The technical preparatory course, in German Technisch-Propädeutischer Kurs (TPK), is the first dental technology course in a dentistry degree. In it you learn the manual foundations of the field — taking impressions, making models, wax modelling and the basics of prosthetics — before you work on patients.
German technisch (technical) + Greek propaideuein = to teach preparatory material
Technisch-Propädeutischer Kurs, TPK
technical preclinical course
In the TPK you work with wax, plaster, acrylic and metal for the first time. You practise taking impressions, making models, modelling teeth and simple prosthetic work.
The course is regarded as the first real hurdle of a dentistry degree, because it is the first time your manual skill is graded rather than your knowledge. If you are patient and practise regularly you will get through it well — talent alone is not enough.
Free and no obligation.