported to publish their work in international journals.