Continuing training is an important structural and process-related component of a system of quality assurance that takes account not only of outcomes but also of all relevant contextual parameters. In terms of the requirements of the professional codes and social legislation applicable in Germany, Section 5 of the Model Professional Code (MBO) and Section 95 d of Social Law Code V (SGB V) provide that dentists shall engage permanently in continuing training. In this connection it is important to have information on the actual types of continuing training undertaken by dentists.

Owing to the introduction of new forms of continuing training, structured continuing training curricula and postgraduate master's courses, the boundaries between basic training on the one hand and continuing and postgraduate training on the other have become less rigid. This means that new general schemata and forms of cooperation are necessary.

The ZZQ coordinates the activities of the joint BZÄK-DGZMK [German Dental Association / German Society of Dento-Maxillo-Facial Sciences] Advisory Committee on Continuing Training and in this context has been involved in the compilation of various general schemata and other publications.