The policlinic provides the full range of prosthetic dentistry, performs research and educates students. Current topics include:

the implementation of new teaching and assessment methods, adopted from the National Competency based Catalogue of Learning Targets (NKLZ), the new licensing regulations for dentists (ZApprO), and according to pandemic measures,
the three-dimensional detection of hard- and soft-tissue structures to deliver individual prosthetic dentistry,
the analyses of dental biomaterials.

Prof. Dr. Harald Küpper
An der alten Post 4
07743 Jena

Prosthetic dentistry and dental material science

Research projects

Computer-aided dentistry in student education

Principal investigators: Prof. Dr. Harald Küpper, Dr. Eberhard Hofmeister
since 2012

Computer-aided manufacturing of dental restorations becomes increasingly important in patient care. The latest camera version (CEREC Primescan) acquired in 2020 facilitates intraoral scanning. In addition to production of highly esthetic restorations, the software enables an objective and material-specific assessment of the preparation in student training. The ‚PrepCheck‘ provides an objective evaluation of preparations quality and improves students’ education.

Examination of adhesive bond strength between PEEK and various luting composites

Principal investigators: Dr. Christine Küpper, Dr. Marco Dederichs

Industry (Merz Dental, Bredent) 2018 - 2020

New prosthetic materials enlarge the possibilities to provide esthetic and functional dental restorations. Modern high-performance polymers, like Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), are characterized by their high biocompatibility and high fracture strength. However, the inert behavior of PEEK impedes the adhesive bond ability to composite materials. Aims of the study were to identify suitable bonding systems and to develop an application recommendation.

Evaluation of discoloration tendency of different thermoplastic dental framework materials

Principal investigators: Prof. Dr. Harald Küpper, Dr. Angelika Rzanny

2019-2020

Compared with chemical curing polymers, thermoplastic materials reveal fewer unreacted residues. The absence of unbounded monomers makes thermoplastic materials an interesting alternative for patients with allergies. However, thermoplastic materials show an increased tendency for discoloration. Aim of the study was to evaluate the discoloration tendency of thermoplastic materials. Discoloration was evaluated after storage in staining media.

Investigation of bond strength between luting composites and acrylic resin

Principal investigators: Prof. Dr. Harald Küpper, Dr. Marco Dederichs

2019 - 2020

Removable dentures that are attached via retaining elements can lose their retaining friction over time. The replacement of the prefabricated retaining element can be an adequate measure. To ensure a safe connection of the retaining element with the denture, which can withstand several insertions and removals, a sufficient adhesive bond is required. The study investigated the bond strength of luting composites which were developed for this indication.

Antibacterial effects of essential oils on oral pathogenes

Principal investigators: Prof. Dr. Harald Küpper, Stephanie Viebranz

2019 - 2020

Chlorhexidinedigluconate (CHX) is one of the most used antibacterial agents for oral disinfection and is scientifically considered as a gold standard. There is an increasing desire for alternative products which can sufficiently be used for oral disinfection but remain save and harmless to the host cells at the same time. Essential oils are able to meet these demands. This study aimed to assess the antibacterial effects of different essential oils and compare them with CHX-containing products and over-the-counter oral hygiene products.

Further projects

Bruxism and tooth abrasion: Monitoring versus dental intervention
Principal investigators: Dr. Christine Küpper, Dr. Marco Dederichs
2020 - 2026
Comparative study of validity and reliability of different generations of digital tooth-shade measurement devices
Principal investigators: Prof. Dr. Harald Küpper, Dr. Marco Dederichs
2020 - 2024
Discoloration tendency of prefabricated composite veneers versus ceramic
Principal investigators: Prof. Dr. Harald Küpper, Dr. Marco Dederichs
2020 - 2022
Evaluation of bond strength of thermoplastic frame materials to veneering composites
Principal investigators: Prof. Dr. Harald Küpper, Dr. Angelika Rzanny
2019 - 2021
Investigation of bond strength of printable hybrid-composites to veneering composites
Principal investigators: Prof. Dr. Harald Küpper, Dr. Angelika Rzanny
2019 - 2021
Comparative study of adhesive bond systems to ceramic and metallic materials
Principal investigators: Prof. Dr. Harald Küpper, Dr. Marco Dederichs
2018 - 2023

Selected publications

Weyell P, Beekmann U, Küpper Ch, Dederichs M, Thamm J, Fischer D, Kralisch D. Tailor-made material characteristics of bacterial cellulose for drug delivery applications in dentistry. Carbohydr Polym. 2019 Mar; 207: 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.11.061
Dederichs M, Fahmy MD, Küpper H, Güntsch A. Comparison of gingival retraction materials using a new gingival sulcus model.
J Prosthodont. 2019 Aug; 28(7): 784-789. doi: 10.1111/jopr.13093.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jopr.13093
Dederichs M, Fahmy MD, Güntsch A, Viebranz S, Küpper H. Comparison of wear resistance of prefabricated composite veneers versus ceramic and enamel.
J Prosthodont. 2020 Dec. doi: 10.1111/jopr.13303.
Grolig J, Rzanny A, Nietzsche S, Küpper H. Stabilität eines neuen Stiftsystems: Glasfaserstift mit und ohne Tophead im Vergleich. ZWR – Das Deutsche Zahnärzteblatt. 2019; 128(03): 88-99. doi: 10.1055/a-0857-6048