Dentistry

The aim of the Master's Degree Program in Dentistry is to prepare students for the independent practice of a dental practitioner so that they are able to perform it at a high professional level according to the current state of knowledge and in accordance with legal regulations and deontological rules. It is implemented within a credit system of study that is fully compatible with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) creating thus conditions for students for completing part of their studies at European partner universities. The study is divided into 10 semesters and is based on gradual passage of the student through theoretical, preclinical and later clinical subjects. The curriculum is conceived on the principle of logical continuity of subjects/disciplines where the enrollment into the individual subjects is adjusted by a system of prerequisites (i.e. pre-existing knowledge acquired by studying the preceding subjects as a necessary basis for follow-up subjects) for maximum efficiency. The study includes four continuous practices in the laboratory/practice of the dentist. The study of the Dentistry Program is completed by a State Rigorous Exam which consists of a practical and theoretical part in the following disciplines: 1) Conservative Dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry and Periodontology, 2) Prosthetic Dentistry and Orthodontics, and 3) Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. The study leads to acquiring key knowledge and skills that are - in general terms - understanding of functioning of the human body and its parts in health and illness, understanding the biological, physical and chemical principles on which diagnosis, rational effective treatment and disease prevention are based, with a focus on the orofacial area.

After successfully completing his/her studies the graduate is able to:

• To know functioning of the human body, individual tissues, organs, organ systems and the body as a whole and in relation to oral health
• To examine the patient, to indicate further necessary examinations and correctly interpret their results, including differential diagnosis, and to design a treatment plan
• To perform basic medical performances within the therapy of pathological conditions and diseases of the orofacial area
• To implement preventive measures within primary, secondary and tertiary prevention
• To communicate adequately with patients, their relatives and/or escorts and with specialists of other medical specialties, to know the basics of psychology and professional ethics
• To understand the legislative framework of the dental practitioner's practice and the rights of patients, the economic aspects of the dentist's activities and the bases of the assessment activity
• To be able to further educate oneself, search and process new knowledge and apply it to practice

The profile of the graduate of the Master's Degree Program in Dentistry fully coincides with the graduate's profile as described in the description of the given area of education according to Government Regulation No. 275/2016. Graduates are prepared to perform independently the practice of a dental practitioner in health care facilities of all types, to start training for obtaining professional certificates for the individual dentistry specialties and to start specialized training in orthodontics, oral and maxillo-facial surgery and clinical dentistry. They can also find their application in the academic sphere and other institutions involved in science, research, development and innovation, as well as in the pharmaceutical industry. Graduates also have the opportunity to continue in doctoral study programs.

• Dental practitioner

An integral part of the Master's Degree Program in Dentistry is the obligatory professional practice in health care facilities, which the students receive from the 4th semester of the course of study up to the end of their study.

Before the SRE in the 10th semester, the students undergo intensive seven-week internship in all fields of dentistry, with the focus on the complex treatment of patients in conservative dentistry, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, prosthetic dentistry, orthodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery

In addition to internships in contractual health facilities, the students have a further summer vacation practice (typically in private facilities, in laboratories and at clinical workplaces) in the scope of 210 hours:

- after the 2nd semester, practice in the dental laboratory (1 week) and in the surgery (1 week) within the subject Preclinical Dentistry - a total of 2 weeks.

- after the 4th semester as a complement to Preventive Dentistry - 1 week with the corresponding dental hygienist practice.

- after the 6th semester –2 weeks of professional practice in the field of Practical Dentistry.

- after the 8th semester – 4 weeks of professional practice in the field of Practical Dentistry

Students of the Dentistry Program do not write a final thesis, however, during their studies they must submit and defend an Independent Study (to the beginning of the 9th semester). The topics of these studies are published in IS MUNI both by teachers of the Department of Dentistry of Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University and FNUSA as well as by other teachers of the theoretical, preclinical and clinical disciplines of FM MU. We try to achieve a situation when one teacher manages up to 5-7 of these studies.

The graduates of the Master's Program of Dentistry can (after meeting the conditions for admission) continue in any doctoral study. They can continue in the doctoral study of dentistry at the Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University.