In his research and teaching, he explores the possibilities for shaping contemporary media education in a digital society. His work centers on professionalization in media education, school and organizational development, and theoretical and methodological perspectives on relational media education. In doing so, he combines research and teaching with the goal of actively advancing media education in schools and the broader educational landscape.

Dertinger studied special education and educational research at Ludwigsburg University of Education. Professionally, he has also worked in various fields of social pedagogy. His doctoral dissertation at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) examined the professional media practices of teachers. During his postdoctoral studies, he broadened his research to include the social and structural conditions of media education. During this time, he served as a visiting professor at FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and Dresden University of Technology.