Organized in collaboration with the Near East University Faculty of Dentistry and the North Cyprus Association of Dentistry Students (NCADS), the “Dentistry Fall Symposium 2024” brought together experts in the field. The symposium, where many topics from current technologies to clinical experiences were discussed, contributed to the professional development of dentistry students while also shedding light on advancements in the sector by sharing innovations in clinical practices.
The opening speech of the symposium, which started with the National Anthem and a moment of silence, was made by Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy, Faculty of Dentistry Endodontics Department Faculty Member and also Vice Rector of Near East University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dilan Kırmızı, Head of the Scientific and Social Activities Commission of the Faculty of Dentistry, and NCADS Head Intern. Dt. Ahmet Kayhan, a fifth-year student at the Faculty of Dentistry. Near East University’s artificial intelligence-based instructor AI. Prof. DUX also addressed the participants at the opening.
Reflections of digitalization and new approaches to dentistry
At the symposium, Prosthetic Dentistry Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Oğuz Ozan, in his presentation titled “Fully Digitalizing Implant-Supported Applications: Are Machines Ending Human Labor?”, reviewed the change that digital technologies have created in dentistry and emphasized the importance of a fully digital workflow. Dt. Mehmet Dikmen, who provided important information on aesthetic dentistry, gave tips for achieving an aesthetic restoration by detailing the scientific and artistic dimensions of aesthetic dentistry with his presentation titled “The Equation of Creating a Natural Smile.”
Prof. Dr. Sıdıka Akdeniz, in her presentation titled “Boundaries and Realities in Orthognathic Surgery from Smile to Airway”, conveyed the surgical correction of anomalies in the jaw and face area and current techniques in this field, while Dt. Tolga Yüksel, in his speech titled “The Most Hidden Pathologies in the Clinic”, drew attention to the difficult pathologies that dentists may encounter in practice . Another speaker who contributed to the symposium, Intern Dt. Berkay Hamurcu, a student at the Near East University Faculty of Dentistry, presented information on the correct diagnosis and differential diagnosis of radiological images with his presentation titled “Radiological Images that Mimic Endodontic Lesions”.
Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy: “We aim for our students to gain strong representations on national and international platforms.”
Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy, who touched on the importance of professional cooperation and strong joint projects in his speech, said, “As Near East University, we aim for our students to gain strong representations on national and international platforms. In line with this vision, we proudly follow the successes of the student unions affiliated with our faculties.”
Stating that one of the most meaningful reflections of this understanding is the activities of NCADS, Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy also shared information about NCADS. Underlining that NCADS has gained an important place in the national and international arena in a short time, Prof. Dr. Aksoy said, “This union aims to support students’ international exchange of information and professional development by providing academic contributions in the fields of dentistry and society. It also enables students to gain a broader perspective by establishing national and international connections through seminars, webinars and congresses.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dilan Kırmızı: “Dentistry is a critical field that affects not only oral health but also the general health of individuals.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dilan Kırmızı said “Today, I am very happy to come together with you in this meaningful event where we combine the deep-rooted profession of dentistry with contemporary scientific developments and approach it with a sense of social responsibility.”, and added that the symposium increased professional solidarity while students also had the opportunity to get to know and listen to leading names in the field. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kırmızı said, “This symposium is an important opportunity to increase our scientific knowledge, develop innovative solutions and shape the future of our profession by guiding our students.”
Intern. Dt. Ahmet Kayhan: “We aim to open new horizons for dentistry students, strengthen knowledge sharing and provide interaction between students from different cultures.”
In his speech, intern Dt. Ahmet Kayhan, who touched upon the vision and mission of the North Cyprus Association of Dentistry Students, said, “We aim to open new horizons for dentistry students, strengthen knowledge sharing and ensure interaction between students from different cultures.” Stating that “Strengthening national and international knowledge flow, developing professional skills through student exchanges and rapidly adapting to innovations are the fundamental elements of our mission,” NCADS President Ahmet Kayhan said, “We proudly represent the Near East University and our island with our international achievements.”
AI. Prof. DUX: “Technology and collaboration are powerful tools to expand oral and dental health services in disadvantaged regions.”
Speaking at the opening, AI-based academic AI. Prof. DUX emphasized that oral and dental health plays a critical role in improving the general health status of individuals. Stating that modern technologies in dentistry accelerate treatment processes and offer patient-focused solutions with innovations ranging from AI-supported diagnostic methods to 3D printing applications, AI. Prof. DUX said “Early diagnosis and preventive practices are of great importance for both individuals and societies to achieve a healthy future. Technology and collaboration are powerful tools to expand oral and dental health services in disadvantaged regions.”
