The Department of Basic Dentistry Sciences in the Faculty of Dentistry has been established at Atatürk University, with the support and sanction of the President of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar. This is a first in the history of higher education in Turkey.

The objective of this department is to address a substantial gap in both education and research. Despite its widespread availability at top institutions worldwide, it has not yet been established in Turkey.

Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu, the Rector of Atatürk University, declared that the newly established department will significantly impact the national and international community by offering dentistry students a more robust academic infrastructure. He also emphasized that this initiative is consistent with the university's objective to enhance its research capacity and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.

It will offer a chance to create innovative treatment methods.

Rector Hacımüftüoğlu underscored that the Department of Basic Dentistry Sciences will introduce a novel perspective to dentistry education in Turkey, noting that such departments are prevalent in developed nations. He made the following statement:

❝ This department, which will be established for the first time in the country's higher education system, will establish a strong foundation for dentistry education, facilitate the development of innovative treatment methods, and contribute to the development of our students as competitive individuals who are in accordance with international standards. By taking this innovative step in the field of dentistry, we are elevating the educational and research capabilities of our university.❞

A New Opportunity for Interdisciplinary Studies and Scientific Productivity

The Department of Basic Dentistry Sciences is dedicated to pioneering new territory in both scientific research and education. The department will guarantee a robust integration of fundamental sciences, including pharmacology, pathology, and microbiology, which will facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations. In this context, the faculty's scientific endeavors will be bolstered, and the implementation of innovative dental projects will be promoted.

Prof. Dr. Hacımüftüoğlu declared that the new department will enhance the academic capacity of the faculty and advance Turkey's health sector. He continued, "The new department will contribute to the faculty's academic strength and Turkey's progress in the field of health."

❝This department will not only establish a robust educational foundation for our students, but it will also enable our faculty to improve scientific productivity and expand international collaborations. In this context, I would like to express my gratitude to Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, the President of YÖK, for his approval of the department's inaugural inauguration at Atatürk University. In the same manner as it has done in the past, our university will continue to provide the country's higher education and take pioneering steps, leveraging its well-equipped infrastructure, qualified academic staff, and deep-rooted history.❞

The Sector and Education: Atatürk University's Contribution

Atatürk University has taken another determined step in the realm of education and research with the establishment of the Department of Basic Dentistry Sciences. This initiative is designed to enhance the quality of dentistry education in Turkey and facilitate the development of internationally prominent research.

Atatürk University's pioneering vision was reflected in the enthusiasm that greeted this development, which is a first in Turkey, in both the university and the dentistry sector.

CORPORAL COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTORATE - January 21, 2025