At the ceremony, the first speech was made by the Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, Prof. Dr. Ali Alp Sağlam. In his speech, Sağlam stated; “In Turkey, dental services began with the initiative of Minister of Education Emrullah Efendi on November 22, 1908, with the start of efforts to establish the Dental School, and November 22 has been celebrated as Turkish Dentists' Day for 30 years. Education, which initially started in a wooden building in Istanbul Kadırga, has shown great development today with 118 Faculties of Dentistry.
Our faculty was established in 2017, ranking 74th in our country, and has risen to 50th place among State Universities with a success ranking of 41,000. While our 300 students receive an education supported by up-to-date information, they provide services to our people at Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Oral and Dental Health Hospital. Our aim is to transform our faculty into a ‘Digital Dentistry Faculty’ and to position it as a leader in education, health, and research fields.
The number of dentists in Turkey has reached 60,000 as of 2024. However, dental health awareness in our society is still at a low level. The 74% rate of dental caries, the absence of a toothbrush in 60% of homes, and the inadequacy of tooth brushing durations are significant problems awaiting solutions. Our university is conducting various projects to raise awareness in society, aiming to improve oral and dental health, especially through preventive medicine efforts.
I celebrate the November 22 Turkish Dentists' Day of our dentists who work with great sacrifices, and I wish all of us a life full of health and smiles." he said.
Burdur-Isparta Chamber of Dentists President Dentist Aşkın Daldal also made a speech, talking about the works of the Burdur-Isparta Chamber of Dentists: “I share the excitement of our young people who will step into the dentistry profession by wearing their white coats here today. I share the happiness of the very precious families who watch their children here with pride. As someone who has been in this profession for 23 years, I can say that dentistry, besides its challenges, is also a very enjoyable profession. Being successful in dentistry is not easy, but seeing the happiness of our patients after a successful treatment is priceless. Dentistry is rapidly developing and changing every day. Of course, our profession is also taking its share from the rapidly digitalizing world. We are celebrating the 116th year of scientific dentistry in our country.”
Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar: “Medicine is Measured by Communication and Courtesy as Much as Knowledge”
Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar, in his speech at the white coat ceremony of the Faculty of Dentistry students, emphasized the importance of the health profession for society and the subtleties of the medical profession. Addressing the student families and participants at the ceremony, Rector Dalgar expressed his happiness to be together on this meaningful day.
In his speech, Dalgar stated that health services are a privilege, drawing attention to the technological developments in medical and dental education, and mentioned the integration of artificial intelligence with dentistry. Dalgar stated that they have made artificial intelligence courses mandatory in all departments of the university and that this course will be taught to fourth-year students in the Faculty of Dentistry. Emphasizing that the newly constructed faculty building and hospital are equipped with the latest technology, Dalgar said that these advantages provide students with a quality and modern education.
Rector Dalgar: "Medicine is Serving Society"
Rector Dalgar stated that the dentistry profession not only assumes a therapeutic role but also carries an important responsibility such as raising awareness in society about oral and dental health. Expressing his appreciation for the social responsibility projects carried out by students in nursing homes, Dalgar said he wished for the continuation of such works.
Expressing that there is a misconception in society that doctors primarily act with an expectation of profit, Rector Dalgar emphasized that the essence of the medical profession is to serve people and receive their blessings. Dalgar said, “If you perform your profession with a focus on serving society, happiness and success will naturally follow.”
Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar: "The Secret to Being a Good Doctor Lies in Communication"
Emphasizing the importance of humility and courtesy in communication with patients, Dalgar shared an anecdote, stating that a good doctor can make a difference not only with their knowledge but also with the interest and communication skills they show to their patients. “Patients cannot assess the knowledge level of doctors, but they never forget the interest and courtesy shown to them. Communication success in the medical profession is the most important element that will make you a good doctor,” he said.
Concluding his speech by wishing the students success in their professional lives, Rector Dalgar hoped that this meaningful day would be an unforgettable memory for all participants.
After the speeches, the white coat ceremony took place. Approximately 80 students were dressed in their coats by protocol members.
After the White Coat Ceremony, Assoc. Dr. Elif Bilgir gave a presentation on ‘Artificial Intelligence Applications in Dentistry’, and Assoc. Dr. İbrahim Şevki Bayrakdar gave a presentation on ‘Artificial Intelligence Programs in Dentistry’.
The ceremony organized by the Faculty of Dentistry at the MAKÜ Conference and Exhibition Hall was attended by Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar, Provincial Gendarmerie Commander J. Kd. Col. Mehmet Balcı, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Oğuz Gürsoy, Prof. Dr. Ömer Tekşen, Prof. Dr. Hakan Öner, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry Prof. Dr. Ali Alp Sağlam, Rector Advisor Prof. Dr. Ali Murat Alparslan, Burdur-Isparta Chamber of Dentists President Dentist Aşkın Daldal, academicians, students, and student parents.
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