Emergence of the higher dental education system
The initial stage of development of the national dental school was marked by the establishment of specialized educational institutions. A crucial milestone was the creation of the State Institute of Dentistry and Odontology (GISO), which was later reorganized and renamed the Moscow Medical Stomatological Institute (MMSI). At this stage, the basic training duration for future dentists was only 4 years.
In parallel with the development of the educational base, the scientific environment was also taking shape. A landmark event was the opening in 1928 of the Odessa Research Institute of Dentistry—the country's first specialized scientific institution. In the pre-war years, the material base for training qualified personnel was actively established, and the specialization was finally divided into three key branches: conservative dentistry, oral surgery, and prosthodontics. Further plans and reforms at this stage were interrupted by the Great Patriotic War.
Post-war transformations and specialization
Starting from 1946, the dental training system underwent significant changes aimed at improving the quality of graduates. First, the training period was revised—the duration of study was increased to 5 years, which made it possible to expand the curriculum.
The structural approach to education also changed. A massive rollout of specialized dental faculties within existing multidisciplinary medical institutes began, replacing the practice of creating standalone dental universities.
A vital innovation was the introduction of mandatory postgraduate specialization for young doctors in the format of internship and residency. This measure drastically improved the practical training of graduates before starting independent clinical practice.
1976 reforms and expansion of the institutional network
A new phase of development occurred in the late 1970s. The legal framework for large-scale changes consisted of two documents:
- Resolution of the USSR Council of Ministers "On measures for the further improvement of dental care for the population" (dated November 5, 1976).
- Order of the USSR Ministry of Health No. 1166 (dated December 10, 1976).
The essence of these reforms was a significant expansion of the network of dental facilities across the country and a corresponding increase in the graduation of physicians. New faculties were opened, and admission quotas at existing ones were substantially increased. As a result of the reform, 44 dental faculties and 2 dental institutes (in Moscow and Poltava) began operating in the country. Total first-year enrollment reached 8,700 students.
During the same period, the N.A. Semashko Moscow Medical Stomatological Institute was officially granted the status of the lead institution for higher dental education.
Current stage and status MSMSU
In 2002, an important historical event took place: MMSI was renamed and granted university status—Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry (MSMSU).
Today, MSMSU retains its status as the leading (head) institution in the Russian Federation in its field. Its role includes:
- Training research and teaching staff for all regions of the country.
- Developing and implementing continuing professional education programs (for both practicing physicians and faculty members).
- Formulating the educational and methodological framework: university professors create specialized textbooks that receive official recommendation from the Russian Ministry of Health and are used for training dental students in all medical universities across Russia.
Briefly: answers to topical questions
How are workspace zones in a dental clinic distributed according to the clock-face concept?
The workspace around the patient's head is divided into zones using a clock-face concept. The dentist's working zone occupies the position from 8:00 to 12:00, and the assistant's working zone is from 2:00 to 4:00 (sometimes up to 5:00). Between the 12:00 and 2:00 positions is a multifunctional "static" zone, which is usually unoccupied and is only used during "six-handed" dentistry, such as when using multiple lasers simultaneously or specific restorative techniques. When performing "four-handed" dentistry, the assistant is positioned at 3:00 or 9:00 and can work sitting or standing.
What are the requirements for the dentist's correct working posture?
The correct working posture of a dentist is determined by a set of biomechanical angles and body positioning rules. The angle of the thigh to the horizontal plane should be 25–30° (knees lower than hip level), and the angle between the torso and the thigh should be 90–110° while maintaining the natural curves of the spine.
- Elbows—clamped as close to the body as possible; abduction increases stress on the spine and joints;
- Head and shoulders—turn simultaneously to reduce stress on the cervical spine;
- Working distance—40–50 cm from the doctor's eyes to the patient's face;
- Obtuse angles must be formed between the ankle and the instep, under the knee, at the hip joint, and between the upper arm and forearm.
What are the main principles of "four-handed" dentistry?
"Four-handed" dentistry involves the collaborative work of the dentist and the assistant. The assistant is positioned at the 3:00 or 9:00 position on the clock face and can work sitting or standing. When working sitting down, the feet are placed on a footrest, thighs are parallel to the floor, the neck and spine must be straight, and the seating height should be 10–15 cm higher than the dentist's level to ensure a full view of the operational field. The drawers of the mobile cart should be positioned conveniently for the uninterrupted supply of instruments and materials to the doctor; the assistant's workstation is typically located on their right hand. The dental unit may include the dentist's delivery system, the assistant's delivery system, and the cuspidor unit.
What are the optimal lighting parameters for the operational field in dentistry?
The optimal lighting parameters of a dental office are regulated separately for natural, general artificial, and local lighting.
| Type of lighting | Standard |
|---|---|
| Light coefficient | 1/4–1/5 |
| DFO (Daylight Factor) | at least 1.5% |
| Angle of incidence of rays | at least 28° |
| General artificial lighting | at least 500 lx |
| Local lighting (unit reflector) | 2000–2500 lx |
Local lighting should not exceed the general lighting level by more than 10 times to prevent visual fatigue of the physician when shifting gaze, and luminaires should not fall into the working field of view.
Class and exam questions
How did the training duration for dentists change after 1946?
In the post-war period, the training period at dental institutes was increased from 4 to 5 years.
What three main dental profiles were established as early as the pre-war years?
Conservative dentistry, oral surgery, and prosthodontics were finally established.
Which educational institution is the leading center for higher dental education in the Russian Federation?
In modern Russia, this role is performed by MSMSU (formerly MMSI named after N.A. Semashko), which received university status in 2002.
What else to study on this topic
- Creation and role of GISO in the early history of dentistry
- Significance of postgraduate specialization (internship and residency)
- Impact of the USSR Council of Ministers Resolution dated November 5, 1976 on dental care
- Activities of the Odessa Research Institute of Dentistry since 1928
- Modern educational and methodological framework and textbooks of the Russian Ministry of Health
Master the entire topic in the «Propaedeutics of Dentistry» course
This is a summary. The course covers everything tested in classes and exams.
- Complete study guide on "Ergonomics in Dentistry" and 868 more pages of the subject
- Assignments and quizzes after every topic — just like in a colloquium
- AI tutor answers questions on the topic anytime
- 65 video lessons on the subject
Other topics in "Chapter 1. Introduction to the Specialty of Dentistry"
Entire section "Chapter 1. Introduction to the Specialty of Dentistry"Prepared by WhiteCoat Pro faculty in accordance with the medical school curriculum. For educational purposes only.