Students from the Faculty of Dentistry achieved a great success at the Dental Olympics, held as part of the 72nd Annual Meeting of the International Association of Dental Students (IADS) in Baku, bringing international pride to Northern Cyprus.
Near East University Faculty of Dentistry students achieved a great success at the 72nd Annual Meeting of the International Association of Dental Students (IADS) in Baku. The “Bite and Spike” team, comprised of students from the Near East University Faculty of Dentistry and members of the Northern Cyprus Association of Dental Students (NCADS), won the championship trophy at the “Dental Olympics,” competing against rivals from approximately 20 countries. The team, which included dental interns İdil Cebeci and Bayram Yağız Abacı, along with NCADS president Berkay Hamurcu, demonstrated their academic and clinical competence on an international stage with their success.
Organized by the International Association of Dental Students (IADS), the Dental Olympics brings together dental students from all over the world, combining scientific knowledge with clinical skills in a competitive atmosphere. Distinguished by its wide scope, ranging from theoretical knowledge exams to practical applications on phantoms, case analyses, and scientific presentations, the event offers participants the opportunity to test themselves at an international level and share experiences with colleagues from different countries. Promoting solidarity and professional development alongside competition, the Dental Olympics equips young dentists with skills on a global scale. It stands out as an important platform contributing to their success.
High-Level Representation at the International Association of Dental Students!
In addition to their successful performance at the Dental Olympics, Near East University Faculty of Dentistry students, Intern Dentist İdil Cebeci and Intern Dentist Bayram Yağız Abacı, successfully represented Cyprus at the 72nd Semi-Annual Meeting of the International Association of Dental Students (IADS). They actively participated in the IADS Workforce, and Bayram Yağız Abacı completed the “Train-the-Trainer” program and gained a certificate. During the Student Exchange Fair held throughout the event, Northern Cyprus was effectively promoted, and important connections were established for student exchange programs. The strong communication established between the Turkish and Northern Cypriot delegates created a solid foundation for future collaborations. All these efforts, beyond individual achievements, are a source of institutional pride, once again showcasing the effectiveness and prestige of dental students studying in Cyprus on international platforms.
An Experience That Transcends Borders!
NCADS President Intern Dentist Berkay Hamurcu stated that the championship achieved in Baku was the result of a long preparation process and team cohesion, adding that the Dental Olympics were not just a competition for them, but also an important experience area that supported their professional development. Thanking the Near East University administration and the Dean’s Office of Students for their support during this process, Hamurcu emphasized that students’ participation in international platforms is a strong reflection of the vision adopted by Near East University. Emphasizing that meeting colleagues from different countries on an international platform broadened their perspectives, Hamurcu said that this process also strengthened their leadership and representation skills. He stated that their goal as NCADS is to develop students not only academically but also in terms of international representation competence.
Intern Dentist İdil Cebeci, a student at the Near East University Faculty of Dentistry who participated in the event as a member of the Public Health Workforce, stated that the IADS meeting was extremely educational for her, and that the interaction with students from different countries contributed to both her academic and personal development. Intern Dentist Cebeci added that such organizations are important for students and further stated that it broadened her professional vision and offered significant opportunities for international networking.
Bayram Yağız Abacı, a member of the IADS Exchange Board Workforce and delegate for Northern Cyprus, said that the process carried great responsibility and pride for him, and that he actively participated in efforts to increase students’ access to international programs. Emphasizing that participating in the development of clinical internship and exchange programs provided him with valuable experience, Abacı stated that efforts to increase the international visibility of dental students in Northern Cyprus will continue.
