Establishment of orthodontic departments in Azerbaijan: the necessity of the moment (historical analysis, requirements, and explanations)

Abstract

The article provides a historical outline of how orthodontic departments were established. Based on the experience of countries such as the United States and Russia, two orthodontic departments were established in Azerbaijan. The Institute for Advanced Medical Studies established its first department, named after A. Aliev. On June 30, 2022, Gasimova Z.V., a Doctor of Medical Sciences, was appointed Chief of the Orthodontic Department. Azerbaijan Medical University's Stomotology Faculty established its second Orthodontics department on February 16, 2023. Shadlinskaya R.V, a doctor of medical sciences and associate professor, has been named chief of department.

The study aims to support the establishment of distinct orthodontic departments at the Azerbaijan Medical University (AMU) and the Azerbaijan State Institute for Advanced Medical Studies (AzSIAMS, named after A. Aliev) in order to train orthodontists and advance their field of expertise.

Material and methods: 20 modular two-week courses with lectures and practical classes are offered by the Department of Orthodontics at AzSIAMS during the academic year. These courses are based on the "Ortho1" and "Dental Center" clinics. Fourth and fifth grade dental students at AMU learn
the fundamentals of a college education in the Department of Orthodontics. A three-year orthodontic postgraduate program is necessary for advanced orthodontic education.

Conclusion. The establishment of Orthodontic Departments at AZSIAMS and AMU is timely and will allow Azerbaijani orthodontic science to reach a new and higher level.