INTERNATIONAL  
SUMMERSCHOOL for
CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY & IMPLANTOLOGY 
HEIDELBERG

Austėja Pauliukaitė 

Lithuania 

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I am thankful to Prof. Dr. med. Dr. med. dent. Ti-Sun Kim that I had an opportunity to join International Summerschool for Clinical Periodontology and Implantology 2024 in Heidelberg.  The scientific program in Summerschool was intense and full of great lectures. I learned about very important topics in periodontology: periodontitis etiology, diagnosis, treatment planning, prevention measures, furcation therapy, periodontal regenerative therapy, mucogingival surgery and implantology. One of the most important thing to me was that all the given information was evidence based and was delivered in attractive ways, for example, during seminars we were divided into smaller groups and had discussions about treatment planning options. The opportunity to communicate and share ideas with talented colleagues from all over the world greatly appealed to me. 

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After theoretical lectures we had four pratical courses. During hands-on courses I sharpened my clinical skills on different flap and suturing techniques, mucogingival surgery techniques, implantation procedures. Hands-on courses were really great, because we had a chance to practice with high quality materials and instruments. 

Prof. Dr. Dr. Ti-Sun Kim was very kind and wanted that we (all the colleagues) would become great friends. That is why after the scientific part of the program, Prof. Dr. Dr. Ti-Sun Kim and her team (periodontology residents and other doctors) have planned a lot of entertainment for us, for example, Heidelberg castle and old-town sightseeing trip, Neckar river sightseeing cruise, picnic. The hiking to Thingstatte Mountain was one of the best memories from the whole non-scientific part. Me and my colleagues supported each other while hiking and had an amazing dinner up in to the Mountain. During such activities we really became great friends and found the same interests not only in periodontology but also in life. 

This International Summerschool really provided the best environment for us to grow as a specialists, to communicate with people from all over the world and to sharpen our clinical skills. The 

Summerschool was not only a learning program, but it was an experience that I will never forget. 

 

Thank you, Dear Prof. Dr. med. Dr. med. dent. Ti-Sun Kim and your team, for the most memorable experience at the Summerschool! 

I wish you the best. 

 

 

 

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Ignatia Rosadi Nugroho 

Indonesia 

 

The Summer School Program in Clinical Periodontology and Implantology at Heidelberg University took place from the 22nd of July to the 2nd of August 2024. The program was led by Prof. Dr. med. Dr. med. dent. Ti-Sun Kim, the course is very well organized and provides not only didactic activities but also social events. It is designed for dental professionals, periodontology residents, and specialists interested in advancing their knowledge and skills in periodontal therapy, implantology, and related fields. The course offered a combination of theoretical learning, case studies, and handson workshops, with a focus on evidence-based approaches to treatment. This year’s Summer school attracted participants from different countries: Indonesia, Romania, Croatia, Turkey, China, Lithuania, and Croatia. 

 

Program Structure 

1. Lectures and Theoretical Sessions:  

   Theoretical sessions were led by renowned faculty members and guest lecturers who are experts in the fields of periodontology and implantology. The lectures covered a wide range of topics including: 

-       Advanced etiology of periodontal diseases, diagnosis and treatment planning 

-       Non-surgical and surgical approaches in periodontal therapy 

-       The correlation between nutrition and periodontology 

-       Approaches in regenerative therapy 

-       The use of antibiotics as prophylaxis and supportive therapy 

-       The etiology of furcation involvement, diagnosis, and therapy 

-       Supportive periodontal treatment and the prognosis for teeth and implant 

• Advanced implantology with augmentation technique, indication, and the key factors for predictable results 

1. Hands-on Workshops:  

   Participants had the opportunity to practice techniques through hands-on sessions. These workshops were one of the highlights of the program, as they allowed participants to: 

-       Practice flap technique and mucogingival surgery 

-       Perform soft tissue grafting techniques, such as free gingival grafts and connective tissue grafts 

-       Practice guided bone regeneration (GBR), tunnel preparation 

-       Learn implant placement 

• Understand suture techniques for periodontal and implant surgery 

3. Case Discussions and Treatment Planning: 

   During the interactive sessions, participants worked on real clinical cases with the guidance of the Lecturer. These discussions were an excellent opportunity for participants to present challenging cases and engage in collaborative treatment planning. 

