About the study program
The Integrated Academic Studies (IAS) in Dental Medicine, leading to the academic title of Doctor of Dental Medicine, span six years or twelve semesters, comprising a total of 5,760 hours. This includes:
- 4,755 hours of active teaching, consisting of:
- 1,920 hours of theoretical instruction
- 2,505 hours of practical instruction
- 315 hours of other teaching forms (seminars, colloquia, consultations, pre-exam exercises)
- 45 hours of scientific research work
- 1,005 additional hours, allocated to professional practice and the final thesis
Active teaching is delivered through lectures, practical exercises, and other instructional methods, including research activities related to the diploma thesis.
Student engagement is quantified through 360 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits, with one ECTS credit corresponding to an average of 27 hours of student workload. The ECTS system is implemented in a flexible format, allowing each subject to carry a different number of credits, while ensuring a total of 60 ECTS per academic year. Each subject includes defined teaching activities aligned with its learning objectives and outcomes, and students earn credits through pre-exam activities and final assessments.
Each course is conducted over one or, at most, two semesters, in accordance with the official teaching plan.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in both general academic and specialized dental knowledge:
- Year 1: Students are introduced to general academic subjects (e.g., Medicine and Society, Medical Statistics and Informatics, Physical Education) and theoretical-methodological subjects (e.g., Molecular and Human Genetics, Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Biochemistry and Oral Biochemistry, Tooth Morphology, and Social Medicine including Epidemiology and Hygiene).
- Year 2: In addition to core medical sciences and clinical skills training, students begin preclinical dental courses such as Dental Materials and Preclinical Prosthodontics.
- Year 3: The curriculum expands to include clinical medical subjects (Neurology, Psychiatry with Medical Psychology, Radiology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pharmacology with Toxicology, Surgery, Gynecology with Obstetrics, Ophthalmology, Dermatovenereology) and preclinical dental subjects (Preclinical Restorative Dentistry, Anesthesia in Dentistry).
- Years 4 & 5: Focus shifts to clinical dental disciplines.
- Year 4: Risk Diseases, Oral Surgery, Clinical Prosthodontics 1, Restorative Odontology, Oral Medicine, Preclinical Endodontics, Gnathology, Preventive Dentistry.
- Year 5: Oral Hygiene, Clinical Prosthodontics 2, Clinical Endodontics, Orthodontics, Periodontology, Pediatric Dentistry.
- Year 6: Students study Otorhinolaryngology, Implantology, and Maxillofacial Surgery. In the twelfth semester, instruction includes Forensic Medicine and clinical practice in Restorative Dentistry and Pediatric Dentistry to consolidate clinical competencies.
Elective courses are offered each year. In the first year, students choose one of two electives; in subsequent years, they select two electives annually. These courses allow students to explore specific interests within dentistry.
Upon successful completion of all required coursework, students proceed to the preparation and defense of their final thesis.
Teaching Methods
The program employs a variety of modern and effective teaching methods, including:
- Interactive communication during instruction
- Small group work
- Independent performance of laboratory and clinical skills
- Skill demonstrations
- Lectures enhanced with slides and video materials
Interactive teaching fosters deeper understanding, critical thinking, and the ability to assimilate scientific knowledge. Small group formats (up to 80 students in lectures and 5–10 in practical sessions) enhance communication and personalized learning. Students are encouraged to perform clinical and laboratory procedures independently or through guided demonstrations.
Outcome
Graduates of the Integrated Academic Studies in Dental Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, acquire the comprehensive knowledge and practical skills necessary for independent professional practice in the field of dental medicine.
