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Kassel – To what extent can dental care withstand austerity measures? And how can private practice be kept attractive for future generations? The Free Association of German Dentists (FVDZ) addressed these questions at its annual general meeting this year.

Chicago – Clinical examination remains the most important first step in the early detection of oral and lip cancers. The American Dental Association (ADA) reaffirms this in its updated guidelines. A biopsy remains the gold standard for confirming a definitive diagnosis.

Berlin – Since October 5, electronic copies of advance care planning documents can be filed with the Central Advance Care Planning Registry of the Federal Chamber of Notaries. In an emergency, doctors and guardianship courts can immediately see what arrangements have been made.

India – A review shows that people with apical periodontitis have an increased cardiovascular risk. The authors view inflammation as a possible independent marker of increased cardiovascular vulnerability.

Frankfurt – The Saxony State Dental Association will become a partner association of the Dental Quality Management System (ZQMS) in 2026. With this addition, the number of state dental associations that make the Dental Quality Management System (ZQMS) available to their members will expand to thirteen dental organizations, in addition to the German Armed Forces. The partnership agreement was formally signed by Dr. Thomas Breyer, President of the Saxony State Dental Association, and Dr. Doris Seiz, President of the Hessian Dental Association.

Düsseldorf – Dr. Guido Wucherpfennig, D.D.S., of Erfurt received the Golden Pin of Honor from the German Society of Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine (DGZMK). With this award, the DGZMK recognizes his longstanding commitment to science, continuing education, knowledge transfer, patient education, and the next generation of dental professionals.

Healthy and stable gums are crucial for the long-term success of dental implants. Even with technically flawless restorations, inflamed or pre-damaged tissue increases the risk of peri-implant problems. In this interview, Dr. Florian Rathe explains why daily oral hygiene, tissue-friendly care, and the use of hyaluronic acid can make an important contribution: They support regeneration, reduce irritation, and contribute to the long-term stability of the restoration.

South Korea – Fermented plant-based foods could open up new avenues for targeted nutrition to support oral and gut health. A review article in *Nature Reviews Microbiology* describes how their microorganisms and metabolic byproducts act in the digestive tract.

Berlin – The German Dental Association (BZÄK) has expressed irritation over recent remarks by Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding the dual health insurance system and the relationship between statutory and private health insurance. These statements can be interpreted as calling into question the proven dual health care system.

Düsseldorf – The German Society of Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine (DGZMK) has awarded the 2026 German Miller Prize to Priv.-Doz. Dr. Eva Paddenberg-Schubert, Dr. Sebastian Krohn, and a research team consisting of dentists, physicists, and radiologists. The award recognized a research study that, for the first time, uses innovative multi-slice real-time MRI to visualize dynamic movements of both temporomandibular joints under masticatory load with high temporal and spatial resolution.

Mainz – The Rhineland-Palatinate Dental Technicians’ Guild is observing with great concern a development that would have been almost unimaginable just a few years ago: For the first time, some master dental technician practices are finding that, for economic reasons, they are no longer able to offer dentures and denture repairs to patients with public health insurance on a sustainable, cost-recovering basis.

Japan – CT scans may provide clues as to which patients taking antiresorptive drugs will later develop drug-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw. A retrospective study demonstrates the potential of AI-assisted image analysis, though so far only in a small group of patients.1

Halle/Saale – The Department of Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine at Halle University Medical Center offers the full range of modern dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery—from preventive care and general dental treatment to the treatment of complex conditions in children and adults. Anyone interested in learning more about the four clinics and their work will have the opportunity to do so at Dental Health Day on Friday, September 25, 2026.

Berlin – The finances of the Bavarian State Dental Association (BLZK) continue to be characterized by a high degree of stability and a strong focus on cost control. This is officially confirmed by the recently released audit report from the auditing firm KPMG on the 2025 financial statements: As in previous years, the BLZK once again received an unqualified audit opinion—the highest possible rating that can be awarded in an audit.

Freiburg – Facial nerve paralysis, also known as facial palsy, can significantly impair everyday movements such as smiling or fully closing one’s eye. To objectively assess facial function and make changes in the course of the disease measurable, an international research team—including the Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery at the University Medical Center Freiburg and industrial partners from the Netherlands and Germany—is developing an AI-based system for analyzing video recordings.