 

Key Learning Outcomes 

-                Enhanced Clinical Skills: Participants improved their surgical techniques, particularly in soft tissue management and implant placement. The hands-on nature of the workshops allowed them to refine their skills under the supervision of experienced clinicians. 

-                Advanced Knowledge in Periodontology: The program offered cutting-edge information on periodontal disease management, highlighting the latest research and techniques in regeneration, bone augmentation, and risk assessment for periodontal patients. 

-                Comprehensive Understanding of Implantology: The detailed discussions on implant treatment planning, execution, and long-term management provided participants with a deeper understanding of modern implantology practices, especially in complex cases. 

-                Evidence-Based Practice: The program emphasized the importance of integrating scientific research into clinical practice, encouraging participants to adopt evidence-based methods in their own practices. 

 

Review of the Program Strengths: 

-                World-Class Faculty: The program featured top-tier faculty from Heidelberg University and international guest speakers, all of whom are highly respected in the field of periodontology and implantology. 

-                Hands-On Focus: The practical workshops allowed participants to engage directly with the material, enhancing their surgical proficiency. 

-                Collaborative Environment: The small group format fostered discussion and collaboration, creating a stimulating learning environment. 

   

Areas for Improvement: 

-                Time Constraints: Some participants felt that certain topics, particularly in the hands-on sessions, could benefit from more time for practice and in-depth discussion. 

 

Conclusion 

The Summer School in Clinical Periodontology and Implantology at Heidelberg University was a highly successful and enriching experience. It provided us with a balance of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and exposure to the latest advancements in the field. Participants left the program with enhanced expertise, new surgical techniques, and a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in periodontal and implant therapy. For any dental professional looking to refine their skills and stay updated on the latest developments in periodontology and implantology, this program is highly recommended. 

 

Acknowledgement 

We would like to dedicate our gratitude regards to Prof. Dr. med. Dr. med. dent. Kim and her team, not only for the lecture but also the hospitality they have shared. We also acknowledge Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Indonesia for giving me permission to participate in this summer school program. 

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Sezgi Iyigün 

Turkey 

 

Summerschool of Periodontology and Implantology in Heidelberg University was beyond my expectations. Interacting and discussing with colleagues about different cases, sharing and learning about different treatment approaches and learning from world renowned periodontology professors was a great opportunity. The hospitability of all the periodontology staff and Prof. Dr. Dr Ti-Sun Kim made this summer school both enjoyable and efficient. I can say that my passion and love for periodontology increased even more after taking the lectures. Especially, thinking critically about complex cases and performing treatments in an evidence-based approach were gains of perspective for me as a future peridontologist.  I also feel very happy to have met many classmates from all around the world, that I can call friends now. I would recommend this program to any periodontology resident especially at their first two years of education to experience the atmosphere of Heidelberg University Periodontology Summer School. I want to thank Prof. Dr. Dr Ti-Sun Kim and her team for providing such an on-going international educational program successfully and for the amazing two weeks. I feel grateful to have been a participant of the summer school 2024 and hope to meet again in the future.  

 

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Xiaoyu Lin 

Japan 

 

Over the two-week Summer School for Clinical Periodontology & Implantology, I have undergone significant growth, not only in my professional skills and knowledge but also in my personal development. The lectures were thoughtfully structured, starting with the foundational pathology of periodontal disease, moving on to clinical classification, diagnosis, and treatment planning for different stages, and finally covering the practical application of specific treatment methods. This step-by-step approach enabled me to create targeted treatment plans and make accurate prognostic assessments for patients at various stages of periodontal disease, including those with different systemic conditions. 

 

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The hands-on courses, including basic periodontal scaling, periodontal flap surgical procedures, implant placements, and bone augmentation surgeries, have profoundly deepened my understanding of surgical principles and the key technical aspects involved. These practical experiences have been invaluable in enhancing both my confidence and competence in performing these procedures in the future. 

 

However, the Summer School experience was about more than just attending lectures. It also provided a unique opportunity to learn how to discuss periodontal treatment, diagnosis, and prognosis with peers from around the world. The program encouraged open dialogue, allowing us to exchange ideas and approaches, which not only enriched our professional understanding but also fostered human relationships that transcended cultural and linguistic barriers. 

 

Engaging with dentists from various countries broadened my perspective, exposing me to diverse cultures and languages, which I believe will have a lasting impact on both my professional and personal life. The connections made during this program and the shared experiences will be something I cherish and carry forward, not only in my clinical practice and academic pursuits but also in my personal interactions. 

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