Study Dentistry at Rīga Stradiņš University

Study Dentistry at Rīga Stradiņš UniversityProspectus for International Students

PLANMECA DENTAL EQUIPMENT, FITTED WITH FRASACO PHANTOM HEADS AND COMPUTERS

Contents

Welcome to Rīga Stradiņš University 2

Why choose RSU? 3

Studying in Riga 4

Study Programmes 6

Departments at the Faculty of Dentistry

Department of Conservative Dentistry 8 Department of Prosthodontics 8 Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 9 Department of Orthodontics 9 Department of Oral Pathology 10

Curriculum at the Faculty of Dentistry 11

Admission Requirements and Application for International Students 12

Accommodation & Living Costs 13

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Welcome to Rīga Stradiņš University I am delighted to have you read this brochure for prospective dentistry students, which will introduce you with study possibilities at the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) – one of the best universities in the Baltic region. Choosing a university is an earnest and time-consuming endeavour, as so many factors have to be considered – which is the best, which will be the friendliest, which will be the most inspiring. RSU is located in Riga, the city that inspires, and we are quite convinced that it will inspire you, too, just like it has inspired all the numerous international students who have studied here before and who have greatly contributed to the diversity of our university, and have been surprised by what the city and the university offers, their expectations surpassing anything they hoped for.

RSU is committed to providing our students with the most inspirational educational experience possible, and since you will spend 5 years at our university as a dentistry student, we would want your experience here to be unforgettable and unique. At the Institute of Dentistry, which is the clinical base of the Faculty of Dentistry at the RSU, and an internationally acclaimed centre for practical dentistry in Latvia, you will acquire outstanding education, because you will master your theoretical knowledge and practical skills under the supervision of the most qualified and renowned academics and practitioners in Latvia and in Europe. In the study process, you will learn on high-tech equipment, use state-of-the-art instruments and information technologies, e.g. Planmeca supplies RSU with a system solution that links digital dental care units and digital imaging equipment to a comprehensive software with embedded clinical content and tailored features for education process management. Our departments are equipped with latest generation dentistry technologies: a modern sterilisation system, new technologies of radiology and an information technology network together with other technologies, which allow our students to acquire practical skills in diagnostics and treatment methods of dentistry. The Institute of Dentistry is a leading diagnostics centre in orthodontics, prosthodontics and oral maxillofacial surgery in the region, and hence is able to ensure postgraduate as well as undergraduate study programmes. Residency students can choose to train in maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics, endodontics and paediatric dentistry. We should also note that the Institute of Dentistry is the examination centre in the fields of orthodontics, prosthodontics and maxillofacial surgery of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. We will be happy to have you as our student, and we are convinced you will enjoy your time in Riga just like your pursuit of academic and personal goals at the Rīga Stradiņš University.

We look forward to welcoming you to our University!

Professor Ilga Urtāne Chairman of the Board of the Institute of Dentistry

Why choose RSU?

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AN UNFORGETTABLE STUDY PROCESSThe entire clinical study process in dentistry is carried out on modern dentistry technologies, with the most up-to-date dental filling materials and interactive technologies. Additionally, the teaching staff tries to apply innovative teaching methods throughout the entire study process. As an international student of the RSU, you can also participate in the ERASMUS exchange programmes, which allow you to spend one semester in another European university, and who knows, maybe in your hometown.

AN INDIVIDUAL APPROACH We guarantee studies in small groups of 10 people, and lectures and practical classes taught in a collegial way by highly recognised professionals and specialists in their field, as all members of the academic staff have practiced and received qualifications in many European universities and clinics.

EXCELLENT TEACHING AND RESEARCH There are over 5,000 students at the RSU studying in departments that are accredited and recognised nation-ally and internationally for the quality of their teaching and research. However, we encourage not only the academic staff, but also students to participate in scientific work and projects. RSU is ranked among the best universities in the Baltic States.

