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Insights into M.Sc. Periodontology: What to expect in each Semester
Specializing in periodontology is a significant step in a dentist’s career. Our M.Sc. Periodontology offers a structured, expert-led path to excellence.
This blog post provides an overview of all the modules and steps you will encounter during the program's three semesters. Each module includes live online-seminars and two days of hands-on training & lectures in Aachen, Germany. With insights and practical tips from our experienced lecturers, you’ll understand what to expect and how to prepare for each phase of the curriculum as it builds your expertise.
1st Semester - Going beyond a strong foundation
The first semester lays the groundwork for clinical excellence, combining essential theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the biological and clinical principles of periodontology, while beginning to develop the practical skills necessary for accurate diagnosis and treatment. The subsequent four modules comprise the academic and clinical core of this foundational phase.
Module 1 | Oral Microbiology, Pathogenesis and Medical Immunology
Our students will learn about the key factors influencing the development and progression of periodontitis, including age, systemic diseases (e.g. diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, rheumatoid arthritis), and certain medications. They will understand how these factors can be assessed and potentially modified.
The module also covers how periodontitis itself can impact systemic health, and the implications of this interaction for diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and follow-up care.
Why is this module useful for every participant?
Periodontal diseases are closely related to diseases of the entire organism. Their interactions play an important role in the prevention and in the successful therapy and aftercare of patients with periodontitis.
Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. dent. James Deschner & Univ.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Georg Conrads
Module 2 | Periodontal Disease and Non-Surgical Therapy
In this module, students will learn a structured approach to periodontal treatment based on the Aachen Periodontal Therapy Concept (APTC) that can be adapted to their own practice.
The course uses the current classification of periodontal diseases to guide the steps of diagnosis and treatment: initial, nonsurgical, surgical, and supportive therapy. It emphasizes non-surgical methods and includes hands-on practice with traditional and advanced techniques, such as ultrasound, lasers, and adjuvant therapies.
What can a participant expect?
The possibilities of non-surgical therapy are compared and practiced in practical exercises. In addition, alternative possibilities such as adjuvant procedures as well as drug therapy approaches will be discussed.
Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. dent. Andreas Braun & Prof. Dr. med. dent Felix Krause
Module 3 | Regenerative and Resective Therapy Approaches
In the third module, students will learn the fundamentals of surgical periodontal therapy, including treatment planning and timing within a comprehensive care concept.
Part A covers regenerative and resective techniques for periodontitis through a combination of theory and hands-on practice. Part B covers plastic periodontal surgery, including modern methods for treating gum recession and managing peri-implant soft tissue. This section also includes theoretical and practical sessions.
Why is the module useful for every participant?
Participants will get the opportunity to understand when, why and which techniques of periodontal surgery can or should be used. Further, attendees will learn indications, limitations and step-by-step procedures of the most important mucogingival surgical procedures.
Prof. Dr. med. dent. Jamal M. Stein
Module 4 | Surgical Therapy and Perio-Restorative Concepts
This module covers surgical methods, including accurate incision techniques, various periodontal surgical approaches, suturing techniques, and ultrasound-based treatment options. Other topics include soft tissue handling, procedures for covering gum recessions, care for high-risk patients, and post-surgical follow-up.
Plus, hands-on exercises using jaw models develop practical skills!
What can a participant expect?
Students are taught basic principles of Surgical Therapy as well as Perio-Restorative Concepts. Students learn how to apply techniques for coverage of singular recessions and multiple recessions.
Prof. Dr. med. dent. Reiner Mengel & Dr. med. dent. Christian Hammächer
2nd Semester - Building expertise and preparing for complex clinical scenarios
During the second semester, students broaden their clinical skills and diagnostic abilities by delving into advanced topics in periodontology and implantology. The focus shifts from foundational knowledge to integrated, practice-oriented applications, covering everything from aesthetic and functional considerations to the latest digital diagnostic technologies and lasers. These modules reflect the deepening of expertise and prepare participants for complex clinical scenarios.
