Abstract
The National Competence-Based Catalogue of Learning Objectives in Dentistry (NKLZ) was adopted in 2015 and defines the learning objectives for dental training in Germany. It specifies which competences students should acquire and serves as a basis for the curricular design of the study programme, examinations and teaching materials. The NKLZ promotes a comprehensive education that includes clinical skills and abilities, professional behaviour and communication skills in addition to specialist knowledge. It contributes to the preparation of future dentists for their profession and standardizes training to ensure quality and comparability.This article describes the background, history, structure and further development of the NKLZ. Currently, the NKLZ is being further developed to version 2.0 in a multi-stage process. Its structure is based on the NKLM 2.0, the National Competence-Based Learning Objectives Catalogue for Medicine. The aim is to comprehensively map the requirements for the dental licensing regulations.An important prerequisite for the official recognition of the NKLZ as a basic guideline for the training of dentists is that it be anchored in a dental licensing regulation that is to be reformed soon. This creates clarity and liability for teachers and students. Such an anchoring also enables better coordination between training objectives and the requirements of professional practice. Since the licensing regulations are modified less frequently, the integration of the NKLZ offers the possibility of updating and adapting the catalogue of learning objectives in a structured and regulated manner. This ensures that training is in line with current standards and developments.