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School of Dentistry

Chair of Operative and Preventive Dentistry

Focus on prevention and restoration

The Department specialises in dental conservation, encompassing the sub-disciplines of prevention, restoration – that is, all types of restorative measures aimed at preserving teeth – and endodontics (root canal treatment), as well as paediatric dentistry. The department is affiliated with a clinical unit. In our research, teaching and patient care, we address all aspects of the prevention and treatment of dental caries and other dental diseases, as well as congenital or acquired malformations of the hard dental tissue. This includes diseases of the dental pulp. In paediatric dentistry, the focus is on preserving healthy primary teeth.

Chair holder

Portrait photo of Prof Dr med. Stefan Zimmer

Prof. Dr. med. dent.

Stefan Zimmer

Chair holder

Faculty of Health (School of Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine)  |  Chair of Restorative and Preventive Dentistry

Department management

Chair of Operative and Preventive Dentistry

Department management

Faculty of Health (School of Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine)

Dean

Faculty of Health  |  Faculty Office

Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50
58455 Witten

Room number: 2.192 / C 2.360

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Research

Methodologically, our research focuses on basic research and clinical trials, and in terms of content, it covers the entire spectrum of caries prevention and the prevention of non-carious defects in hard dental tissue.

Prevention research

Testing procedures for toothpastes and toothbrushes

One of our key areas of focus is the testing of toothbrushes and toothpastes. For in vitro testing, we use both equipment that enables us to carry out tests in accordance with ISO and DIN standards, and equipment that has been individually developed and manufactured. This enables us to simulate toothbrushing scenarios using different brushes and toothpastes and to determine their effects. To determine the abrasion behaviour of toothpastes, we have established the ISO-compliant RDA and REA-PE methods. Unlike the original method developed by Hefferren, this is not based on the radioactive labelling of samples, but on analysis using non-contact profilometry (RDA-PE: Radioactive Dentine Abrasion-Profilometry Equivalent or REA: Radioactive Enamel Abrasion-Profilometry Equivalent). Scanning electron microscopy analyses can also be carried out as a supplementary measure. An established method also exists for determining the cleaning performance of toothpastes and toothbrushes with regard to extrinsic staining.

Efficacy trials and preventive approaches in dentistry

We conduct clinical trials using the methods of clinically controlled randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and health care research. Examples of RCTs include efficacy trials on toothpastes, toothbrushes and medical devices. An example of health care research is a project on workplace dental prevention. In addition, the department also carries out research into teaching methods.

Accredited pH telemetry station for tooth-friendly products

The Chair operates an intraoral pH telemetry station for the in vivo assessment of the cariogenicity of food, drink and food supplements. The station is one of only two such facilities in the world and has been accredited by Toothfriendly International. Products must pass the test in order to be awarded the ‘Toothfriendly’ logo.

Current research projects

Graphic of two essays, shown abstractly, on a green background

Publications

All publications by the Chair of Operative and Preventive Dentistry at UW/H are listed in the university bibliography.

University bibliography

Teaching

Within the School of Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine’s integrative teaching approach, the Chair of Conservative Dentistry, Paediatric Dentistry and Prevention is responsible. This applies to the determination of the teaching content and the definition of the ‘teaching philosophy’, as well as to the teaching of the theoretical foundations and the practical skills relevant to the subject.

Pre-clinical and pre-medical studies

Clinic

The team at the Chair of Operative and Preventive Dentistry