In this episode of the Digital Public Health Podcast, Rasmus Cloes talks to Dr. Jan Demmerle, an oral surgeon in Bremen, about the state of digitalization in dentistry. Jan describes how digital processes are now finding their way into everything from reception to the treatment chair and what changes are actually noticeable in the everyday life of a dental and oral surgery practice.

One focus is on digital medical history and patient education. Patients are increasingly entering their information digitally, and educational discussions are visually supported and directly documented. Jan describes how this not only simplifies processes, but also improves understanding of treatments and strengthens communication on an equal footing.

The change is also evident in diagnostics: 3D X-rays, digital impressions, and image-based planning enable more precise decisions and help to explain procedures better. At the same time, Jan makes it clear that digitalization in dentistry only works if it remains flexible and takes into account the different needs of patients.

On the subject of electronic patient records, Jan explains the benefits that structured information about medications and previous treatments can have in everyday practice. Especially in dentistry, where interactions and pre-existing conditions are relevant, ePA can help reduce risks—provided that technology, consent, and processes work together.

Finally, we look ahead: Artificial intelligence already supports research, documentation, and administrative tasks today. However, Jan emphasizes that AI in dentistry should primarily serve to reduce the workload—while the actual treatment continues to require experience, craftsmanship, and medical decision-making.

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In the latest episode of the Digital Public Health Podcast, host Rasmus Cloes talks to Professor Dr. Hajo Zeeb about the first comprehensive handbook on digital public health. The book captures the spirit of the times, but only touches on one important topic.

In the conversation, Hajo explains how the handbook is structured: It begins with overarching topics such as equality, inequality, and justice, then introduces key challenges such as data protection and ethics, and finally focuses on technological perspectives. Digitalization offers opportunities, but also risks. Hajo describes a ratio of “55:45 in favor of opportunities” – but only if risks are actively addressed.

The limitations of digital tools are also discussed. Hajo emphasizes that health is an area of trust in which personal interaction continues to play a major role. Digitalization can support, but does not replace, all analog forms. At the same time, the handbook shows how important a common language is in interdisciplinary teams – from the campus glossary to the question of what a data lake actually means.

Another central topic of discussion is what is missing from the handbook: cybersecurity and evaluation. Both are areas that Hajo describes as crucial for the future, but which are only touched upon in the book. Evaluation is becoming increasingly important – not only effectiveness, but above all usage, suitability for everyday use, and real effects on health. Digitalization is developing rapidly, and classic study designs are often no longer sufficient.

Finally, they talk about future scenarios. The handbook paints optimistic and pessimistic pictures of a digital health world. Science sees itself as a designer and companion that tests developments, combats misinformation, and observes social acceptance. Digitalization is happening – the question is how we shape it. This is exactly what the new handbook aims to provide guidance on.

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The handbook is available here: doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-90154-6

In the new episode of the Digital Public Health Podcast, host Rasmus Cloes talks to Malte Bornholdt about the growing costs and strict regulatory measures in the DiGA market. But what does this mean for founders who are starting out with a new idea today—and which hurdle ultimately determines success or failure?

Malte shows what it takes to develop a functioning DiGA: a clear concept, stable software, approval as a medical device, a well-planned study, and patience. A lot of patience. Because short development times today result in complex processes that take years and require a great deal of expertise.

One focus of the conversation is the pain app HELP, which takes a successful analog procedure and turns it into a digital solution for many thousands of people affected by pain. Malte describes why this app has the potential to help millions of people—and what scientific and regulatory steps it is going through on its way to becoming a DiGA.

Rasmus and Malte talk openly about financing, study design, the BfArM, the role of doctors, and the challenges of marketing. Because an approved app is not enough: it must be used, it must work, and it must be convincing in the long term. This is precisely where a good idea is separated from a sustainable product.

Finally, Malte looks ahead: AI, performance-based remuneration, new certificates, and the growing importance of digital care. Despite increasing requirements, he is optimistic—because idea development remains dynamic, and the demand for digital solutions is growing faster than the industry can keep up.

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Host Rasmus Cloes talks to Kerstin Flohr, a researcher at the Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research (IPP) at the University of Bremen, about digital health literacy in schools, the professional ethics of teachers, and why prevention often only begins when it is already too late. However, her research has given her ideas on how this could be changed.