OMU Dentistry Symposium brings experts and students together for clinical innovation

The 6th Scientific Symposium and Student–Alumni Meeting, organized by the Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Dentistry, brought together experts, academics, students, and alumni for a full day of scientific presentations, clinical updates, and interactive sessions aimed at strengthening professional ties.

Held at the OMU Atatürk Congress and Culture Center, the event drew strong participation from across the dental community. Attendees included OMU Faculty of Dentistry Dean Prof. Dr. Kaan Gündüz, Istinye University Faculty of Dentistry Dean Prof. Dr. Emir Yüzbaşıoğlu, Associate Deans Prof. Dr. Feyza Otan Özden and Prof. Dr. Burcu Baş Akkor, as well as academics, administrative staff, students, and alumni.

“Scientific exchange and professional solidarity are our faculty’s greatest strengths”

Following a moment of silence and the national anthem, the opening remarks were delivered by Associate Dean Prof. Dr. Feyza Otan Özden, who emphasized the faculty’s commitment to scientific advancement:

“This event has created not only an environment for sharing current knowledge but also a strong sense of professional solidarity. I extend my gratitude to all our lecturers who shared their expertise, to our session chairs, and to our alumni who always stand by us. It is gratifying to see how much our students benefit from this interaction.”

Prof. Dr. Özden also highlighted that the symposium plays an important role in promoting innovative practices in dental education and noted their intention to broaden the event’s scope in the coming years.

Expert presentations on current clinical approaches

Throughout the symposium, distinguished academics delivered comprehensive presentations on various clinical applications. Topics that provided significant professional insight included:

• Prof. Dr. Kaan Gündüz: Principles of Radiographic Interpretation
• Prof. Dr. Bora Özden: Dental Implant Complications: How Do We Predict and Manage Them?
• Prof. Dr. Emir Yüzbaşıoğlu: Posterior Indirect Restorations Produced with 3D Printers: Clinical Protocols and Tips
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bora Korkut: Clinical Recommendations for Shade-Matching Challenges in Anterior Composite Restorations
• Prof. Dr. Zafer Çehrili: Adhesion, Glass Ionomer, and Pulpal Protection in Deep Cavities: 2025 Updates

These sessions explored new technologies in clinical practice, solutions to common complications, updated treatment methods, and case-based evaluations.

Students and alumni under one roof: Inspiring career journeys

The second part of the event, the Student–Alumni Meeting, became an influential session guiding students in shaping their career paths.

Moderated by Prof. Dr. Peruze Çelenk, the panel featured:

• Prof. Dr. Kaan Gündüz, Dean, OMU Faculty of Dentistry
• Prof. Dr. Emir Yüzbaşıoğlu, Dean, Istinye University Faculty of Dentistry
• Prof. Dr. Eda Güler, OMU Faculty of Dentistry
• Dt. Cihan Kocabaş, Samsun Oral and Dental Health Hospital
• Dt. Erman Ürer, Private Practice

Speakers shared their post-graduation experiences, academic journey, clinical insights, and key considerations for students preparing for their professional careers.
Panel themes included:

• Early years in clinical practice
• Professional ethics
• Patient communication
• Adapting to technological advancements

The event concluded with academics answering students’ questions.

Strong student engagement: “We feel more prepared for our professional lives”

Students expressed that the presentations were highly beneficial both theoretically and practically. They emphasized that meeting alumni in person was motivating and thanked the faculty for hosting such a valuable event.