YOUR FUTURE CAREEROur graduates are employed in prestigious institutions and organisations all over Europe and the degree obtained at the RSU successfully allows them to compete in the marketplace of any European country. Our graduates can continue their studies in residency in the fields of oral maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, pros-thodontics, periodontics, endodontics, orthotics and paediatric dentistry.

RIGA – THE CITY THAT INSPIRES Moreover, Riga will inspire you, too. Founded in 1201, it is a city with an interesting history and old traditions, but it is also a city with an abundant and modern cultural life. You will be able to spend your spare time in the European cultural environment that Riga offers: attend concerts (modern and classical alike), the opera, dance and sports clubs, play golf and tennis, go swimming or hiking. In short – enjoy a vibrant modern city life.

Top 5 reasons

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Studying in Riga

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FACTS ABOUT LATVIA

Area: 64,589 sq kmPopulation: 2,231,503Capital: RigaOfficial language: LatvianRegions: Kurzeme Zemgale Vidzeme Latgale

Nationalities: Latvians (59.2%) Russians (28.0%) Belarusians (3.7%) Ukrainians (2.5%) Poles (2.4%) Lithuanians (1.3%) Others (2.9%)

Religions: Lutheran (20%) Catholic (22%) Orthodox (15%) Evangelical (5%) Other (1%) Non-affiliated (~40%)

Currency: Latvian Lat (LVL) Fixed exchange rate 1 EUR = 0.7028 LVL

Politics: Parliamentary democracy

Climate: Temperate maritime climate with mild summers (20–28 °C), moderate winters (-5–20 °C) and frequently high levels of humidity (70%) and precipitation (600–700 mm)

Latvia

Latvia is the central country of the three Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania), it is located on the Eastern coast of the Baltic Sea in North-Eastern Europe and bordered by four coun-tries – Estonia to the North, Russia to the East, and Belarus and Lithuania to the South. For hundreds of years this strategic location has made Latvia not only an international crossroad for trade, commerce and cultural exchange, but also a notable centre of historic events.

The coastline of Latvia is almost 500 km long. Latvia stretches 503 km from east to west and 190 km from north to south, and even though it is considered one of the smallest states in Europe, geographically it is still larger than Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, or its neighbouring country Estonia. Its landscape is characterised by fertile lowland plains, moderate hills, extensive networks of rivers and lakes, and a seashore of white, sandy beaches, lined by dunes and pine forests.

Riga

Riga is the capital and the largest city of Latvia with a population of 717,000. Thus, naturally it is also the political, economical and cultural centre of the country. Riga has been nicknamed The City that Inspires, and it truly does! You will fall in love with the medieval Old Town and the 19th and 20th century Art Nouveau architecture, which is a distinctive characteristic of Riga. However, Riga is not just about history, old buildings and museums. You will also find it a stimulating setting for a vibrant modern business and cultural life. Also, note that Riga’s International Airport is one of the fastest growing travel hubs in Europe, providing cheap and easy access to any country in Europe – this will ensure a feeling of not being too far away from your home, family and friends.

Choosing Riga as the city for your studies will be an inspiring experience as you will learn not only in the field of your selected studies, but also a different culture, new traditions and habits, and above all, new people. Latvians may seem reserved at first;

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however, they are quite sincere once you get to know them. As the local joke goes: put two Latvians together and you will getthree political parties, put three Latvians together and you will have a choir (note that Latvia is “The Land that sings”), put four Latvians together and you will have a dinner feast. In short: Latvians enjoy hearty discussions, a great get-together and a good meal.

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Study Programmes

Study programme ”Dentistry”

The goal of the study programme “Dentistry” is to prepare students for becoming qualified dentists whose knowledge and practical skills would allow them to practice in general dentistry – to treat patients with oral cavity and teeth illnesses, as well as to be able to hold practical and educational events of dental illness prevention.

