MHB welcomes 50 new dentistry students in Brandenburg

Brandenburg an der Havel, 11 April 2026

The Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane (MHB) welcomed 50 beginners to the model curriculum of dental medicine last Saturday, 11 April. The former monastery Paulikloster was the location of the enrolment ceremony with introductions to the particular framework conditions and perspectives of dentistry studies.

In his opening speech to the new students, their parents and guests MHB president Prof. Hans-Uwe Simon acknowledged the pioneering work and exceptional dedication of a small team lead by Prof. Oess and Prof. Schaller who designed the new Brandenburg model curriculum up to 2024.

University dental clinic to open in August 2026

Students are going to profit from strong practice orientation. The university opened the first dental outpatient department in Brandenburg in January 2025 which treats approximately 2,500 patients per year and contributes to closing impending supply gaps in the region.

Simultaneously, the former electric power plant in town is currently converted to Brandenburg’s first university dental clinic as a fully digitized state-of-the-art facility with 20 treatment units. Scheduled to open late in August this year, the clinic will be a further milestone in student education and the provision of dental care in the region, so Prof. Simon. Close collaboration with local dental surgeries is a core element of the study concept.

Dr. Jouleen Gruhn welcomed the first-semester students on behalf of the Potsdam parliament where she is vice president. A trained physician herself, she pointed out that the choice of a medical field of studies is a choice of a path in life: “Healthcare supply is of tremendous importance, especially in the non-city State of Brandenburg. The general public relies on dedicated young dentists like you to complete their training and hopefully stay in the region. You are urgently needed in our communities, and particularly in rural areas. What we need are responsible personalities who stand up for their convictions.”  

In his words of greeting, Mayor Daniel Keip called the university “a genuine gain” for the town and the entire region. He emphasized the revitalizing effects on the local infrastructure: “A new era will begin when the MHB and this class of students will move into the new dental clinic on the site of the former power plant – an industrial ruin disused and lost from view for many years.”  

To coincide with the inauguration of the dental clinic, a new stop called “Kanalstraße / Dental Clinic (MHB)” will be added to the public transport system to underline the close links between the town and the university.  

“It is not just the tooth you treat”

Dr. Romy Ermler as president of the German Dental Association congratulated the beginners on their choice of a discipline, “an ambitious, responsible and extremely meaningful profession”.

“Dental medicine today goes far beyond the treatment of individual teeth. It is an integral part of medicine. Oral health is closely correlated with the entire organism – with cardio-vascular complaints, diabetes, inflammatory processes and general well-being. Dental medicine is far more than just filling holes in teeth.”

Dr. Ermler described new perspectives and challenges. Topics such as nutritional dental medicine, the influence of lifestyle and diet on oral and systemic health, and the preventive support for patients over all stages in life are gaining importance. “This means that dentists do not only treat patients, they also accompany, advise and co-design health. Don’t forget that it is not just the tooth you treat.”

Dean Prof. Christine Holmberg found words of encouragement for the new students. The focus at the MHB, so Holmberg, is on the individual and on practice-based, scientifically sound and patient-oriented education. She promised comprehensive support and professional advice, even in situations where students fear they may reach their limits: “We are looking forward to your time with us – a warm welcome to all of you!”

Yannick Henning, student representative in his fifth semester, recalled his own start and the excitement he felt, the curiosity, and a degree of uncertainty. But he assured the new fellow students that strangers become friends pretty fast, and a new environment can soon feel like home. He said Brandenburg has much to offer, and he underlined the importance of team spirit: “What you need in your time as students is community life, mutual support and respect, and the secure knowledge that you can rely on each other in all situations.”

Dental medicine: more than treatment of toothache

Prof. Dr. Dr. Gerhard Schmalz gave a keynote speech on the scope and potential of dental medicine. He described modern dental medicine as a high-tech discipline and far more than help with toothache. It combines elements of biology, aesthetics, precision mechanics, digital networking and an understanding of biological phenomena – and last but not least makes us smile again. He encouraged his audience to perceive their chosen discipline not only as an occupation but a calling: “You are best placed to learn all these things.” Looking back to his career aspirations as a child starting school, he said he alternated between circus director and carwash manager, and he joked that his job routines as a dentist today certainly contain some elements of both.

In conclusion, Yannick Henning advised the beginners to be patient with themselves. “Nobody expects you to be perfect. The things that really count are dedication, openness and humanity.”

Carla Kniestedt again acted as presenter, the Berlin Jazz Ensemble with Prof. Johannes Albes provided musical entertainment, and Nadine Shalala spoke on behalf of the MHB donors’ association.