German Dental Association BZÄK Calls for Prevention Boost and Dialogue with Health Minister

The Bundeszahnärztekammer (BZÄK) congratulated Carsten Linnemann on becoming Germany's Federal Minister of Health and stated its intention to continue a constructive dialogue. The association emphasized the need for reliable framework conditions, stronger self‑responsibility for dental practices, a reduction of unnecessary bureaucracy, and an expanded focus on prevention as a guiding principle of health policy. It also highlighted the importance of securing the economic basis of dental offices.

BZÄK promoted the Praxis‑Award Prävention 2026, which recognises innovative projects that improve oral health among children and adolescents in socially disadvantaged settings. The award noted the “caries polarization” affecting roughly 20 % of youths, linking dental decay to socioeconomic factors. Jury members include Prof. Dr. Ghazal Aarabi and Dr. Ilka Gottstein. BZÄK president Romy Ermler stressed that health participation must not depend on origin or education, and CP Gaba’s Andreas Syrek underscored the focus on vulnerable groups.