Just as in other universities, the study process of the Dentistry programme is divided into two blocks consisting of preclinical studies and specific courses related to dentistry. During pre-clinical studies, students master general medical courses such as anatomy, biology, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology and many others. However, these courses are augmented by dental courses, which are carried out at the five departments of the Faculty of Dentistry.

DENTISTRY

Study length: 5 years (10 semesters)

Study amount in credit points: 300 ECTS

Study type: Full-time studies

Teaching language: English

Degree conferred: Doctor of Dental Surgery (D. D. S.)

Start dates: September 1st, application till June 15th

DENTAL HYGIENIST

Study length: 2 years (4 semesters)

Study amount in credit points: 120 ECTS

Study type: Full-time studies

Teaching language: Latvian

Degree conferred: Qualification of a Dental Hygienist

Application: Individual applications are not accepted

Further StudyUpon a successful completion of the study programme, you will be conferred a degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery and you will be authorised to practice under the supervision of a certified dentist. You will also be able continue your education in the post-graduate study programme residency in orthodontics, teeth prosthetics, endodontics, periodontics, paediatric dentistry or maxillofacial surgery.

Study programme ”Dental Hygienist”

The goal of the study programme ”Dental Hygienist” is to train qualified specialists of medical care in dentistry. Dental hygienists ensure the prevention of oral illnesses and draft clinical (periodontological) treatment plans, ensuring their

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completion and evaluation. They also have to ensure infec-tion control measures and maintain a safe environment in the dental office. A dental hygienist must also take care of educa-tional events to promote oral illness prevention, participate in the planning, organisation and evaluation of dental care along with the dental team, and members of other fields.

Further StudyUpon a successful completion of the study programme, graduates can work in hospitals, clinics, outpatient clinics and dental prac-tices as dental hygienists.

“RSU is the perfect place for serious and hardworking students. It is easy to get scared and confused at first, but once you adapt to the system you will be able to appreciate the satisfaction that hard work gives. So, if you are motivated, serious, and ready for late nights of study, your stay at the RSU will provide you with the utmost level of knowledge and skills in your field.”

Izem Massensen Ayati, 3rd year student

dental education based on intelligent equipment and soft-ware integration, and the Faculty of Dentistry at the Rīga Stradiņš University was the third dental school to adopt the new learning environment.

Department of Prosthodontics

Course structureIn the Department of Prosthodontics, students receive a full training in the disciplines of prosthetic dentistry. The course of prosthodontics consists of preclinical training and clinical training. In the preclinical course, students acquire skills necessary for the development of prosthodontics, including those based on implants.

The preclinical training runs for 3 semesters, and includes the following manipulations: • Edentulous jaws, conventional complete dentures; • Cast and acrylic removable dentures; • Removable and fixed-implant supported dentures; • Tooth preparation and fixed dentures; • Restoration of devital teeth; • Dental technical laboratory.

The clinical training runs for 4 semesters: • The teaching is comprised of treatment of patients, performing prosthodontic work as well as planning of clinical situations based on actual evidences. • Integrated treatment planning.

Average workload per weekOn average, you will have 2 lectures and 8 hours of work in prac-tical classes per week in addition to your personal independent studies.

Department of Conservative Dentistry

Course structureThe Department of Conservative Dentistry is one of the principal departments in which students master eight courses: pathology and cariology of hard tooth tissues, endodontics, periodontics, a preclinical course of operative dentistry, paediatric conserva-tive dentistry, prevention of dental illnesses, public healthcare, and x-ray examination and radiology. This allocation of courses is included in the last three years, and the implementation of these courses is carried out in lectures and practical classes. Here, under the supervision of professors, students acquire practical skills in cariology, endodontics and other courses by learning on digitalised Planmeca dental equipments. Students use the most modern tooth filling materials for filling teeth, and they are trained to do dental, digital and panoramic x-ray examinations, as well as cephalogram 3D dental (iCAT) picture taking.

