The department of Paediatric Dentistry runs an undergraduate and a postgraduate education program.
In the undergraduate program of Paediatric Dentistry, students acquire knowledge regarding the examination, diagnosis, treatment planning, applying individualized prevention programs, and executing restorative dental treatment by 4-hand quadrant dentistry in children and adolescents. The students should also be capable of identifying normal growth and development as well as the characteristics of medically compromised and special needs patients.
At postgraduate level objectives of the program is to educate specialist Paediatric Dentists and enable them in:
The Undergraduate Program currently includes theoretical and clinical training in Paediatric Dentistry. This is provided in two semesters, 9th and 10th, and includes the following:
Entering the Undergraduate Program of Dentistry at AUTh is possible through the Greek national exams system. Curriculum is in the Greek language. Further information at: info@dent.auth.gr
This is a competitive post-graduate specialty program in Paediatric Dentistry, commencing September 10th every second year, with up to ten new positions for postgraduate students offered each time. Up to 3 of them may be for non-EU citizens. It is designed to prepare students for patient care in a University dental clinic (currently accommodating 6 dental units) and in the hospital setting (currently affiliated general hospital Agios Demetrios). It is a full time 3-year (6 semesters) program with theoretical/clinical/research duties in the English language and no less than 180 total ECTS credits, awarding a MSc (Master of Science Degree) in Paediatric Dentistry. One further year (tuition waved) may be granted for completion and submission of the required Master’s thesis to Aristotle University Dental School together with its related manuscript to an international peer review journal.
The program is in the process of applying for accreditation by the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD).
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OVERVIEW
Description
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must fulfill all the following requirements to be considered eligible for admission.
An undergraduate dental degree which is recognisable by the Greek Education authorities (please contact the Hellenic NARIC for further information: http://www.doatap.gr/en/index.php, and e-mail at: information_dep@doatap.gr well in advance of application submission). Recognition by NARIC must have been completed by the end of first semester of studies.
A fee of 100 Euros applies for application processing.
Following the official announcement, the related hard copy application should be submitted in due time by the candidate, in person or by registered mail, to the postgraduate program secretariat (see www.dent.auth.gr). Documents may be e-mailed in an electronic form to the secretariat at akanellaki@dent.auth.gr and forwarded to the program director at kotsanos@dent.auth.gr.
MEMBERS OF FACULTY AND STAFF
Dr Nikolaos Kotsanos is a pediatric dentist, professor and chairman of the Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Dental School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He studied dentistry at Aristotle U. from 1972 to 1977. During 1978-1982, he did his PhD under a grant from the Greek State Scholarships Foundation for 3.5 years and worked for a further 6 months as a Senior House Officer at the Bristol University Dental School and Hospital, England. Since 1984, he has been teaching in Aristotle U, except for 12 months specialization studies (1990-91) in Pediatric Dentistry at New York University, USA. His name appears in 60 publications in international scientific journals, having received about 1200 citations, and in at least 50 publications in Greek scientific journals. He is the editor of the book ‘Paedodontiatriki’ (in Greek) published in 2015. He has served as a reviewer in more than 20 international scientific journals. He has been in the supervising team of 5 doctoral theses and the supervisor of 12 Master theses (two with best presentation awards in international paediatric dental congresses). Two of his research proposals received a 'Koulourides' grant by Procter & Gamble Hellas in 1997 and 1999. He has been an invited speaker at Bergen Norway, Nikosia and Limassol Cyprus, Tokyo and Okayama Japan, Seoul S. Korea, Glasgow UK, Lugano Switzerland.
Dr Konstantinos Arapostathis graduated from the Dental School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece (April 1989). Acquired the specialty of Pediatric Dentistry from St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, USA (June 1994), received his PhD from the Dental School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (April 2004) and acquired the Masters in Laser Dentistry (MSc) from Genoa University, Italy (November 2014). He is Assistant Professor at the Paediatric Dentistry Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (January 2014). Since November 1995, he exclusively practices pediatric dentistry (private practice in Thessaloniki) and the last 3 years works also with dental lasers on pediatric patients. He is the author or co-author of 30 publications and has participated with 130 announcements or lectures at scientific conferences. He has a special interest and experience in dental rehabilitation for people with disabilities as well as in research and clinical treatment of children and adolescents with dental phobia, anxiety and problems of cooperation in the dental office.
