The training in
Dental Medicine in English is full-time only and includes three stages
(6 years): the course of study lasts five years (ten semesters), the
pre-graduation practice after the 10th semester (135 working days or
1080 hours) and two training practices with 30 calendar days duration
(each training covers 150 hours) after the sixth and the eighth
semester.
During the first two
years, students are trained in medical and biological subjects (first
stage). Except for the fact that instructions, labs, lectures and
examinations are conducted in English, the curriculum of the six-year
Programme in Dental Medicine taught in English is identical with the
coursework pursued by Bulgarian dental students. Learning Bulgarian
language is also compulsory during the first three years of the program.
Students are required to learn Bulgarian in order to be able to
communicate with the patients and in order to avoid the misunderstanding
of the patients from the third year onwards.
Clinical and medical
training is conducted from second to tenth semester as it includes
specialized training in general medical and clinical dental disciplines
(second stage).
The theoretical
training is conducted by obligatory, optional and facultative
disciplines, in form of lectures, seminars, practical exercise (clinical
work with dental patients) and self-training. The practical training is
conducted by practical studies during the semester training, training
practices and pre-graduation practice. The practical instruction of
students includes specific volume of practical therapeutic activity.
Under the tutelage
of highly trained and productive scientists, the student acquires a
solid foundation in biomedical sciences. This knowledge forms the basis
for understanding the wide variety of diseases that a dentist must
diagnose and treat; it also forms the foundation for the effective
practice of preventive dentistry. Skillful and experienced clinical
teachers guide the student in acquiring technical skills and developing
clinical judgement. Instructors with qualifications in the basic and
clinical sciences assist the student in applying basic science knowledge
to clinical problems. This integrated system of instruction results in a
broadly trained clinician with a strong biomedical background.
The pre-graduation
internship/practice (third stage) is performed in cycles in prosthetic
dentistry, conservative dental treatment, periodontology and diseases of
the oral mucosa; oral and maxillo-facial surgery, pediatric Dental
Medicine, orthodontics. Every cycle (stage) ends with a state
examination.
Upon graduation,
students obtain the professional qualification of "Master-doctor in
Dental Medicine" and education and qualification degree "Master". The
possession of that degree enables the holder to practice dental medicine
in EU countries, as well as in many other countries worldwide. A
European supplement to the Diploma of completed higher education, issued
in English language is also provided to graduates of the programme upon
graduation.
Since its founding
in 2006, the Faculty of Dental Medicine at Medical University of Varna
has been committed to excellence in education, patient care, research,
and community service.
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