Course Structure and Curriculum
Structure of Studies
The Bachelor’s degree programme in Dental Hygiene (BA) lasts three years, including examinations, and is divided into six semesters. It comprises a total of 180 ECTS and is structured into three study phases, each lasting two semesters.
1st and 2nd semester: Theoretical study phase
The theoretical study phase is designed to provide the prescribed dental and scientific competences.
The aim is to develop subject-specific knowledge in the field of dental hygiene/prevention as well as interdisciplinary and cross-professional topics. Knowledge is acquired for the management of exemplary situations up to the transfer to difficult and complex scenarios.
3rd and 4th semester: Pre-clinical and clinical study phase
The pre-clinical and clinical study phases serve to acquire and practise the prescribed competences in the field of dental hygiene. In pre-clinical and clinical training, theory, care and treatment concepts, problems and situations, as well as case studies, are addressed. Knowledge is applied in accompanying practicals. The focus is on the independent transfer to individual patient situations, with clinical complexity increasing step by step. In pre-clinical training, the necessary safety in the use of instruments is also expanded in order to avoid harm to patients and students. For this purpose, the DPU provides a total of 74 phantom workstations. In clinical training, students treat patients as dental assistants under professional instruction, supervision and monitoring, following a catalogue of required services. Students are guided towards effective, efficient, and cost-conscious treatment methods.
5th and 6th semester: Final internship
The final year of study consists of three parts:
- a concluding internship in one of the teaching practices,
- a project, and
- a final examination.
The internship is intended to consolidate and expand the prescribed competences in the field of dental hygiene.
During the final internship, students consolidate and expand their knowledge and skills as dental assistants/dental care professionals (ZMF) to further develop their acquired competences. To evaluate theoretical and practical issues from dental practice (teaching practice) and to work out joint solutions, the DPU organises tutorials. The aim of the final internship is the assured mastery of professional everyday life within the given time and conceptual framework.
Study Contents
The Bachelor’s degree programme in Dental Hygiene (BA) comprises five subject areas:
- Medical subjects
- Core subjects
- Behavioural sciences and supporting natural sciences
- Practical training and clinical patient treatment
- Final internship, examinations, project work
The following tables list the subjects assigned to each thematic block, together with the corresponding ECTS credits.
| Topic Block 1 |
ECTS |
|
|
A |
Medical Subjects |
30 |
|
A1 |
Anatomy and Histology |
5 |
|
A2 |
General and Special Pathology, Histopathology |
5 |
|
A3 |
Medical and Dental Terminology |
2 |
|
A4 |
Oral Physiology and Functional Theory |
3 |
|
A5 |
General Dentistry |
3 |
|
A6 |
General Medicine |
3 |
|
A7 |
Dental Radiology |
2 |
|
A8 |
Pharmacology (in Dentistry) |
3 |
|
A9 |
Dietetics |
4 |
|
Topic Block 2 |
ECTS |
|
|
B |
Central Subjects |
52 |
|
B1 |
Dental Hygiene I/II |
12 |
|
B2 |
Dental Instruments |
3 |
|
B3 |
Dental Materials |
3 |
|
B4 |
Introduction to the Dental Hygiene Phantom Course |
5 |
|
B5 |
Periodontics |
5 |
|
B6 |
Preventive Dentistry |
4 |
|
B7 |
Implantology |
2 |
|
B8 |
Conservative Dentistry, Cariology, Endodontics |
2 |
|
B9 |
Dental Prosthetics |
2 |
|
B10 |
Orthodontics |
2 |
|
B11 |
Paediatic Dentistry |
2 |
|
B12 |
Geriatric Dentistry |
2 |
|
B13 |
Anaesthesiology in Dentistry |
3 |
|
B14 |
Dental Radiology |
2 |
|
B15 |
First Aid – Emergency Prevention |
3 |
|
Topic Block 3 |
ECTS |
|
|
C |
Behavioural and Supporting Sciences |
27 |
|
C1 |
Chemistry |
2 |
|
C2 |
Biology and Cytology |
2 |
|
C3 |
Biochemistry |
3 |
|
C4 |
Physiology |
2 |
|
C5 |
Medical Microbiology and Hygiene |
3 |
|
C6 |
Scientific Work |
3 |
|
C7 |
Psychology and Developmental Psychology |
3 |
|
C8 |
Communication and Consultation |
6 |
|
C9 |
Medical Psychology and Sociology |
3 |
|
Topic Block 4 |
ECTS |
|
|
D |
Internships and Inpatient Treatment |
23 |
|
D1 |
Clinical Dental Hygiene |
1 |
|
D2 |
Work Ergonomics |
1 |
|
D3 |
Documentation |
1 |
|
D4 |
Dental Hygiene Phantom Course with Seminar |
5 |
|
D5 |
External Internship in a Public Institution with Seminar |
5 |
|
D6 |
Dental Hygiene Clinical Treatment Course with Seminar |
10 |
|
Topic Block 5 |
ECTS |
|
|
E |
Final Internship, Exams, Project Work |
48 |
|
E1 |
Final Internship |
42 |
|
E2 |
Tutorials |
2 |
|
E3 |
Project Workt |
4 |