Dentistry studies start: Brandenburg an der Havel is focusing on the future!

Dentistry studies start: Brandenburg an der Havel is focusing on the future!

On April 5, 2025, a new phase of life began for 48 students at the Brandenburg Theodor Fontane Medical School (MHB): studying dentistry. This matriculation ceremony took place at St. Paulikloster in Brandenburg an der Havel and marks the start of the second cohort of a program that was first offered in the region in 2024. MHB President Prof. Hans-Uwe Simon warmly welcomed the new students and emphasized the support that the university will offer them in the future.

Particularly noteworthy is the role of Prof. Stefanie Oess and Prof. Günter Schaller, who played a key role in the conception and further development of the pioneering course of study. In his speech, Prof. Simon thanked them for their commitment. In addition, the progress in the construction of a new dental clinic, which is being built in the former power plant on Bauhofstrasse, was highlighted as a historical milestone for the university.

The course of study and its special features

The Brandenburg model course in dentistry (BMZ) at the MHB lasts ten semesters and is considered the first state-recognized course of its kind in Brandenburg. Loud studis-online.de Admission takes place without Numerus Clausus (NC). Instead, the focus is on the applicant's personality, motivation and previous professional experience. There are 48 study places available per semester.

The training has a modular structure and closely combines theoretical principles with practical applications, which enables practical reference at an early stage. The students benefit from practical days and internships in dental practices in the region. From 2026, a new dental clinic in a listed building on the Havel will also be available to students.

Support and challenges

In his speech, Mayor Steffen Scheller spoke about the importance of enrollment for the development of Brandenburg into an important health location. Dr. Romy Ermler, who sent greetings from the state and federal dental associations, made it clear that studying also brings challenges. MHB Dean Prof. Christine Holmberg noted that the university will guarantee students practical training.

Rita Bilal and Yannik Hennig, both in the 3rd semester, were also able to share their experiences and strongly advised the new students to make friends and networks. This community can be of great importance during your studies and beyond. During the celebration, Prof. Gerhard Schmalz gave a lecture on the importance of dentistry for health care and encouraged the students to make the most of their studies.

The celebration was moderated by Carla Kniestedt and accompanied by music from MHB student Simon Ripl and his band, which contributed to the festive atmosphere and marked the beginning of the new chapter for the aspiring dentists.

Financing options for your studies

The tuition fees for the Brandenburg model course in dentistry are: mhb-fontane.de a total of around 132,000 euros. The MHB does not aim to make a profit, but acts as a social business to improve dental care. However, there are various financing options available to students:

• **Studienkredit der Sparkasse Ostprignitz-Ruppin**: Deckt Studien- und Lebenshaltungskosten.
• **BAföG**: Anspruch auf Leistungen nach dem Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz, abhängig von bestimmten Kriterien.
• **Kommunale Stipendien**: Für Studierende, die nach dem Studium in der Region arbeiten.
• **Studienfonds der Deutschen Bildung**: Für eine Restfinanzierung, Rückzahlung nach Berufseinstieg.
• **Deutschlandstipendium**: Förderung von engagierten Studierenden mit 300 Euro pro Monat für mindestens 12 Monate.
• **Stipendienrecherche**: Unterstützung über die Plattform mystipendium.de.
• **Aufstiegsstipendium**: Unterstützt Fachkräfte für ein erstes akademisches Studium.

The MHB is on a promising path to developing Brandenburg Anhalt into a center for dentistry. With a clear focus on practical training and comprehensive support for students, the MHB will certainly make a significant contribution to dental care in the region.