Average workload per weekOn average, you will have 4 lectures and 8 hours of work in practical classes per week in addition to your personal independent studies.

Assessment You will be assessed through various presentations of treated patients, MCQ tests, OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Exami-nation), as well as written tests and examinations.

Equipment & learning resourcesWe have opened a new, modern student teaching clinic, which complies with European standards. This clinic is set-up with top-ranking dental digital Planmeca equipment, which is con-sidered a technology leader in dental equipment design. In collaboration with some of the world’s leading universities, Planmeca has developed a unique learning environment for

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Departments at the Faculty of Dentistry

Surgery of P. Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital, and proceed through oncostomatology cycle at the Oncology Centre of Latvia in their 5th study year.

Department of Orthodontics

Course structureIn order to master orthodontics, students are engaged in certain courses during their preclinical studies, such as embryology, gene-tics, physiology, histology, etc. Students acquire knowledge about: • Basic conceptions of growth and development; • Prenatal and postnatal growth, the connection of orofacial musculature with the development of craniofacial skeleton; • The significance of craniofacial growth in orthodontics; • Basic conceptions of orofacial neuromuscular physiology; • Development of occlusion; • Aetiology and pathogenesis of craniofacial and dentofacial anomalies.

Starting from the 6th semester students continue their studies at the Department of Orthodontics where they master preclinical

Assessment You will be assessed through various discussions, presentations of treated patients, MCQ tests, OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination), as well as written tests and examinations.

Equipment & learning resourcesEver since 2000, students can work with KaVo equipment. Our preclinic is equipped with Planmeca units and Frasaco phantom heads.

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Course structureAt the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, students begin their studies already in the 3rd semester and continue until the 10th semester. The study process is divided into the preclinical block and clinical block. In the preclinical courses, students mas-ter topographic anatomy and oral surgery among other subjects. In the clinical oral and maxillofacial courses, students master various methods of maxillofacial surgery, as well as paediatric surgery. Additionally they master oncostomatology and oral and maxillofacial oncology illnesses, their treatment and methods of surgery.

Average workload per weekOn average, you will have 2 lectures and 8 hours of work in prac-tical classes per week in addition to your personal independent studies.

Assessment You will be assessed through various discussions, presentations of treated patients, MCQ tests, OSCE (Objective Structured Clini-cal Examination), as well as written tests and examinations.

Equipment & learning resourcesStudents learn dental anaesthesia and teeth extraction methods on phantoms, which are available at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Students also learn to use various dental equipments, e.g. germicidal lamps, surgical instruments etc. In the 4th year, students master traumatic and inflammation pro-cesses of the face and jaw at the Centre of Dental and Maxillofacial

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Department of Oral Pathology

Course structureIn the Department of Oral Pathology students primarily deal with matters regarding oral medicine, including clinical diagnostics of pathological changes of oral mucous; differential diagnostics and treatment of these pathologies. However, starting from the 1st year, the department also provides teaching in other courses, e.g. studies in specialty, which includes Professional Ethics and Dental Anatomy, where students learn the structure of a tooth by drawing dimensional drawings, as well as forming them from plastics. In the 3rd year, students learn how to examine perioral tissues, oral cavity, etc. In the 4th year, students master the specifics of certain oral mucous illnesses (vesicular and bullous illnesses, eruptions and ulcers, mucous infections, fungi, viruses, bacteria, clinical displays of pre-cancer, oral cavity cancer, HIV and AIDS, pain in the orofacial region), as well as displays of system illnesses in the oral cavity. In the 5th year, students treat patients with mucous illnesses under the supervision of professors.

Average workload per weekOn average, you will have 1 lecture and 4 hours of work in practi-cal classes per week in addition to your personal independent studies.

Assessment You will be assessed through various discussions, presentations of treated patients and MCQ tests. At the end of every course, students must take a test or an exam. At the end of the 5th year, students must pass a State Exam in Oral Pathology.

