Name of the educational program

Doctoral Program In “Dentistry”

Stage of higher education

Third

Qualification/ Academic degree to be conferred

Academic Doctor of Dentistry/Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM)

Program volume

45 credits/not less than 3 years

Language of Instruction:

Georgian

Program aims:

- to train competent and competitive academic staff/researchers/academic doctors in the field of dentistry who will be employed in universities, scientific research, and treatment/medical institutions and will have knowledge based on the latest information, technological and methodological achievements in dentistry and its "sub" disciplines. It will allow for expansion, creation of new knowledge and the independent application of innovative methods, which is fully in line with the Salzburg Principles of Doctoral Education.

-  The graduate of the doctoral program should develop the ability(s) to independently plan and implement research in dentistry with strict adherence to academic integrity and bioethical standards, use research and analytical methods/approaches focused on the generation of new knowledge, critical analysis, and synthesis, and independently make correct and effective decisions for problem-solving. Everything will contribute to the development of projects and programs for the treatment and prevention of dental diseases, as well as health promotion.

-- To prepare the graduate of the doctoral program with responsibility and independence, which determines his ability to implement research projects based on the most recent information in dentistry,

To present their research results in professional and non-professional situations, to participate in the work of scientific forums, their organization/preparation, to use research results in professional activities.

Prerequisites

1. Having Diploma Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) or equivalent academic degree;

2. Presence of a doctoral research program approved by the Academic Council of TSMU;

3. B2 level knowledge of the English language, which is confirmed by:

▪ B2 or higher by presenting a certificate of English language proficiency (valid), or

▪ Passing the entrance exam in English language on at least at B2 level.

4. By successfully passing the exam in the specialty, which includes the following: a) testing; b) oral interview.

     The procedure for enrolling in the doctoral program is determined by the regulation "On doctoral studies of the Faculty of Dentistry of Tbilisi State Medical University".

Teaching Methods

    The achievement of learning outcomes is ensured by the presence of  teaching and research components of the doctoral program, which, on the one hand, are based on the accumulated knowledge  and latest evidence in the field, and on the other hand, the experience gained as a result of the implementation of the previous programs, the results of interviewing  of former PhD students (graduates) and current doctoral students, stakeholders, of the staff involved in the implementation of the doctoral program, their wishes and comments, and the opinions and advice of the academic staff involved in teaching.

Teaching is based on student/doctoral student-oriented learning methods, which, in addition to the actual research work, involves the active involvement of the doctoral student in the learning process and includes the following methodologies, methods, principles, and forms of teaching adults:

·        Determination of individual needs and independent learning;

• Interactive presentation, with question-and-answer sections and “Brainstorming”, using remote, multimedia, and other resources,
• Teaching in small and task-focused groups,
• Case studies, case-based learning;
•  Role-playing: for example, playing the role of a patient, a doctor, and a researcher,
• Simulating /situational games: for example, simulating a decision-making process of ethical committee on research;
• problem-based learning, or using its key components.
• Analysis, Synthesis; Induction, Deduction;
• Project writing and presentation.
• Writing and presenting the analytical essay.
•  Practice teaching under controlled conditions- taking part in teaching: conduct lectures/practical trainings/seminars and colloquiums independently, but under the supervision;
• Seminar, colloquium, debates, discussion.

The research component is an important part for achieving learning outcomes. In particular, in the process of research activity, a doctoral student:

a) enhances the deepened knowledge and critical thinking in the chosen field as a result of participation in the teaching components;
b) strengthens the skills necessary for successful research by modern scientific, professional, and ethical principles;
c) will strengthen communication skills, which are necessary for him to present his vision and achievements to his colleagues and the general public;

d) Is becoming the researcher and teacher with highest sense of responsibility.

The research component of the doctoral program is determined by the individual doctoral research program, the implementation plan of this program, the mandatory scientific activities (publications, reports, etc.) for the completion of the program, and the defense of the thesis (publications, reports, etc.) and the thesis itself.

