Doctor In Dentistry

Summary of the Doctor in Dentistry Degree

Background

The Doctor in Dentistry degree at the University of Medical Sciences of Havana has a storied history, with its origins dating back to the establishment of the first dental academy in 1878. Prior to this, dental education began in 1842 at the Royal and Literary University of Havana, closely linked to the phlebotomist degree created at the Faculty of Medicine. This laid the foundation for dental education in Cuba.

On November 19, 1900, the School of Dental Surgery was founded and inaugurated with a small cohort of students and professors. This institution has grown significantly over the years, becoming a leading methodological center for stomatology in Cuba, recognized for its excellence by the national board of university degrees.

Following the Cuban Revolution in 1959, the university’s dental program expanded to provide free access to education for all Cubans, aligning with the country’s broader healthcare goals. The curriculum evolved to emphasize clinical and community work, integrating preventive aspects of oral diseases and ensuring graduates are well-prepared for primary health care roles.

Modern Dental Education in Cuba

Cuba’s dental education is designed to produce competent professionals who can meet the country’s healthcare needs and contribute to global health. The curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive education, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical training.

Highlights

• Rich Historical Legacy: The program dates back to 1878, reflecting a long-standing tradition of dental education.
• Expansion and Accessibility: Free education and a curriculum focused on community health needs.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Incorporates modern educational trends with a strong emphasis on practical training.
• Holistic Healthcare Approach: Focuses on comprehensive dental care addressing physical, mental, and social well-being.
• Global Health Commitment: Dedicated to training professionals capable of working in diverse settings.
• Professional Development: Encompasses research, administrative, and teaching skills to produce well-rounded professionals.

Mandatory Spanish Proficiency Course

For non-Spanish speaking students, a mandatory Spanish proficiency course is required unless proficiency is demonstrated through an oral and written test (75.00 USD). This course aims to provide deep knowledge of Spanish, especially biomedical vocabulary, and prepares students for the teaching process, including evaluations.

Overview

The Doctor in Dentistry curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of a diverse student population, offering a structured yet flexible approach to ensure all students receive a thorough and comprehensive education. This standardized curriculum across Cuba’s higher medical education institutions guarantees consistent quality and rigor.

Key Details

• Program Name: Doctor in Dentistry
• Curriculum Structure: Semester-based
• Program Length: Six years (including one year of pre-med training)
• Admission Requirements: Completion of senior high school or equivalent
• Number of Curricular Units: Detailed courses across five academic years
• Academic Degree: Doctor of Stomatology
• Accreditation: Title of Doctor of Stomatology

Professional Profile

The curriculum is designed to produce graduates with a professional profile of a general stomatologist. Graduates are equipped with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to provide dental care, engage in research, manage healthcare settings, and contribute to public health.

Core Competencies

Graduates will develop competencies in:

• Comprehensive Dental Care: Providing holistic care through health promotion, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.
• Education: Engaging in self-educational and teaching activities.
• Research: Conducting scientific research to advance dental knowledge.
• Administration: Managing dental healthcare settings.
• Specialty: Gaining specialized skills for advanced dental practice.

Curriculum Highlights

• Health Problems and Skills: The program defines 15 oral health problems to be identified and solved.
• Active Learning: Emphasizes active learning methods, cognitive independence, and balancing theory with practice.
• Independent Study: Encourages significant self-study to foster independence and in-depth learning.
• Extracurricular Activities: Includes scientific activities, knowledge meetings, award exams, student assistantships, and cultural, sports, and recreational activities.
• Graduation Requirements: Students must pass a National External State Examination (practical and theoretical) and complete a pre-professional practice.

Detailed Curriculum Organization

Supporting Evidence

The curriculum structure of the Doctor in Dentistry program is designed to meet international educational standards and best practices in dental education. This ensures that graduates are well-prepared to address various healthcare challenges and provide comprehensive dental care. This is achieved through the following:

1. Early Practical Training: According to Benner et al. (2010), early exposure to practical training enhances clinical skills and confidence in dental students.

