EMU Faculty of Dentistry Holds a Welcoming Ceremony for Prospective Dentists with the Participation of Oğuzhan Koç

The Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Faculty of Dentistry organized a Welcoming Ceremony for prospective dentists commencing their education in the 2019-2020 Academic Year. 14 students registered to the joint program that is going to be ran by the EMU Faculty of Dentistry and the University of Health Sciences in Turkey took their dentist’s oath at the ceremony at which Turkey’s popular artist Oğuzhan Koç was the guest of honour. The ceremony commenced at 10:00 on Tuesday, the 22^nd of October 2019 at the Rauf Raif Denktaş Culture and Congress Centre.

“Love Your Profession”

The ceremony commenced with a moment of silence and the national anthem. A screening of the 40^th year video was followed by a musical performance from an EMU Faculty of Dentistry student. Speaking at the opening of the ceremony, EMU Faculty of Dentistry Founding Dean Prof. Dr. Aydın Karakuzu stated that with EMU’s experience of serving human health the university has completed the establishment of the Faculty of Dentistry in its 40^th year. Providing information about the Faculty of Dentistry, Prof. Dr. Karakuzu underlined that the program is jointly ran with the University of Health Sciences. Addressing parents Prof. Dr. Karakuzu stated: “Rest assured that your children who you brought to where they are today with a thousand hopes and sacrifices will receive a good education. We are aware of our responsibility.” Also welcoming the students to the university, Prof. Dr. Karakuzu stated that they are entering into a difficult profession whilst underlining that there is no greater happiness than being a remedy to someone’s suffering: “Love your profession. Be honest, hardworking and patient.”

“Our Primary Goal is to Provide Quality Education”

In a speech of his own, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Halit Tanju Besler provided information about EMU and stated that their primary goal is to provide quality education. Stating that since 2010 EMU has gravitated towards the field of health in addition to technical fields Prof. Dr. Besler indicated that EMU has made an important breakthrough with its Faculty of Dentistry.

Guest speaker at the event was Zekai Yeşiladalı who has been a dentist for more than 50 years. In his speech Yeşiladalı addressed students stating: “You have chosen a very important and valuable profession. There are many young people who want to be in your shoes. Work hard, I wish you all the best of luck.”

 “Be Amazing Dentists”

After the opening speeches the students wore their white coats with the help of the Vice Rectors, Faculty of Dentistry academic staff and Oğuzhan Koç who expressed that he is very happy to be in attendance. Koç went on to state: “Be amazing dentists. I wish you all the best of luck”. Cyprus Turkish Dental Association President Dr. Ahmet Özant and students then read the Dentist’s Oath. This was followed by the first lesson presentation of Faculty of Dentistry academic staff member Prof. Dr. Hikmet Solak on “Cavity Theories”.

The ceremony was attended by EMU Vice Rector for Student Affairs Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu Oğurlu, Vice Rector for Promotional Affairs Prof. Dr. Hıfsiye Pulhan, Famagusta Sea Admiral Captain Bülent Köse and academic personnel.  After plaques were delivered to those who made contributions the ceremony ended with an “Addiction” themed photography exhibition in memory of photographer Cem Cengiz’s late father Mehmet Cengiz. The exhibition was organized by the Yeşilay Club formed the Faculty of Dentistry and Faculty of Engineering personnel.