The “1st Project-Themed Student Congress” was organized by the Üsküdar University Faculty of Dentistry. Many project presentations took place at the congress, which was organized to develop students' scientific research culture, support their project generation skills, and provide a platform where they can share their academic work. At the congress, students had the opportunity to present their projects on many current topics, from artificial intelligence applications to orthodontics, from implant design to prosthetic rehabilitation, from patient satisfaction to temporomandibular joint disorders, in an academic setting. Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, President of Üsküdar University, and Prof. Ergün Yücel, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, drew attention to the importance of project-oriented education and scientific research.
Content
Faculty of Dentistry's first project-themed student congress held
SDG tags related to the news
The congress, held at Üsküdar University NP Health Campus Ibn Sina Auditorium, was attended by many academicians and students, including President of Üsküdar University, Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan and Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, Prof. Ergün Yücel.
Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: “The human brain learns a subject best when it experiences it”
Delivering the opening speech of the congress, President of Üsküdar University, Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, drew attention to the importance of project-oriented education. Tarhan explained the place of project-based studies in the education process for dentistry students; “Project-oriented education is very important for all students in dentistry, both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The equivalent of this in educational sciences is learning by experiencing. The human brain learns a subject best when it experiences, touches, and applies it. Permanent learning occurs in this way. This also takes place at the top of the learning pyramid. A person cannot fully learn something just by hearing it. They can easily forget what they see, but they rarely forget what they experience. Because experiences are written into the chemical memory of the brain,” he said.
“A project starts with asking questions”
Emphasizing that project studies provide individuals with the ability to question and develop different perspectives, Tarhan continued:
“A project starts with asking questions. When faced with something, most people see it and move on, but the person who tries to understand ‘Why is this here?’ sees what no one else sees. Project studies provide us with the skill they call 'thinking outside the box'. When we start a project, we have a project idea, and this is a hypothesis. First, this hypothesis needs to be theorized. Then, it is necessary to set goals for its applicability, create a strategic target plan, draw a roadmap, and structure the process.”
Tarhan stated that project-oriented education is also among the 21st-century skills and drew attention to the importance of multidisciplinary studies.
Prof. Ergün Yücel: “Pursuing a scientific problem is very valuable”
Speaking at the opening of the congress, Prof. Ergün Yücel, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, stated that dental education is not merely about theoretical knowledge and clinical skills.
Emphasizing the importance of students' early involvement in scientific research processes, Yücel said; “Dental education is not merely about providing theoretical knowledge or developing manual dexterity. As we bring science to the clinic, we aim to train physicians who question, research, and produce solutions. Our congress is an important indicator of how valuable it is for our students, while still at the beginning of their journey, to pursue a scientific problem, conduct literature reviews, and transform an idea into a project. Pursuing a scientific problem is very valuable.” he said.
Yücel stated that student projects are the product of hard work and academic discipline, and added that projects deemed worthy of support within the scope of the TÜBİTAK 2209 Student Projects Program would also be presented at the congress.
Students presented their projects in an academic setting
Within the scope of the congress, students presented their projects prepared on current topics such as artificial intelligence applications, orthodontics, rational antibiotic use, patient satisfaction, digital impression techniques, implant design, prosthetic rehabilitation, temporomandibular joint disorders, and bruxism.
The first session began under the chairmanship of Prof. Yumuşhan Günay and Selin Güvenç. Within the scope of the session, Talha Altuntaş presented his project titled “Evaluation of Answers Given by Artificial Intelligence Modules to Orthodontics Questions Asked in DUS”, Aslı Bilgiç, “Evaluation of Rational Antibiotic Prescribing Practices in Dental Clinics in Terms of Rational Antibiotic Use Principles”, Emre Talha Çevik, “Evaluation of Patient Satisfaction Levels Receiving PDT Services at Üsküdar University Faculty of Dentistry”.
The second session began under the moderation of Prof. Nimet Gençoğlu and Ahmet Aydıner. In this context, Furkan Hastaoğlu presented “AI-Supported Subperiosteal Implant Design”, Emre Ateş, “Clinical Application Protocols in Anterior Direct Composite Restorations: A Literature Review Supported by Two Cases”, Rana Söyler, “Effects of Digital and Conventional Impression Techniques on Comfort and Physiological Stress in Children”.
The third session began under the chairmanship of Prof. Hacer Aydınyurt and Zeynep Özan. Within the scope of the session, Dentist Serdar Sıralar performed a Stand-up show.
The chairpersons of the fourth session were Assoc. Prof. Neslihan Tınastepe and Bahadır Emre Toy. In this context, Dr. Celal Korkut Yıldırım, President of the Turkish Dental Association and Istanbul Chamber of Dentists, presented “Decision Time After Graduation; DUS or Clinic or Abroad?”, Prof. Şebnem Begüm Türker, faculty member of Marmara University Faculty of Dentistry, presented “Prosthetic Rehabilitation Alternatives for Teeth with Excessive Substance Loss”, and Asst. Prof. Seda Altop presented “Volunteer Dentistry in Africa”.
The fifth and final session of the congress began under the chairmanship of Prof. Ergün Yücel and Sümeyye Sena Köksal. In this context, Zeynep Dilara Kaya presented “Prototype Production and Functional Validation of a New Generation Intraoral Appliance for Temporomandibular Joint Hypermobility in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders”, Buket Selvi Afşaroğulları, “Prototype Production and Functional Validation of a New Generation Intraoral Appliance for Temporomandibular Joint Hypermobility”, and Zeynep Sevde Oğuz, “The Effect of Psychological Disorders on Bruxism”.