1. Interdisciplinary Learning: Baldwin et al. (2017) emphasize the importance of integrating subjects like psychology, pharmacology, and public health to provide a holistic understanding of patient care.
2. Specialized Dental Areas: Liaw et al. (2016) highlight that specialized training in areas such as pediatric and emergency dentistry is essential to meet the growing demand for specialized healthcare services.
3. Pre-Professional Practice: Burns & Poster (2008) state that hands-on experience in real-world settings is critical for transitioning from student to professional, ensuring readiness for independent practice.

This curriculum not only adheres to global dental education standards but also addresses the specific healthcare needs and challenges in various settings, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to contribute effectively to the healthcare system.

References:

• Benner, P., Sutphen, M., Leonard, V., & Day, L. (2010). Educating Nurses: A Call for Radical Transformation. Jossey-Bass.
• Baldwin, A., Mills, J., Birks, M., & Budden, L. (2017). Role modeling in undergraduate nursing education: An integrative literature review. Nurse Education Today, 58, 1-8.
• Liaw, S. Y., Wu, L. T., Holroyd, E., Wang, W., & Lopez, V. (2016). Teaching simulation in nursing: A systematic review. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 6(6), 41.
• Burns, H. K., & Poster, E. C. (2008). Competency development in new registered nurse graduates: Closing the gap between education and practice. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 39(2), 67-73.

Non-Spanish speaking Student:

The program’s duration is 5 and a half years. It includes a 6-months course of Spanish language training, in addition to the standard 5-year degree program. Total cost of the program, including premedical and Spanish language courses, is 61,950.00 USD and is divided as follows:

* Accommodation at the CubaHeal students’ residence, along with transportation to and from school, is included in the Spanish language program.

The Doctor of Medicine program’s tuition includes the following:

• Enrollment
• Right of attendance to all practical and theoretical teaching activities
• Right to all the exams including the final state examination.
• Marks certification.
• Title duly legalized by the University of Medical Sciences where the student has attended studies at the end of the program.
• Use of library services during studies.
• Access to sport and cultural areas of the University of Medical Sciences
• Participation in its various manifestations and scientific advisory for research works.

The Doctor of Dentistry program’s tuition does not include the following:

• Accommodation for year 1^st – 5^th year
• Meals
• Learning materials
• National or international transportation
• Telephone services and/or internet services
• Books
• Printing
• Immigration procedures in Cuba
• Change of migratory status
• Identity document for year 1^st – 5^th year
• Translations and legalization at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or embassies
• Health insurance or medical care
• Paperwork and transfer of the deceased in case of death.

Prior to the Student’s Arrival:

1. Arrange airport pickup.

1. Ensure adequate accommodation.
2. Provide transportation to and from school
3. Maintain constant communication with the university’s administration to confirm seat reservation.

Upon the Student’s Arrival:

1. Provide airport pickup.
2. Conduct an orientation session to familiarize the student with:
   • CubaHeal team.
   • Local transportation.
   • Other city facilities and relevant immigration and legal laws in the Republic of Cuba.
3. Assist in establishing a bank account.
4. Serve as a permanent point of reference for the student in case of any needs.
5. Act as a permanent point of contact for the student’s relatives overseas if needed.

• Upon submitting your application, it will be recorded in a database and is only valid for the academic year in which it was requested. Otherwise, if you do not attend in that period, you must make a new formal request.
• All non-Spanish speaking students are required to enroll in a 6-months program intended to deepen students’ knowledge of the Spanish language related to Biomedical Sciences
• CubaHeal will carry an independent tutoring programs in areas related to the medical programs such as biology and medical sciences in order to prepare the students for his first year of Bachelor in Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Dear Student,

the program’s duration is 5-years long. For students interested in this program, kindly visit CHMT LA, our sister company by clicking on the link below:

Doctor En Odontología

Estimado estudiante,

La duración del programa es de 5 años. Para los visitantes de habla hispana interesados en este programa, por favor visiten nuestra empresa hermana CHMT LA haciendo clic en el enlace a continuación:

Doctor En Odontología

For those interested in the Doctor in Dentistry program, please fill out the Student Application for Admission into a Medical Program form and submit an initial deposit of $200 CAD for university admittance.

Prospective students for the Doctor in Dentistry program must complete the “APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION INTO A CUBAN UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC PROGRAM” form and submit an initial deposit of $200 CAD to secure university admittance.