Jerusalem – Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Hadassah Medical Center investigated whether chronic inflammation in the mouth can affect female reproductive health.

Berlin – The AWMF has updated the S2k guideline titled “Dental Units: Hygienic Requirements for Water.” The update took into account changes in German and European legal frameworks. The sampling of process water was also reevaluated.

Berlin – The German Dental Association (BZÄK) welcomes the fact that Federal Health Minister Dr. Carsten Linnemann intends to continue the initiative to reduce bureaucracy launched by his predecessor, Nina Warken, and is also addressing the bureaucratic burden on dental practices, using oral mirrors as an example.

Berlin – As of June 12, 2026, minor asylum seekers are entitled to more comprehensive medical and dental care.

Halle – The state-of-the-art imaging robot “Loop-X” has been in use since May 2026 at the University Clinic and Outpatient Clinic for Oral and Maxillofacial and Plastic Facial Surgery at the University Medical Center Halle. The mobile device can generate three-dimensional cross-sectional images during surgery, guide surgical instruments, and assist with surgical planning.

Brazil – In a randomized clinical trial, omega-3 fatty acids and low-dose acetylsalicylic acid produced clinical results comparable to those of amoxicillin and metronidazole after one year. In cases of severe periodontitis, omega-3 fatty acids and low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) may effectively complement periodontitis treatment. This is suggested by the results of a multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind study involving 109 adults, which was published in the Journal of Periodontology.

Berlin – New faces, new teams, new perspectives for dentistry: On August 1, dental practices across Germany once again welcomed numerous prospective dental assistants (ZFA) as they began their training. For the Free Association of German Dentists (FVDZ), one thing is clear: training is an expression of true independent practice and an investment in strong practice teams as well as in the future of outpatient dentistry.

Leipzig – Just before the start of the festive “fifth season,” dentists and their practice teams can look forward to three high-caliber continuing education days as part of the 14th Annual Meeting of the German Society for Endodontology and Dental Traumatology (DGET) at the Hilton Hotel. Expert speakers will present updates on clinically relevant topics, and the session titled “Learning from Your Own Mistakes” is sure to be of great interest.

Leipzig – According to current scientific knowledge, there is no reason to generally avoid milk or dairy products after wisdom tooth surgery. A new study found no evidence that milk impairs wound healing or increases the risk of infection.

Bonn – With the new FVDZ “GREEN DENTISTRY Award,” the Free Association of German Dentists (FVDZ) has established, for the first time, a funding and recognition program designed to highlight outstanding projects, initiatives, and individuals in the field of dentistry. The goal of the award is to recognize resource awareness, innovative ideas for the future, and social commitment, and to bring the profession’s diverse achievements more into the public eye.

Madrid – The study “Winning Margins: The Impact of Oral Health on Athlete Performance” examines how oral health can influence athletic performance through a variety of biological, nutritional, and psychological mechanisms.

Berlin – The German Dental Association (BZÄK) congratulates Dr. Carsten Linnemann on assuming the office of Federal Minister of Health and wishes him every success and good fortune in his new role. Dr. Romy Ermler, MBA, President of the BZÄK: “Ensuring the health care system is prepared for the future is the central task of all stakeholders in the health care sector.”

Munich – For years, the FVDZ Bavaria has been criticizing the ever-increasing bureaucratic burden on dental practices. In light of the change in leadership at the Federal Ministry of Health, the FVDZ is calling on lawmakers—and thus Nina Warken’s successor at the Federal Ministry of Health—to finally implement effective measures to ease this burden. The current level of regulation ties up time, staff, and financial resources—at the expense of patients, without any benefit to the quality of their care.

Hofheim – Professor Dr. Dr. Matthias Schneider is the new president of the German Society for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (DGMKG). The Dresden-based oral and maxillofacial surgeon is taking office at a time when the broader context for medicine and health care is undergoing noticeable changes.

Giessen / Marburg – For over 50 years, the Center for Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine at the University Hospital of Giessen has been successfully training dental assistants (ZFA). This anniversary symbolizes not only tradition and continuity, but also the profound transformation of a multifaceted healthcare profession.

Boston – It is well known that inflamed gums have consequences for the rest of the body. Periodontitis is considered a risk factor for atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. Until now, however, there has been less research into whether this connection can also be traced to the heart valves.