Last graduating class under old licensing regulations celebrates graduation. Best graduates honored according to good tradition.
The three top graduates Paula Becker (4th from left), Hanny Böckmann (3rd from left) and Philipp Kohl (2nd from left) with their congratulators Professor Just (left), Professor Staufenbiel (2nd from right) and Professor Tschernitschek (right). Copyright: Karin Kaiser / MHH
A total of 51 newly qualified dentists celebrated the successful completion of their studies on November 28, 2025 at the Dental, Oral and Maxillofacial Clinic of Hannover Medical School (MHH). Seven of the 36 Ms and five of the 15 men graduated with an overall grade of "very good". On behalf of the Presidium of the MHH, Prof. Dr. Meike Stiesch, Director of Dentistry and Dean of Research, conveyed the university's congratulations: "You have reached an important stage in your lives and can be proud of your achievement. From now on, you can treat patients independently." At the same time, she encouraged the graduates to continue learning. "In today's information and knowledge society, there is a lot of new research knowledge. Dentistry in particular is constantly evolving due to increasing digitalization. It's important to keep up with this."
Prof. Dr. Nadine Schlüter, Managing Director of the MHH Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine, congratulated the new dentists: "We are very proud of you. You have learned to work precisely, to think scientifically, to act responsibly, but above all to listen. Keep this quality and always put people and their individual needs at the center of your dental work."
Henner Bunke, President of the Lower Saxony Dental Association, also joined in the congratulations. "Most of you are now entering the profession. Your residency, training in a Clinical Department or further training as a specialist will begin. Gain experience and plan your own practice," he advised the new dentists and emphasized: "Always treat your patients the way you would like to be treated. This will give you a lot of pleasure in your profession." He also encouraged them to continue their education and training and to set up their own practice.
MHH backpack from the alumni association
In keeping with tradition, the three best graduates and the best of the year in the dentistry subjects were honored for their outstanding exam performance. Paula Becker was the best exam taker, Hanny Böckmann was the second best. Both graduates received a training voucher from the Lower Saxony Dental Association, presented by President Henner Bunke. Philipp Kohl was the third best graduate of the year. All three top graduates also received an MHH backpack from the alumni association "MHH Alumni e.V." in memory of their alma mater, presented by Chairman Prof. Dr. Ingo Just. Hanny Böckmann was also honored as the best graduate in dentistry. She received a prize of 250 euros from the Association for the Promotion of the Dental, Oral and Maxillofacial Clinic, presented by Chairman Prof. Dr. Dr. Michael Eisenburger.
"Grateful for the great community!"
Numerous members and university lecturers paid tribute to the graduating class, which was the last class to complete their studies in dentistry under the old licensing regulations. "We started our studies in the depths of the coronavirus pandemic. We saw each other in very small groups, only wearing masks, and the only thing we knew about each other was the eye area," said semester spokesperson Hannah Bohnes as she and her deputy Lucas Bresche looked back on their time at university. They had overcome the biggest hurdles together and celebrated the best moments, for which they were very grateful to the great community in the graduating class, emphasized Lucas Bresche: "The collective stress made us grow together even more and showed us once again that team spirit is an important foundation for our work." The graduating class also thanked all university lecturers, MHH Dean of Studies Prof. Dr. Harald Tschernitschek and the Chairman of the Examination Board Prof. Dr. Ingmar Staufenbiel, as well as Nicola Teipel and Janine Nospers from the Examination Office, who actively supported them with questions and problems. Above all, however, the graduates thanked the patients who had been treated by them in their treatment courses and in the examinations for their time, patience and support.
The graduation ceremony was hosted by Professor Staufenbiel. He emphasized his pride in all graduates and called on them to be aware of their responsibility to maintain a trusting relationship with their patients and to always choose humanity over profitability. Staufenbiel also encouraged them to continue learning and to get involved: "We need you as full-time dentists, otherwise we will slide into under-supply, especially in rural areas. Do your job in the interests of the community!"
Text: Bettina Dunker