1. Area of ​​responsibility

1.1. The epithetist’s task is to create prostheses that cover defects, primarily in the head and neck area, but sometimes also in other parts of the body. Their responsibilities also include the fabrication of obturators and resection prostheses.

1.2. Epithetic and prosthetic treatment is carried out following a written order from the doctor or dentist, which specifies the type and scope of the service to be provided.

2. Prerequisite for structured further training

2.1. The basic requirement for participation in the structured further training is a passed final examination as a dental technician or a completed degree in dentistry.

2.2. Participation in the structured training program is contingent upon membership in the IASPE.

2.3. Another requirement is a 1-year internship (at least 20 hours/week).
This internship can be completed with a self-employed epithetist or an epithetics clinic.

The applicant must find an internship position independently.

2.4. Upon completion of the internship, the self-employed epithetist or the epithetics clinic must certify regular attendance and the independent fabrication of at least three prostheses under supervision, and issue a certificate of completion.

Continuing Education Guidelines “IASPE-Certified Epithetist”

2.5. The candidate must complete a 1-day aptitude test in theory and practice, followed by an evaluation.

3. Organization

3.1. The structured training program is organized by the IASPE. Registration with the IASPE Scientific Secretary is required before starting the structured training program, and an administrative fee is payable after confirmation of registration.

3.2. Registration for the individual training courses takes place via the IASPE website.

3.3. Detailed information on the implementation of each training course is provided by the
respective organizers.

3.4. The costs of the individual training courses are determined by the respective organizers and are borne by the participants themselves.

3.5. The courses covering theoretical and general fundamentals, with the exception of the emergency course, can only be booked as a package. The entire package price must be paid before the start of the first course.

4. Contents of the structured training

4.1. Courses on the theoretical and general basics
4.1.1. Basic anatomical knowledge and types of defects
4.1.2. Causes and special conditions of defects: malformations, tumor surgery, radiation therapy, burn injuries and basic hygiene principles
4.1.3. Materials science and implant systems
4.1.4. Patient management
4.1.5. Emergency course (minimum 2 days) Courses 4.1.1, 4.1.2 and 4.1.3 must be completed in the specified order.

4.2. Practical training courses
4.2.1. Orbital epithesis
4.2.2. Ear epithesis
4.2.3. Nasal epithesis
4.2.4. Cheek and facial epithesis
4.2.5. intraoral defect prosthetics
4.2.6. Observership at a surgical clinic specializing in the head and neck area

The practical training courses can only be booked after completion of the courses on theoretical and general fundamentals. The practical training courses,
as well as the observation period, must each comprise at least two days.

Continuing Education Guidelines “IASPE-Certified Epithetist”

5. Examination for “Certified Epithetist of the IASPE”

5.1. Prerequisite for participation in the examination interview
5.1.1. Proof of participation in the one-year internship as well as in all theoretical and practical training courses must be provided.
5.1.2. Proof of attendance of at least two IASPE symposia.

5.2. Registration for the oral examination
5.2.1. Applications for the oral examination, including all required documents and a CV, must be submitted in writing to the Scientific Secretary of the IASPE.
5.2.2. For registration, photographic documentation (in bound form) of at least 6 self-made prostheses in different defect locations and attachments, no more than 12 months old, must be submitted. This is confirmed in writing by the candidate in a sworn statement.

5.3. Exam interview
5.3.1. The examination fee must be paid before the examination interview.
5.3.2. For the oral examination, candidates must bring three self-made epitheses (model situations) from the submitted cases, each with a different location and method of attachment. These will also be presented by the candidate in a PowerPoint presentation (approx. 10 minutes).
5.3.3. During the examination interview (approx. 30 – 45 min.), all content of the structured further training is tested.
5.3.4. After the examination interview is completed, the examination committee, in consultation with the board, decides on the awarding of the certificate.

6. Certificate “Certified Epithetist of the IASPE”

6.1. The certificate is valid for five years.

6.2. To obtain subsequent certificates, an application must be submitted to the Scientific Secretary of the
IASPE.

6.3. The prerequisite for recertification is membership in the IASPE and regular participation in the IASPE symposia.

6.4. Furthermore, participation in a continuing education course (of the IASPE or an
equivalent epithetics organization) is required.

For participants in the structured continuing education program of the IASPE and for those already “Accredited Epithetists of the IASPE,” the currently valid continuing education guidelines and the statutes of the IASPE are binding and must be acknowledged. Continuing Education Guidelines Working Group on behalf of the International Society of Surgical Prosthetics and Epithetics (IASPE)