Brandenburg an der Havel, 5 April 2025
48 young people embarked upon a new stage in life on 5 April 2025 when they took up their studies of dental medicine at the Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane (MHB). This is the second cohort in the program which started as the first of its kind in the State of Brandenburg in 2024. The St. Paulikloster in Brandenburg/Havel was the location of the official ceremony for students, parents, families, friends and guests.
MHB president had words of welcome on this special day: “You are making a dream come true with your first step on the way to a career as dentists, and we are going to support you to the best of our ability.” His thanks went to Prof. Stefanie Oess, Prof. Günter Schaller and their team for setting up and further developing the new program. He looked forward to the new and modern dental clinic, currently under construction on the premises of a former power plant, where part of dental training is scheduled to take place, and called its inauguration the next milestone in the MHB history. Much has been achieved, much is still getting underway, so Prof. Simon, and the MHB is pleased with reliable support from the Dentists’ Association of Brandenburg.
Lord Mayor Scheller: “Dentists urgently needed!”
Lord Mayor Steffen Scheller stressed the importance of this matriculation. Despite its long history – next year marks the 1100th anniversary – Brandenburg/Havel has developed into a modern town and a significant healthcare location. The MHB plays a key role in this context, so Scheller, who as a member of the MHB supervisory board gains all kinds of insights into developments at the university. He pointed to the numerous achievements, research performance, the right to award doctorates and many other things with which the MHB acquired a good reputation, and expressed pride in what all this did for the town and the region. He also underlined the urgent demand for dentists in the entire region.
Dr. Romy Ermler: “A great time, and full of challenges.”
Dr. Romy Ermler greeted and welcomed the new students on behalf of the regional and also the national Dentists’ Associations, where she is a board member and vice president respectively, all of whom are pleased with the new MHB course in dental medicine. Brandenburg had been the last but one federal state without such a training program. Dr. Ermler reported from her own times as a dental student as “great, and challenging. But giving up is not an option! You have chosen the finest job in the world.”
MHB dean Prof. Christine Holmberg had encouraging words for the newcomers. She promised the university’s support and training in all core competences, close to practice, scientifically sound and patient oriented. She asked for critical reflection on the growing flood of information and invited the new students to become proactively involved in university affairs.
Rita Bilal and Yannik Hennig, both 3rd-semster dental students, already took that step. Their recommendation for the new fellow students: “Make new friends, start networking with each other, work together, have fun together. You have opted for a program which is ambitious. Dental medicine is not a sprint, it’s a marathon – and it will be worth it!” said Rita Bilal.
Prof. Gerhard Schmalz: “Happy to welcome you!”
Prof. Gerhard Schmalz, MHB professor of dental conservation and periodontology, is in charge of the university’s dental outpatient unit. His keynote lecture described what dental medicine comprises, and what it means for health in general. Dentists see to it that people can eat and smile without problems, they ensure quality of life. He advised the newcomers to make the best possible use of their studies and the chances involved: “We have close connections to the departments of medicine and psychology. Start networking with a view to your future, think out of the box, expand your horizon. Learn more about other disciplines, then all sides will profit.” The new dental students will now embark upon their studies with lots of motivation and team spirit, with the backing of the MHB and its partner institutions.
Carla Kniestedt again acted as presenter of the event, musical accompaniment came from MHB student Simon Ripl and his band.