Dr Aristidis Arhakis graduated the Dental School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece (DDS) (1997). He followed the postgraduate course of Paediatric Dentistry in Leeds Dental Institute, Great Britain (MDentSCI) (1999-2001). He worked as a Community Dental Officer (CDO) (Paediatric Dentistry) in Community of Bradford, Great Britain (2001-2002). He received his PhD at the Department of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Implant Biology of the Dental School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (2013). He is a fellow teaching/clinical associate of the Pediatric Dentistry Department since September 2015. He is an active member of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) and the International Association of Paediatric Dentistry (IAPD). He is a member of the Board of the Hellenic Society of Preventive Dentistry (HSPD) and the Hellenic Society of Paediatric Dentistry (HSPD). He has done numerous of presentations in International conferences and Publications in International Journals regarding Dental Trauma, Saliva, Dental fear, and assessment of Dental fear through Saliva.
Teaching is also clinically assisted by other certified Pediatric dentists. There is a number of chair side assistants, either newly graduated dentists or undergraduate students. Except for offering some clinical pediatric dentistry experience to them, this procedure is employed for efficient 4-hand clinical practice training of the postgraduate students.
COURSE DETAILS
Curriculum
General curriculum provides knowledge and training on all topics necessary to produce a competent pediatric dentist. It is designed to advance the residents’ educational experiences, enhance their ability to think critically and independently and to communicate accurate information both clearly and effectively. Residents will learn to work with consultants and clinicians in other dental specialties and in medical or allied health fields. Lectures, seminars and practical exercises extend on the theoretical foundations of the biological, medical and dental disciplines related to Pediatric Dentistry. These last during the whole of the first 4 semesters for 1 or 2 hours daily and include:
There are additional seminars during the first two semesters in core courses, e.g. research methodology and biostatistics, advanced oral biology and genetics, paediatrics and anesthesiology, dental materials.
Practical exercises cover manual dexterities for: deciduous teeth preparation for restorations including prefabricated molar crowns placement, root canal procedures, band positioning, wire bending for space problem removable appliances.
Clinical curriculum consists of ample patient care opportunities in healthy and chronically ill or disabled children and adolescents, both in the postgraduate clinic and in affiliated hospital for the general anaesthesia cases. This clinical training will advance the residents’ diagnostic abilities, clinical knowledge and skills, as well as their critical judgment. Additional experiences in related medical areas provide residents with a profound understanding of comprehensive care with multidisciplinary approach.
Research activities include preparing for presentations in international paediatric dental congresses and the submission of a Master’s thesis and a manuscript to an international peer review journal. They take place in collaboration with other disciplines in all University facilities, often with participation of other international researchers. Since the commencement of this postgraduate program in Pediatric Dentistry in 2008, there have been 23 publications (in collaboration with international researchers, from US, Switzerland and Japan) in peer review international dental journals by equal number of graduated PGs (listed below).
There is guidance in undergraduate teaching for gaining such experience and undergraduate clinic supervision. Various other activities interacting with society, such as visits to kindergartens, institutions, etc, are offered.
Faculty members and teaching associates of the department are assigned to the clinical teaching and seminars, including treatment under nitrous oxide minimal sedation, and supervising research activities. For specific training such as in related paediatric subjects, dentistry under general anesthesia, etc. there is collaboration with other dental and medical departments. The dental treatment under general anesthesia is accomplished by the 2nd and 3rd year postgraduate students under supervision 1-2 days per month.
Seminars and literature review are in English language. The reading material is in English. For entering the clinic, students are required to have a basic understanding of Greek, as explained in the ENTRY REQUIREMENTS.
In order to fulfill the program requirements and graduate a student must:
RESEARCH ACTIVITY
Research activities related to Pediatric Dentistry take place in collaboration with other disciplines in all University facilities, often with participation of other international researchers. Since the commencement of the post graduate program in Pediatric Dentistry in 2008, there have been 23 Master theses and equal number of publications (including those in review process) in peer review international dental journals by current graduates, (in collaboration with international researchers).
Current status of graduates and current postgraduate students and their Theses.
