Orthopedic dentistry

Profession

Prosthodontics or Prosthetic dentistry is a special field of dental medicine that is dedicated to restoring teeth, dentition, jaws and face. It aims tonormalize functions such as chewing, speechand smiling, as well asfacial aesthetics which consequently contributes to the socialization and improvement to the patient’s self-esteem. Moreover, there are specific branches of prosthodontics such as maxillofacial prosthetics and gnathology. Maxillofacial prosthetic dentists restore aesthetic facial appearance in patients who have undergone invasive head & neck surgeries due to trauma or oncology. Gnathologists deal with temporomandibular disorders and normalize occlusion, masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function.
Prosthodontists are responsible for the complex dental rehabilitation so they plan the sequence and scale of conservative, orthodontic and surgical treatment including implant placement. After all preparatory work the prosthodontist restores teeth and dentition by means of various dental appliances and prostheses. Nowadays digital technologies are highly applicable in prosthodontics for diagnostics and treatment.

Educational Process

The educational program includes a 2-semester simulation course on mastering professional skills. The following hands-on training sessions are held:
— Teeth preparation;
— Use of magnification (microscope);
— Various impression techniques with different kinds of impression materials;
— Intra-oral scanning;
— Use of both traditional and digital articulators and adjustment of those according to individual settings obtained through condylography;
— Dental and portrait photography;
— Adhesive fixation of different indirect restorations;
— Occlusal splint therapy;
— Removable prosthetics;
— Implant prosthetics.
The program also includes practice under the supervision of highly qualified dentists. Furthermore, there are seminars focused on studying the latest articles published in international journals and lectures on contemporary prosthodontics including digital dentistry and implant-supported restorations. Each resident acquires the skill to use digital diagnostics of teeth, periodontal tissues, muscles and TMJ conditions. In addition, they are taught to choose appropriate dental materials for each individual’s case and circumstances to prevent allergies.
Professors and associate professors of the Department regularly share complex prosthetic rehabilitation cases with residents by demonstrating photos and videos of diagnostic and treatment procedures step-by-step. As a result of two years of training, each resident presents his final clinical case, demonstrating the skills of prosthetic treatment of patients with complicated partial or complete teeth loss.

Practice

During the study, each resident has an opportunity to conduct independent clinical practice in the department’s clinics, which are equipped with the modern diagnostic and treatment tools for dental and maxillofacial prosthetics, including the “Virtual Patient” program and CAD/CAM technologies. Patients with complete absence of teeth can get implant-retained removable dentures for free. Complex prosthetic treatment of adult patients with congenital cleft palate is also free of charge.

Career

Medical thinking and clinical reasoning acquired during the study along with practical skills, including the use of computer technologies, are relevant for the labor market. Graduates of the Department of Prosthetic Dentistry of PFUR are in high demand and have the opportunity to find jobs in state or private dental clinics, the distinguished graduates are recommended to continue studying in graduate school and to teach.