All research programs are individual and one doctoral student participates in its implementation.
Compulsory training courses:
1. Doctoral study course I,
2. Doctoral study course I
3. Scientific research methodology and biostatistics,
4. Ethics of biomedical sciences,
5. Pedagogy and psychology of higher education,
6. Professional English (in academic writing),
Elective courses:
1. Methodology of drawing up a scientific project,
2. Evidence-based medicine in practice,
3. Foreign language - French,
4. Foreign language - German,
5. Study course relevant to the content of doctoral research.

    The curriculum is designed to ensure the gradual achievement of the doctoral student's target competencies. In the first stage, the doctoral student will acquire knowledge and skills, which are necessary for adequately planning and carrying out research work, as well as for continuing to the next stages of study.
       Compulsory Doctoral Courses I and II are defined by "sub-fields" of dentistry that thematically and contextually are an umbrella for any potential dissertations (ie, "fields of research") completed under the "hood" of this doctoral program and are represented by blocks of specializations. Their list is as follows:
- odontology,
- periodontology and diseases of the mucous membrane,
- Therapeutic dentistry for children and adolescents,
- Maxillofacial surgery and surgical dentistry for children and adolescents,
- Oral surgery and implantology,
- orthopedic dentistry,
- orthodontics,
- Oral cavity, head and neck oncology.

Mandatory doctoral study courses I and II, by the content and needs of the doctoral research plan, are determined by the supervisor of the doctoral research, according to the established procedure when presenting the research plan. After the enrollment of a person in the doctoral program (that is, after the determination of the main performer of the given research work - the main researcher), during the research, and during the interim analysis of its results, it is possible to change the doctoral study courses initially selected by the doctoral program supervisor (within the list defined by the doctoral program), to change the doctoral research plan with arguments (if it happens). Content of the doctoral study course(s), teaching concept, evaluation methodology, etc. Defined by the syllabus of the relevant study course and known for the staff involved in the implementation of the doctoral program, also, for doctoral students.

Elective courses (10 credits) are chosen by the doctoral candidate after enrollment in the doctoral program. In the case of selecting a course relevant to the content of the doctoral research as an elective course outside the list established by the doctoral program, the syllabus of this course/its compliance with the essence of the research and the requirements of the educational component of the doctoral program will be evaluated by the head of the doctoral program and the coordination of scientific work of TSMU, master and doctoral studies. Will be evaluated by the TSMU in quality assurance service.

     The scientific component of the program is a research program, which the doctoral student completes under the direct supervision of the research supervisor and completes it for three years. 

The doctoral student participates in local and international scientific forums, where he presents the results of his research and publishes publications. 

The research component includes the performance of a scientific paper (dissertation) and defense of the thesis. The phasing of the implementation of the research component is determined by the scientific supervisor, which is reflected in detail in the doctoral program implementation plan.

The learning outcomes of a doctoral program in dentistry are measurable and realistic. It corresponds to the specifics of the field of dentistry, and the requirements of employers, and takes into account professional industry standards, which is ensured by the involvement of academic and visiting staff, doctoral students, graduates, and stakeholders and of all interested parties in the development of the program, and by introducing the learning results.

Learning outcomes

  Knowledge and understanding

Knowledge-based on the latest achievements in the field of study and/or activity, which allows the expansion of existing knowledge or the use of innovative methods, including in a multi- and/or interdisciplinary context. Systematic and critical understanding of the field of study or activity. 

    Ability

planning and conducting research by the principles of academic integrity; Development of new research or analytical methods and/or approaches, which is focused on the creation of new knowledge (at the level of the standard required for an international refereed publication);
Critical analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of new, complex, and conflicting ideas and approaches, thereby making correct and effective decisions independently for solving complex problems (in research and/or innovation).

The ability to present and convey new knowledge about existing knowledge to both colleagues and the general public. Ability to participate in local and international thematic discussions.

   Responsibility and autonomy

Carrying out cutting-edge research projects and/or development-oriented activities in an academic and/or professional context, while adhering to the principles of managerial, academic, and/or professional integrity, as well as demonstrating innovation and independence.

Areas of Employment

• Scientific and research institutions,
• Educational institutions,
• Medical/healing facilities.