DENTSPLY Friadent News

DENTSPLY Friadent supports implantology training for dental students

07-23-2009 | i.lect – elective implantology course for dental studetns starts at the Erlangen Dental Clinic on October 19, 2009

For the first time in Germany the Erlangen University Dental Clinic is offering dental students along with their standard course of studies a structured elective course in dental implantology starting in the winter semester 2009/2010. Participation in i.lect is free of charge for students. It will start in the 4th semester and be completed in the 10th semester. The content of the elective course is being developed and implemented by the Oral, Orthodontic and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic (Prof. Dr. Dr. Friedrich-Wilhelm Neukam) and Dental Clinic 2 – Dental Prosthetics (Prof. Dr. Manfred Wichmann). The university as the provider guarantees neutrality and independence.

“The implantology elective is unique in German dental schools,” say the initiators Neukam and Wichmann, and they emphasize that this university course, unlike expensive postgraduate courses offered by external providers, is not subject to commercial interests in any way.

i.lect offers 135 hours of theoretical courses for every student, practical hands-on sessions, examinations and a final examination. Successful graduates will receive a certificate from the university. Students who complete the elective course and the required number of implant placements will meet the requirements for the award of a major in implantology. All dental students enrolled at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg are eligible to enroll in the elective.

“i.lect is a major challenge for our clinics,” acknowledges the team associated with Wichmann and Neukam, because at full capacity they could have up to 300 students concurrently. The dean of studies at the Erlangen Medical Faculty is convinced of the value of the new course for students. Prof. Dr. Hans Drexler: “I am a strong supporter of i.lect.” 

The numerous simulation models, implant components and materials that every student will receive will be provided from the financial resources of the clinics alone. DENTSPLY Friadent is one of two partners cooperating with the university, which is supporting the project for the long term with outside funding. “We are interested in providing sustainable support for quality training in implantology,” says managing director Dr. Werner Groll of the reason for the support provided by the Mannheim-based implant manufacturer.

The starting date for i.lect October 19. An academic ceremony marking the start will be held in November with representatives from the university, politics and the press

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