Equipment & learning resourcesStudents can evaluate pathological changes in the oral cavity with an intraoral camera.

and clinical courses. Here they acquire information about materials and instruments used in orthodontics, and the biomaterial analysis of various materials. They also master courses like: • Biometric analysis of casts; • X-ray diagnostics and cephalometrics; • The planning principles of orthodontic treatment; • Biomorphological basics of orthodontic treatment.

Average workload per weekOn average, you will have 2 lectures and 8 hours of work in prac-tical classes per week in addition to your personal independent studies.

Assessment You will be assessed through various discussions, presentations of treated patients, MCQ tests, OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination), as well as written tests and examinations.

Equipment & learning resourcesThe teaching process in orthodontics is based on electronically prepared materials and the analysis of clinical cases. In the 5th year, the work is integrated with paediatric dentistry.

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Curriculum at the Faculty of Dentistry

First YearCourses ECTS credits Type

Human Anatomy 9 AHistology 9 A Physics & Biomaterials 6 AHuman Biology 6 ALatvian 6 AIntroduction to Dentistry & First Aid 3 AMedical Terminology in Latin 3 AGeneral Medical Chemistry 3 AMedical Biochemistry 3 ADental Anatomy 3 APhilosophic Anthropology 3 A Organic and Biologic Chemistry 3 BOntogenetic Aspects of Human Evolution 3 BBasics of Ergonomics 3 BDNA in vitro 3 BComputer Science and Statistics 3 BThe History of Medicine and Deontology 3 BIntercultural Relations 3 B

Second YearGeneral Clinical Subjects 13.5 APreclinical Courses 12 APhysiology 6 AMicrobiology, Immunology, Virology 6 AMedical Genetics 4.5 AMedical Biochemistry 3 A Pathological Anatomy 3 AEmbryology 3 ABiomaterials (Prosthetics) 3 BInterface Psychology 3 BMedical Terminology in Latvian 3 BPsychosomatic Medicine & Psychotherapy 3 BCell Energetics 1.5 BSpecial Physiology 1.5 BFunctional Tooth Anatomy 1.5 BGeneral X-Ray Examination & Radiology 1.5 B

Third YearGeneral Clinical Subjects 13.5 AProsthetics 12 AOral Surgery 9 APathology of Dental Hard Tissues 7.5 APreventive Dentistry 7.5 A

Diagnostics of Oral Pathology 6 AInfectious Diseases/Paediatrics 4.5 AENT/General Surgery 4.5 AOral Surgery (preclinical course) 3 AOrthodontics 3 AInternal Diseases and Basics of Propedeutics 3 AEndodontics 1.5 APublic Health Care in Dentistry 1.5 AClinical Pharmacology 1.5 A

Fourth Year

Prosthetics 9 APathology of Dental Hard Tissues/Cariology 7.5 APeriodontology 7.5 AOral and Maxillofacial Surgery 7.5 ASkin and Oral Mucosa Diseases 7.5 AEndodontics 6 APaediatric Dentistry 4.5 AOrthodontics 4.5 ADiseases of Oral Mucosa 4.5 APaediatric Dental Surgery 3 AX-Ray Examination/Radiology 3 AOral Morphology 3 A

Fifth Year

Research Paper and State Exam 18 AProsthetics 7.5 AOral and Maxillofacial Surgery 7.5 APathology of Dental Hard Tissues/Cariology 6 APaediatric Dentistry 4.5 AOrthodontics 4.5 APublic Health Care in Dentistry 3 AComplex Treatment of Oral Pathology 3 AEconomics and Business 3 APractical Training in Oral Surgery 3 BPlanning of Complex Treatment 3 BPreprosthetic Surgery 3 BImplants in Prosthetics 3 BAesthetic Reconstruction in Prosthetics 3 BEffective Interface with Patients in Paediatric Dentistry 3 BOral Pathology (Systemic Diseases in Oral Cavity) 3 B

Students must master 60 ECTS per academic year,combining compulsory courses (A) with elective courses (B)to constitute a total of 60 ECTS

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Application ProcedureStudents are enrolled once a year in September. Application documents are accepted from May 1st to June 15th. Prospec-tive students from the European Union and European Economic Area may apply until July 1st. Applications have to contain all of the required supporting documents. Partial applications are not considered valid.

