INTERNATIONAL  
SUMMERSCHOOL for
CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY & IMPLANTOLOGY 
HEIDELBERG

I had found out about the Summer School in Clinical Periodontology and Implantology about 4 years ago when I was still going through my undergraduate studies in dentistry. The supervisor of periodontology department, who had been former attendee of the Summerschool, was of very high opinion about this program and promoted it for those interested in periodontology.
As my interest in periodontology started to grow during undergraduate studies, I had dreamed that one day I would participate in the Summerschool. This dream had been in my head for 2 years after graduation. I was constantly checking the website of the Heidelberg University for any news on the Summerschool. Meanwhile I had enrolled in periodontology postgraduate studies in the other university. The dream to be part of Summer School in Clinical Periodontology and Implantology had become even more relevant. Finally on April 2018 my former periodontology supervisor sent me a recommendation email with the flyer for the upcoming event in Heidelberg. I was really happy that I would be able to attempt to pursue my dream.  After application there were a couple of anxious months of waiting for the results. Even now I can clearly remember the moment when I saw the message confirming my admission to the Summerschool. It was incredibly exciting and joyful news for me.
At first, I did not really understand what this school was all about. However, after first meeting with the organizers I knew that these two weeks were going to be great.  I was fascinated by the kindness and hospitality of prof. T. Kim and her team.
The program of the Summerschool exceeded my expectations both in academic and social ways. As I was about to finish my first year of residency when I arrived to Heidelberg, I had very little experience in the field of periodontology. The things that I have learnt in the Summerschool were extremely useful, relevant and universal. Academic content was basically the core of periodontology, yet it actually changed my way of thinking as a dentist. All lectures, seminars and practical courses were performed with established and evidence-based approach and I enjoyed every bit of it. Particularly seminar about prognosis making was most enriching for me. I believe it raised me to the next comprehension level in dentistry. 
Besides basic periodontology course some novel scientific material was overlooked during the summer school. This included comprehensive analysis of the new classification of periodontal diseases and lecture about modulation of periodontal inflammation by diet and probiotics. Later one was really interesting for me.
Moreover, it was great to familiarize with the case management protocols used in Heidelberg. Means of clinical case documentation was especially useful. I think that such spread of case management manner is extremely helpful for smaller dental schools.
None the less than academic gains, social life of the Summerschool was extraordinarily enjoyable. Communicating with colleagues from another part of the world, acknowledging cultural differences, yet at the same time finding a lot in common as we all are united under the common goal of becoming better periodontal specialists was an unforgettable part of the Summer school.
These two weeks were one of the greatest educational and social experiences I have ever had. Schritt für Schritt I am becoming a periodontist and the Summer School in Clinical Periodontology and Implantology was a significant boost towards becoming a magnificent periodontist.