List of published papers by program graduates:
Paschalidou M, Athanasiadou E, Arapostathis K, Kotsanos N, Koidis PT, Bakopoulou A, Theocharidou A. Biological effects of low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) on stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED). Clin Oral Investig. 2019 May 8. doi: 10.1007/s00784-019-02874-4. [Epub ahead of print]
Dimitraki D, Papageorgiou SN, Kotsanos N. Direct pulp capping versus pulpotomy with MTA for carious primary molars: a randomised clinical trial. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent. 2019 Feb 20. doi: 10.1007/s40368-019-00419-7. [Epub ahead of print]
Katsouda M, Tollili C, Coolidge T, Simos G, Kotsanos N, Arapostathis KN. Gagging prevalence and its association with dental fear in 4-12-year-old children in a dental setting. Int J Paediatr Dent. 2018 Nov 7. doi: 10.1111/ipd.12445. [Epub ahead of print]
Ntaoutidou S, Arhakis A, Tolidis K, Kotsanos N. Clinical evaluation of a surface pre-reacted glass (S-PRG) filler-containing dental sealant placed with a self-etching primer/adhesive. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent. 2018 Dec;19(6):431-437.
Dermata A, Papageorgiou SN, Fragkou S, Kotsanos N. Comparison of resin modified glass ionomer cement and composite resin in class II primary molar restorations: a 2-year parallel randomised clinical trial. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent. 2018 Dec;19(6):393-401.
Exarchou EL, Kotsanos I, Kotsanos N (2019) Use of Mouthguards by Amateur Basketball Athletes in Greece and The USA. Trauma Cases Rev 5:071. doi.org/10.23937/2469-5777/1510071.
Athanasiadou E, Paschalidou M, Theocharidou A, Kontoudakis N, Arapostathis K, Bakopoulou A. Biological interactions of a calcium silicate based cement (Biodentine™) with Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous teeth. Dent Mater. 2018 Dec;34(12):1797-1813.
Siokis V, Michailidis T, Kotsanos N. Tooth-colored materials for Class II restorations in primary molars: a systematic review and Meta-analysis. BMC Oral Health, submitted, 2019.
STUDYING IN THESSALONIKI
Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece, the capital of the region of Greek Macedonia and a Metropolis in the Balkan Peninsula. Situated in the Gulf of Thermaikos on the Aegean Sea, the city is well known for its historical heritage, natural beauty, unrivalled sea view, but mostly for its youthful and upbeat flavour. With a population of 1.3 million, Thessaloniki has kept its friendly and laid-back character, making it an ideal student destination, easy to settle in and get around. Whatever your style is, this city will charm you with its rich cultural life, its large number of monuments, its exquisite cuisine, the vivid nightlife and beautiful surroundings.
Thessaloniki’s history spans over 2300 years. The city was founded around 315 BC by King Cassander of Macedon. An important metropolis in the Roman period, Thessaloniki was the second largest and wealthiest city of the Byzantine Empire. It is a beautiful city built between the sea and the mountain. The architecture is the direct result of the city's position at the centre of all historical developments in the South East Europe. The Byzantine Churches, the White Tower, several Roman and Ottoman remains and the Upper City are only some of the sites that enhance Thessaloniki’s charm.
Thessaloniki is a modern European city. However it has relatively low cost of living and can satisfy the needs of students’ budget. Key crossroad between east and west, Thessaloniki since its establishment, 2300 years ago, has always been a diverse and multicultural city. Today, with students from all over the world the city celebrates its diversity and international character. Though a big city, Thessaloniki has kept its friendly character and is considered one of the safest cities to study in.
Life in Thessaloniki can never be boring. With Aristotle University being the biggest one in Greece, the most energetic student population and its lively youth, the city remains vibrant by day and night. Fabulous cafes, sizzling night life, bars, concerts and performances make student life in Thessaloniki even more exciting! For more information you can visit http://www.inthessaloniki.com/en/quick-guide and relevant sites.
Thessaloniki’s immediate surroundings include Chalkidiki’s unique sandy beaches and seaside resorts as well as beautiful mountains, lakes, and natural preservation areas that students choose for their excursions.
STUDENT ACCOMODATION
PHOTOGRAPHS
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Dental School
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Newer Schools
Undergraduate clinic
New patient direction
Postgraduate clinic entrance & waiting area
Visiting teacher Dr Veerkamp at New Year gathering
Christmas fest at clinic waiting area