As the university preference period approaches, the opportunities offered by faculties play a decisive role for candidates dreaming of a career in dentistry. Prof. Ergün Yücel, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at Üsküdar University, emphasized that they have turned the fact that their faculty is newly established into an advantage, stating, “With state-of-the-art equipment, AI integration, and a strong infrastructure, we are preparing our students not only for today's dentistry but for the dentistry of the future.”
Prof. Ergün Yücel, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at Üsküdar University, explained the advanced education model they offer.
The faculty will graduate its first students in the 2025–2026 Academic Year
As one of the newly established dentistry faculties, Prof. Ergün Yücel shared that they will graduate their first class in the 2025–2026 academic year, and continued: “In this regard, our faculty's clinical and laboratory designs were planned to meet the highest standards of modern dental clinics. The devices and equipment used are top-segment, state-of-the-art technology. Compared to many faculties, ours includes a modern, fully equipped operating room with three surgical suites, where both local and general anesthesia procedures can be performed. This facility especially serves pediatric and special needs patients. We actively utilize support systems built with new technologies, including our highly advanced central sterilization system.
Our basic science courses are delivered by faculty members of our School of Medicine, and we also benefit from their advanced laboratory resources. Our library portfolio is highly developed in terms of both content and physical infrastructure. Starting from the 2025–2026 academic year, we will also begin special training programs tailored to the Dental Specialization Examination (DUS) for all year levels.”
A robust educational infrastructure
Prof. Ergün Yücel stated that the faculty offers a robust educational infrastructure composed of contemporary, theoretical and practical, evidence-based courses related to all new and advanced technologies used in modern dentistry, including CAD-CAM, laser systems, and intraoral scanners. He said, “Throughout various stages of training, students are provided with theoretical and hands-on instruction on using current software and technological tools essential for dental practice, particularly before and during their clinical application phase.”
Hands-on training with modern labs and simulations
Highlighting the use of the contemporary laboratories and simulation facilities of the School of Medicine for pre-clinical training, Prof. Yücel explained: “In our modern pre-clinical labs, students are trained using simulation systems often called ‘phantoms that allow them to practice dental procedures and research in a realistic environment before working on actual patients. This helps students develop proper positioning and psychomotor/manual skills. We are also working to implement virtual reality technologies.”
Internship as a Clinical Dentist in the 5th Year
Prof. Yücel continued: “In our clinics and the Oral and Dental Health Center, students begin clinical practice under the supervision of faculty in their 4th year, spending half-days across various departments for patient education. In the 5th year, they serve as intern dentists, actively engaging in patient care through rotations in all core departments.”
Graduation projects aligned with TÜBİTAK Student Project standards
Prof. Yücel noted that intensive research and development efforts are ongoing under the leadership of an R&D coordinator: “Our technology- and society-driven projects continue in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering. Graduation projects are prepared according to TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) Student Project standards. We also place special emphasis on training in literature review, project development, and presentation within our curriculum.”
He also emphasized the wide range of scholarship support available for students.
New interdisciplinary opportunities for a digital future
“In a digitalizing world, the competencies expected from healthcare professionals are also changing. Üsküdar University is leading this transformation with a student-centered approach, aiming to equip future doctors and dentists not only with clinical knowledge but also with interdisciplinary perspectives. The university’s new and expanded minor programs offer unique competitive advantages to medical and dentistry students.”
Dentistry students can minor in psychology
Prof. Yücel explained that, thanks to these new opportunities, a medical student could minor in Computer or Software Engineering to specialize in areas like artificial intelligence in healthcare or telemedicine systems. Likewise, a dentistry student could minor in Psychology to stand out in communicating with and treating patients who suffer from dental phobia.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)