PRESS RELEASE: A Call for Common Sense and Unity in the Debate Over Graduate Education in Dentistry

PRESS RELEASE
A Call for Common Sense and Unity in the Debate on Graduate Education in Dentistry

The position paper titled “Findings and Recommendations Regarding Graduate Education in Dentistry,” prepared by the Istanbul Dental Association, aims to address the long-standing debates within our profession regarding specialty training and doctoral programs not from a divisive perspective, but on a foundation that fosters solutions. As emphasized in the report, the issue is not merely a comparison of two different educational paths; rather, it involves a comprehensive assessment of structural challenges related to the future of dental education, workforce planning, academic organization, and the professional future of our young colleagues.  

Today, neither can the efforts and achievements of our colleagues who began their specialty training through the DUS be disregarded, nor can the rights of our colleagues who have pursued education for years by relying on doctoral programs established by the state and universities be ignored. Both paths have existed as legal and legitimate educational processes within the higher education system and have made significant contributions to our profession and academia.

As the Istanbul Chamber of Dentists, our approach is clear: We do not wish to pit any of our colleagues against one another. Our aim is not to create new injustices, but to contribute to the development of fair, objective, and sustainable solutions that will eliminate the uncertainties stemming from the past. For this reason, our report proposes an objective transition model for our colleagues who participated in doctoral programs between 2011 and 2026—one that prevents the loss of rights while also safeguarding the standards and efforts involved in specialty training.  
On the other hand, it is clear that the expectations of our colleagues in specialized training regarding international academic recognition, academic careers, and scientific visibility are also legitimate. For this reason, the report also recommends strengthening the academic infrastructure of specialty training and bringing it more in line with international standards.

It must not be forgotten that the problem we face today is not a problem between those with doctorates and specialists, between young and senior colleagues, or between colleagues from different educational backgrounds. The issue is how the future of dental education, professional employment, the academic structure, and the shared future of our profession will take shape. Therefore, a solution will only be possible through mutual respect, dialogue, and collective wisdom.
The Istanbul Dental Association will continue to stand with the entire profession, not just one side, throughout this process. We will support every initiative that safeguards our colleagues’ efforts, their hard-won rights, and their expectations for the future—and that strengthens solidarity rather than division, and consensus rather than conflict.

The future of our profession is our shared future. What we need today is not new dividing lines, but strong professional solidarity capable of producing common solutions.

Istanbul Dental Association
Board
of Directors
Statement of Findings and Recommendations on Postgraduate Education in Dentistry, prepared by the Istanbul Dental Association