Module 5 | Appearance, Adaption and Emergency Management
This module provides an insight into the aesthetic correction of gums, teeth and bone, including modern restorative techniques that use advanced materials and digital methods. It also covers cranio-mandibular function, with a focus on disorders and the treatment of occlusion and articulation. Furthermore, the practical emergency course prepares students to handle dental and general medical emergencies in a clinical setting.
Why is this module useful for every participant?
This module provides an overview of the entire dental practice and its emergencies and ventures more than one look at the human system as a whole. There are many interfaces with general medicine and other areas of dentistry, which require extensive theoretical and practical training.
Prof. Dr. med. dent Felix Krause, Dr. med. dent. Johannes-Simon Wenzler, Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. dent. Andreas Braun, Dr. med. Florian F. Geyer, Prof. Dr. med. dent. Petra Ratka-Krüger & Univ.-Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. med. Holger Jentsch
Module 6 | Maintenance, Peri-Implantitis and DVT Diagnostics
This module covers three key areas: maintenance therapy after periodontal treatment, the prevention of peri-implantitis, and the use of Digital Volume Tomography (DVT) for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Students will practice strategies for detecting and preventing inflammation, learn techniques for motivating patients, and develop self-awareness in patients with periodontal disease. The DVT component will strengthen their radiological skills for periodontal assessment and implant planning.
What can a participant expect?
This module is designed to practice treatment strategies for the detection and prevention of periodontal and/or peri-implant inflammation. In addition, methods to motivate the patient and ways to increase the self-perception of a periodontally compromised patient will be discussed.
Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. dent. Andreas Braun, Prof. Dr. med. dent. Jörg Neugebauer & Prof. Dr. med. dent. Nicole Arweiler
Module 7 | Implantology and Implant Prosthetics
This module covers all aspects of implant therapy, including special considerations for patients with a history of periodontal disease. Topics include implant prosthetics, post-implant care, and relevant implant placement anatomy. Students will learn about bone augmentation as a preparatory step and explore various grafting materials and their specific uses.
They will also gain insight into soft tissue management and 3D treatment planning. Additionally, a significant focus is placed on the causes, treatment, and prevention of peri-implantitis.
Why is the module important?
Periodontitis is a disease that is often associated with tooth loss. The implant treatment of patients with periodontal damage is a particular challenge in many ways and is therefore given special attention.
Prof. Dr. med. dent. Stefan Wolfart & Dr. med. dent. Taskin Tuna
Module 8 | Lasers in Periodontal Therapy
The Lasers in Periodontal Therapy module teaches students how to use different laser systems to treat periodontal conditions. The module covers the fundamental physics behind laser technology and trains students in the proper use of each system. Applications include diagnostics, calculus and deposit removal, bacterial reduction, and soft tissue procedures.
The module combines theoretical instruction with discussions of clinical applications and demonstrations of laser techniques.
What can a participant expect?
The physical basics of lasers are taught as well as the correct application of the different systems. Laser-based therapy approaches range from diagnostics, calculus and concrement removal, bacterial disinfection to soft tissue surgery.
Dr. med. dent. Johannes-Simon Wenzler, Dr. med. dent. Stefan Grümer, PD Dr. rer nat. Jörg Meister & Prof. Dr. med. dent. Andreas Braun
3rd Semester - Final Step: Master Thesis & Clinical Case Review
In the third semester, students conclude their master's journey by writing a thesis on a topic related to the prevention or treatment of periodontal diseases. To ensure a strong scientific foundation, all students must first complete the Scientific Integrity course offered by RWTH Aachen University. We recommend taking this online course during the first semester so that you are fully prepared to register your thesis and begin your research with confidence.
Graduation | Celebrating your achievement
Upon successfully completing all modules and submitting your master's thesis, you will graduate with the internationally recognized degree of Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Periodontology. This marks the end of your academic journey and the beginning of a new chapter as a highly qualified specialist in periodontal care. Graduation is a proud moment to celebrate your hard work, dedication, and clinical excellence with your peers, mentors, and faculty!
And if you would like to stay in touch with your fellow students, you will become part of our alumni community.
