Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41721640›Full record

ArticleEuropean journal of dental education : official journal of the Association for Dental Education in Europe2026

A 15-Year Case Study of the Structures and Outcomes in a Blended Learning Postgraduate Master Programme for Periodontology and Implant Therapy.

P Ratka-Krüger, D Arslan, M Isailov-Schoechlin, J P Woelber

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in European journal of dental education : official journal of the Association for Dental Education in Europe, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

P Ratka-KrügerDepartment of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
D ArslanDepartment of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7977-512X
M Isailov-SchoechlinDepartment of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
J P WoelberDepartment of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0921-4630

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

aimThe master's program in Periodontology and Implant Therapy at the University of Freiburg, Germany, is one of the first continuing professional development (CPD) programs in periodontology delivered through a blended learning format. With over 15 years of successful operation, this study aimed to identify key factors contributing to its establishment and long-term success. MATERIALS AND

methodsData were collected through demographic analysis, an alumni survey, interviews with key individuals, and a review of publications, master theses, and academic awards. A multiperspective qualitative approach was used, addressing sociodemographic, user experience, pedagogical, technical, and scientific aspects. Responses from surveys and interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis (Mayring's method) and systematically categorised.

resultsThe study analysed data from 106 master graduates, conducted a survey among 30 alumni, held 3 interviews and reviewed 24 publications, 96 master theses and 4 awards. The analysis showed that the blended learning program supported access to CPD for diverse groups, including participants from a broad range of age groups, students from rural areas, individuals with family responsibilities, and full-time or self-employed professionals. Personalised support and flexible structure were highlighted as major success factors, allowing learners to balance education with work and family life. Scientific output was also notable, with 24 publications (median Journal Impact Factor: 2.85).

conclusionThe integration of online learning, coordinated personal support, and in-person phases were instrumental in the long-term, successful establishment of the master's program in periodontology. These findings underscore the importance of flexible educational models, potentially serving as a model for future curricular CPD initiatives in dentistry.

Indexed as

Dental ImplantationEducation, Dental, ContinuingEducation, Dental, GraduatePeriodonticsCurriculumGermanyHumansSurveys and Questionnairesblended learningcontinuing professional developmentimplant therapymaster programperiodontologypostgraduate education

Identifiers

PMID41721640
PMCPMC13383306

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.