A special milestone was reached this year as the 20th Global Clinical Case Contest (GCCC), an international competition for dental students, concluded in Constance, Germany. 10 finalists from around the world presented their restorative cases using Dentsply Sirona materials and technologies. For the first time, the competition introduced two award categories, with six winners recognised during the anniversary ceremony.
The GCCC, organised by Dentsply Sirona, acknowledges dental students who demonstrate clinical excellence in restorative dentistry. This year’s contest drew around 300 submissions from 108 dental faculties worldwide. Entries covered both direct and indirect restorations, which were evaluated separately for the first time in the event’s history.
10 finalists representing eight countries — Brazil, China, Estonia, France, Russia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Germany — were invited to present their work to an international jury at Lake Constance. The judging panel comprised Dr Britta Hahn (University Hospital Würzburg, Germany), Dr Ian Cline (King’s College London, Great Britain), and Prof Gaetano Paolone (University of Milan, Italy). Each finalist showcased a complex clinical case in the anterior or posterior region completed with Dentsply Sirona materials and equipment.
Recognising excellence in direct and indirect restorations
To provide a fairer comparison of clinical approaches, the competition divided entries into two groups: direct restorations and indirect restorations. Three winners were selected in each category.
In the direct restorations category, first place went to Sofiia Grindenko from the Russian University of Medicine in Moscow, who treated a 32-year-old patient with full-coverage composite veneers (Neo Spectra ST composites, Esthet-X HD). Yiting Chen from the Capital Medical University in Beijing received second place for restoring a fractured central incisor, while Ying Cheng Lu from the Nation Cheng Kung University in Taiwan took third place for a similar anterior restoration.
In the indirect restorations category, Chuttaporn Dejdumrongwood from the Chiang Mai University of Thailand achieved first place with a digitally designed veneer case for a patient seeking aesthetic improvement in the anterior maxilla (CEREC Tessera, Calibra veneer, Prime&Bond Universal). Beatrice Julia Popescu from the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Germany, earned second place with a multi-disciplinary case combining veneers, crowns, and adhesive bridges. Third place was awarded to Chang Guo from the Fourth Military Medical University in Xi’an, China, who presented a full-veneer rehabilitation for a patient with discolouration and bruxism.
High standards of clinical work
The jury commended the finalists for the precision, creativity, and professionalism reflected in their cases. “It’s remarkable how enthusiastically and precisely the students executed their restorations,” said Dr Britta Hahn. “Each finalist demonstrated how digital workflows and modern restorative materials can deliver both aesthetic and functional benefits to patients.”
The competition also highlighted the continuity of mentorship within dental schools, with several tutors returning to support new participants. “Winning is, of course, a great honour,” said Sofiia Grindenko. “But beyond that, it motivates me to keep improving and to continue striving for the best outcomes for my patients.”
Encouraging excellence in early careers
According to Prof Rainer Seemann, vice-president and chief clinical officer at Dentsply Sirona, the contest is part of the company’s broader efforts to nurture young professionals. “We aim to help future dentists gain confidence in using modern technologies and to promote high standards of care early in their careers,” he said.
Since its launch in 2004, the GCCC has provided students with a platform to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios. Participants document their direct or indirect restorations, supported by a faculty mentor, and submit comprehensive case reports including photographic evidence.
Over two decades, the competition has grown into a global initiative that encourages innovation, celebrates clinical achievement, and supports the development of the next generation of dental professionals.
