Teaching at Heidelberg has a strong focus on the practical and interdisciplinary treatment of patients under the guidance of experienced assistant and senior physicians. The future-oriented HeiCuDent 2.0 curriculum aims to provide students with comprehensive preparation for the challenges and opportunities of the constantly changing dental profession through the use of modern digital technologies, the expansion of interdisciplinary offerings and scientific approach, and the increased integration of sustainability principles.

Numerous international research cooperations have been , established, e.g. with the universities of Seoul. Scientists of the MZK Clinic are active in international organisations e.g. IADR, IBD, ORCA, ADEE. There are student exchange programmes with the universities of Montpellier (France) and Minnesota (USA), which enable students to complete their studies without any loss of time.

Since the winter semester of 2023/2024, haptic VR dental simulators have also been used in pre-clinical dental teaching from the 1st study semester onwards, in addition to the classic training on simulation units. iPads are used for the dentistry-specific use of mobile applications (such as HeiCheck and HeiRay). Intraoral scanners, CAD devices and 3D printers (simulation models) are used as standard devices in teaching.

Current research projects are mainly in the field of new technologies: Additive manufacturing techniques in restorative dentistry, optical 3D scanning methods, MRI in the jaw area, personalized orthodontics using highly individual orthodontic equipment, HEiKA cooperation on navigated surgical technology (AI & robotics), molecular mechanisms of tooth movement. Further key areas of research include: Geronto stomatology (centenary study), oral biofilm (AROB), masticatory function analyses with implant prosthetic dentures.

The increased integration of sustainability principles into the HeiCuDent curriculum is planned. We shed light on topics such as the conservation of resources and the consideration of environmentally friendly materials and methods.