For more details on the application procedure, please visit the RSU homepage www.rsu.lv

Tuition FeeThe tuition fee is regulated by an individual agreement between the student and the Rīga Stradiņš University. Enrolled students have to pay the tuition fee in advance for the entire academic year (except for students whose tuition is covered by their home country grants).

For more information on tuition fees, please contact the Dean of the International Study Department either by calling +371 67409128 or +371 67409212, or by writing an e-mail to [email protected]

Visiting and Open DaysOpen days is a great way to learn more about the place you will spend a considerable amount of your life, and decide whether RSU and the Institute of Dentistry will be the right choice for you. We organise several opportunities for our prospective students who are considering studying at RSU to visit us. Should you wish to meet with us in person, we will be happy to have you on our open days, held on the last Friday of every month. However, please do inform us ahead of your visit.

Admission Requirements for Applicants

A good command of English

Completed secondary education, including two semesters or three quarters of Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics

University eligibility in home country

Age requirements are 18 or older, maximum age is not limited

Admission Requirements and Application for International Students

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Choosing a place in an unknown city, you will be able to call your home for the next 5 years can be stressful; however, Rīga Stradiņš University and the city itself offer a variety of options, which can be adjusted to the most varied personal desires and financial possibilities.

The most common accommodation choice is the UNIVERSITY STUDENT HOSTEL. The cost of the hostel varies depending on the size and type of room (single en suite, single, shared bathroom, etc.). The minimum cost is EUR 150.00 per month. A room with its own basic kitchen will cost you EUR 230.00. The university stu-dent hostel is equipped with a direct intranet link, which al-lows students to use all the options ensured by the library and e-studies directly from their rooms. However, it should be noted that due to a high demand, the University has limited possibilities of providing the university housing for all students.

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Living Costs Average LOW (per month) Average HIGH (per month)

Rent 130EUR 400EUR

Food 200EUR 400EUR

Utilities&Services 100EUR 200EUR

PublicTransport 20EUR 30EUR

Entertainment 50EUR 150EUR

Other 100EUR 200EUR

Total 600 EUR 1380 EUR

Accommodation & Living Costs

Students can also choose to live off-campus in the student hostel THE GREEN APPLE, which offers special rates for RSU students start-ing from EUR 200.00 per month (full-board options ranging from EUR 350.00) The hostel is located in the Old Town and thus offers a wide range of all sorts of social benefits, e.g. the Latvian National Opera is right across the street, and it is in close proximity to major transport networks, or any other central object for that matter.

Another rather popular alternative is renting a PRIVATE APART-MENT, often shared by two students, and the monthly cost rangingfrom EUR 400.00 to EUR 1000.00 for a one-bedroom property, utility costs included, but depending on the quality and location. Note that the apartments are usually furnished.

Living CostsThe cost of living in Riga is pretty much as in the majority of Eu-ropean countries. Most students coming to Latvia from other EU countries find Latvia even cheaper than their home countries; however, the cost of living mostly depends on ones individual lifestyle, desires and necessities. As a rough guide, we recommend a minimum of around EUR 500 per month (including accommo-dations) for expenses such as phone, food, study materials, local transport, hobbies, leisure, hygiene and other. The table on the right gives an overall insight in what the costs of living in Riga are.

Contacts

Rīga Stradiņš UniversityDzirciema 16Riga, LV-1007LATVIA

To find out more about study possibilities, please contact the International Study Department

Phone: +371 67 409 212Fax: +371 67 471 825E-mail: [email protected]

www.rsu.lv

© Rīga Stradiņš University, 2009-2010